One of the main rules in organizing is to keep items where you use them. But what if you use an item in multiple places? Inevitably you are left with items that don’t have a clear home, or are left out and impossible to find when you need them.
Today we are talking about simplifying with duplicates. It sounds counter-intuitive, but having duplicates of well used items can bring simplicity.
Lightbulb moment
Since excess clutter is one of the biggest hurdles to overcome when getting organized, decluttering is usually the go-to topic of discussion. But decluttering is only one part of the bigger picture to creating order and making life easier.
What matters is being intentional and surrounding yourself with items that are useful and that you love. When you bring in items to help make your life easier, it brings simplicity along with luxury. It can be as simple as having scissors in multiple rooms or your favorite lipstick shade at home and also in your purse.
I first discovered the joy of having duplicate items when I began using a diaper bag for my daughter. I realized if I kept the diaper bag fully stocked and made every effort to restock it as soon as we got home, then every venture away from our home became easier. I even kept a little list inside one of the pockets that listed all the items I needed for a fully stocked bag. Having a pre-packed bag, that didn’t need to be unpacked in order to use any of those supplies at home, made it so easy to leave the house at a moments notice.
There are so many areas where this idea can be replicated to make our lives a little easier. In fact, I shared how I use the same approach as the diaper bag with my permanently packed travel toiletry bag. I also keep a little list taped to the inside of my medicine cabinet for any item I don’t have duplicates of (mascara only lasts so long).
Prime Areas for duplicates
Travel Bag– tweezers, toiletries- double soap double makeup, brush, a phone charger that permanently in your suitcase.
Upstairs/Downstairs– nail clippers, hairbrush, scissors — everyday items that you use a lot so you don’t have to always walk upstairs or downstairs to get a quick job done.
Car/Work/Home– charger, healthy snacks, and sunglasses!
Purse/Diaper bag– favorite shade of lipstick, baby supplies of course
Gym Bag– hair products, flip flops, lock, towel
Bathrooms– multiple cleaning supplies in each bathroom
In this episode, I mentioned briefly a post I wrote on making my own cleaning supplies. There is even a free printable with my favorite recipes for diy cleaners. Right now I have been using Method Cleaning products, but the recipes linked above are easy and inexpensive!
Bethany referred to a video in the podcast which was an all-purpose cleaner review by America’s Test Kitchen. Unfortunately, it looks like they don’t have the video available online anymore. The video basically shared their conclusion, that after many tests, Method is both an effective and safe cleaner. It doesn’t have those harsh chemicals and it’s not petroleum based like many popular products. The fresh scents are an extra bonus. Bethany and I love Method’s All Purpose Cleaners but you really can’t go wrong any of them, especially the daily shower cleaner.
This site contains affiliate links which mean if you click on a link and make a purchase I get a small percentage. I always give my honest opinions on and experiences with products and do not include any products I think might add to further clutter.
All Purpose Cleaner Honeycrisp Apple | Cucumber All-Purpose Cleaner | Daily Shower Spray Refill | Method Almond Squirt + Mop Wood Floor Cleaner
When do Duplicates become Clutter
Where do good duplicates start and end? There’s definitely a limit. I think that can be answered with the simple question- Do you use it?
When you focus on only bringing in items that you will use and that add value to your life, you keep clutter at bay and create efficiency.
LET’S CONNECT
We can’t wait to hear where you bring duplicate items that make your life a little simpler! You can leave your comments below, share on social media #atobpodcast, or send us an email Hello @ AtoBpodcast.com.
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