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We Are Just Over Half Way Through

by with No Comment Cleaning ProductsHome OrganisingProduct Reviews

I am so delighted to see so many of you enjoying this year’s January declutter challenge, decluttering is such a therapeutic process.

Decluttering is more than just a trend it has surprising health benefits such as:

• Alleviates anxiety and depression
• Helps you sleep better
• Reduces allergies
• Creates a happier environment
• Gets you moving around the house

So hopefully my decluttering challenge is giving you a positive start to 2022 and try to remember the earlier you start to put stuff away and clear out your space the easier it becomes.

I have been sharing product choices to help keep spaces more organised across my socials but in case you have missed them I have popped a few of my firm favourites for the kitchen and bedroom here.

Kitchen Ideas

Lazy Susan

The amazing Lazysusan turntable will help you organise and locate your most used kitchen items like condiments, spices, and napkins. The spinning motion of this useful organizer allows you to access those hard-to-reach items in your pantry.

Expandable Spice Shelf

The three-layer design of this spice rack makes it easy for you to see the spice jars or condiment labels on the spice racks of different heights, which is convenient for you to use the spices when cooking.

Cupboard Shelf Organisers

These shelf organisers can create additional space in your cupboards, cabinets, wardrobes, and various countertops, keeping your things well organised and orderly stored around your home.

Recipe Organiser

If like me, you like to keep recipe pages from magazines then this folder will help you keep them nice and neat.

The Three-ring recipe binder comes with 50 plastic full-page sheet protectors, 16-tab dividers & 32 tab labels. If you find a recipe online Just print and slide it inside the plastic sheet protector to start creating your favourite recipes binder.

Bedroom Ideas

Hanger Bag

Everybody enjoys a nice and tidy wardrobe where you have all of your clothes organised with no empty hangers just sitting there waiting to be used, but sometimes when hangers aren’t being used there is nowhere else to put them other than on your clothing rack or at the bottom of the wardrobe. This hamper provides a new way to store your empty hangers. The foldable hanger basket allows you to neatly stack unused hangers, meaning less mess in your wardrobe and more room for your weekend outfits favourite outfits!

Jean’s Organiser

This Transparent Jeans Storage Box is convenient for you to locate clothes, wardrobe organiser is in a foldable design, saving time and space, which greatly improves the utilisation rate of wardrobe space.

Bedroom Drawer Organiser

If you are tired of rummaging through cluttered drawers and losing your items, then drawer dividers are the perfect solution.  

Honeycomb Sock Organisers

This is perfect for organising socks, ties, and belts. They connect with buckles and will save you space for an even tidier home.

We are over halfway through now, keep going and keep sharing the motivation.

Until next time,
Lynsey

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Don’t forget to Declutter your digital life

by with No Comment Cleaning Tips

I love a declutter and always make sure I have very little clutter within my home but digital declutter these days can also be a huge issues for many.  Clutter can take up space on devices and slow them down so its important to do a monthly digital declutter. The way you set up your desktop on your home computer, browser can easily be distracting you and slowing down your productivity.
Below are some practical simple tasks that don’t just declutter, but keep you better organised and keep your files safe.

Organise your photos

On average I must take at least 50 photos a day to make sure I get an Instagram worthy photograph. The pressure of an Instagrammer can be immense. If it’s not for Instagram its of off the kids or an outfit I have seen in the shops which I am debating if I actually need it before I go back and buy it.  These photo’s certainly aren’t all needed.
– Organise your photos’s into folders. Kids, Holidays, Day out, Instagram. Work, etc.
– Delete any photos that are of bad quality or unimportant.
– Set up a drop box or one drive on your computer and store the good ones in here weekly.
– Use photo apps like Chatbooks and create simple photo books for less than £8.00.  I love producing these and we store than in month order so we can look back at memories.

Clear out those Apps

There are so many great free apps out there that is hard not to resist downloading a few every so often and just having a play.  But how often do you actually use that app? Try and keep the ones that you actively use all the time and the ones that help you out in your day-to-day life. Apps can take up so much space so make sure you go through these and delete the ones you haven’t used or have maybe only clicked on twice in a month.

Delete Email accounts

I must have about 6 emails accounts but I only actively use two of these. Delete accounts that aren’t necessary and that you don’t use often.  Or at least remove them of your phones and tablets and keep access via your computer just in case something important may come through.

Unsubscribe to email marketing

Since the new GDPR rule has come in you should have been given the option to opt out of unwanted email marketing material.  If you’re getting lots of these emails a day and they are services you don’t require or maybe once did years a go now is the time to hit the unsubscribe button. Every time and an email with no real relevance to you hits your inbox scroll down to the bottom and hit unsubscribe.
If you haven’t already subscribed to my emailing list then you really are missing out.

Social Media

This may seem harsh but defreind, unfollow and clear out those social media feeds. Do you really need to be in touch with people who when you pass in the supermarket turn their head.  Social media can be a real numbers game and on Facebook in particular its a bit of a popularity contest amongst friends but stop seeing it as this and have the people on their that really matter to you and enjoy the news feed rather than wasting time to see what you want by scrolling through Joe blogs account who you occasionally spoke to as school as she was far too cool to be your friend but these days she’s desperate to see what your up to and see how successful you have become.
Go through your friends list and likes pages and start defriending and unfollowing. This task will also make you feel so satisfied!
Unfollowing people on Twitter gives you just the important updates. You can also mute people on your Twitter feed which I only discovered recently.
With Instagram just have fun with it. The people you have chosen to follow make sure you like their pictures on their feeds don’t follow people to steal ideas or just to watch them if you don’t like their content then press unfollow (so simple). Do not compare yourself on this platform very simply have fun engage and be happy. If you do want to make money using social media read how I do it .

Desktop

I can’t work if my desk isn’t clean and organised, a clean desk helps me focus  and become so much more productive and so will a clean desktop. Clean up your files and folders and get rid of any unnecessary old files.
Create folders to organise
Have a happy engaging wallpaper to keep focus.
Remember to allow yourself 30 minutes or so once a month to declutter your digital and don’t feel overwhelmed during the process.
This book is great read and will give you much more help and guidance into the digital decluttering.  Take charge of your data and organise your digital life.
Happy digital decluttering!
Lynsey Queen of Clean xoxox

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What do I need to do to my property to get it ready to sell?

by with No Comment Cleaning TipsFamily Organising

This is a question that I get asked all the time on social media, so I thought it was about time I did a blog on it. 

Moving house is one of the most stressful things you can do, and a big part of that comes from the process of preparing your property for sale and trying to find a buyer.
Most people will only sell a couple of homes in their lifetime, so it can feel like a minefield knowing where to start with preparing your property for potential buyers to come and view it.
If you’re thinking about moving, or if you’re in the process of trying to find a buyer for your property, my top tips will have your home sale-ready in no time at all!

Start with the simple things

When it comes to preparing your home to put it on the market, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed by the task ahead.  For this reason, when it comes to making a list of the jobs that need to be done, it’s important to break things down into bite-sized pieces and take it one room at a time.

Decluttering is one of the tasks that has the biggest impact on the saleability of your property.  A cluttered property is not only aesthetically unattractive to potential buyers, it will also communicate to your viewers that your home to too small for you, which may well then lead to the assumption that it will also be too small for them.

Deep clean

The approach of taking things ‘one room at a time’ should be continued when it comes to deep cleaning your property.

Start by trying to view each room objectively and make a list of the different tasks required.  Areas that are often neglected include carpets, upholstery and bathroom grout.

Don’t underestimate the impact of a fresh coat of paint

Although it can be time consuming when there is a seemingly endless list of tasks to complete, a fresh coat of paint throughout the house will have a big impact on the first impression your potential buyers have when they walk through your front door, and will undoubtedly pay off in the process of trying to sell your house.

Engage as many senses as possible

Choosing a new home is not just a practical decision for many people, it has a lot to do with how someone ‘feels’ when they walk into your property.  Help attract your perfect buyer by making your property viewings a multi-sensory experience.

Sight is, of course, the most obvious sense when it comes to a property viewing, so it’s important to be intentional about how to want to present your property to potential buyers.  Tidy and uncluttered shelves, clean and clear kitchen worktops and fresh flowers will all add to the feeling of a well-loved home.

Sight is not the only important sense when preparing your property for sale, however.  Smell will also play a big in role in your potential buyer’s feelings about your property. Make sure your property is well-aired before any viewings, and consider adding diffusers or candles for a homely, yet subtle fragrance.

 And if all that feels like a little too much work…

Of course, for many people time is of the essence when it comes to selling a property.  So, if you’re in a hurry to find a buyer, you’re worried about how long the house selling process will take and don’t want to miss out on your dream property, or you simply don’t have the time to spare carrying out work to your property before you sell, you may want to consider using a professional home buying company like Quick Move Now.  Because a genuine cash home buyer will purchase your property directly, with their own cash, the purchase is guaranteed, hassle-free and can be completed in as little as seven days!

I really hope this feature works if you are looking at moving I have put together a really simple video too CLICK HERE TO WATCH

Thank you for reading 
Lynsey Queen of Clean xoxo

This is a sponsored post with cash home buyers 

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Host an organised and clean BBQ this summer.

by with One Comment Home Organising

Hooray BBQ season is here, its time to start cooking and enjoying our outside spaces and  host lovely get to together with family and friends. Hosting a BBQ can be busy and to host a good BBQ you need to be prepared. We had a really big BBQ last year it poured with rain and the gas run out!!!!! so it really was a bitof a disaster but this taught me to be much more organised and prepared for the British Weather.

Lets get started in hosting the perfect BBQ

Cooking Equipment & Utensils

Have you got all the equipment to enable you to cook safely. Different utensils for raw meat, cooked meats and the vegetation option.
If you are using a gas BBQ do you have enough gas
You may also want to have a cooking thermostat  to hand so you can check your meats have been cooked well. Nothing worse than all of your guest getting food poisoning from undercooked foods.
Tubberware and kitchen foil are essential.
A small table for the chef is also a great idea so they have a little more room
Cool bags to keep uncooked meat to save you going in and out.

Cleaning Materials

Big tip for BBQ’s is always use disposable plates and cutlery this way it can be chucked away straight away
Have a few heavy-duty bin bags in the garden so people can easily dispose of their rubbish.
Scatter hand sanitziers around so people can freshen up their hands
Have a bowl of soapy water just for the cooks hands so they can wash their hands after handling different types of meats.
Keep cleaning cloths and sponges with an antibacterial spray or washing up liquid to hand so spillages can be dealt with quickly
Keep kitchen roll or napkins in easy reach areas for everyone to use
Anti bacterial wipes and good to have near the BBQ.
Plus  tea towels for drying hands

Weather

Check the weather and makes sure you can bring the BBQ inside if needed. Do you have enough room, can you still cook outside. This is so important to plan and if you do cancel give your guests plenty of notice.  Gazebos with sides can be a good investment with the great British weather.

Garden

Make sure your garden is in top condition. You don’t want your guests to be wading through over grown grass. Cut the lawn and tidy up any edges along with hanging baskets and flower beds.

Seating

Make sure you have plenty of chairs and table space. If you don’t ask people to bring their own or ask neighbours.
Picnic blankets make a good option for children so scatter a few off these around and maybe add a few cushions if you have them. When they have finished eating you pick these up and put them straight into the washing machine.

Nibbles

Snacks like crisps and carrot sticks with dips should be on offer to starve off hunger, while you guests are waiting for the meat to cook, and to prevent them from getting too drunk too quickly.

Drinks

Make sure you have brought plenty of drinks and non alcoholic drinks for the drivers and younger guest.  If it’s a warm day store them in a cool place. I brought this amazing cooler ice table last year and it went down so well.  I just simply filled it with ice and drinks.  This also saved people from going in and out of the house and into my fridge.

Dessert

Delegate this task to your guests, people will always ask if they can bring anything and take them up pn this offer. Don’t try to be a superhero and manage every single thing. Let other people contribute slightly after all you are hosting.

Sun cream

If it’s a warm day have sun cream to hand that guests are welcome to use. It may also be a good idea to have plasters to hand too for any little accidents that may happen.

Set the mood with your music

Certain songs just scream, “SUMMER!” and will keep your party guests in a great mood all afternoon and evening long. Prepare a BBQ playlist with plenty of songs so your guests don’t keep hearing the same song over and over agin. That would really annoy me!

Keep garden decorations simple especially if you have young guests

There’s really no need to overdo it with decorations  string up some garden lights around our patio and bring out some mason jars with tea lights for after sunset. I absolutely love these flower bulb ones

Toilet

Assign one toilet for your guests so that your other bathrooms and toilets stay clean.  Make sure you have plenty of loo roll and a hand towel.  Also have a spray to hand incase anyone does an embarrassing smell.

Have fun

Now the boring bit is over its time to go and enjoy yourself with family and friends

My summer stains post will help will help with any ketchup and grass stains Take a look here

Thank you for reading
Lynsey Queen of Clean xoxo

This post contains affiliate links 

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Lets get prepared for the Big Spring Clean

by with One Comment Cleaning Tips

I can’t wait winter will soon be winding down and springtime temperatures will be hopping right into our gardens. And that means it’s time to prepare for spring cleaning. It’s time to give your place a good deep clean.

Spring is right around the corner, and for most of us it’s an exciting time to get our homes in order. From the interiors of your home to the exterior, getting your home ready for spring will ensure you’ll be ready to enjoy the warmer weather once it comes. Before you get started you probably have some re-organising to do. Spring cleaning usually involves getting rid of old clothing, furnishings, and odds and ends.

National Spring Cleaning week here in the UK starts on March 4th. But really spring cleaning can happen at any time of year and in any type of weather. Many of us like to clean while temperatures are mild, the sun is shinning there are fewer bugs, and pollen and other allergens have not become problematic.

Essential items to get ready for your big Spring Clean

Follow a plan

Time

Set aside some time in your diary for Spring Cleaning.  Make sure you book nothing else in on these days and just really go for it.

Plan

Write down a list of what you want to achieve, plan room by room and stick to it.  I have created a Spring Cleaning Checklist which may really help you keep on top and in order.

Create a fun playlist

Create a fun  playlist with your favorite music.  Music is a great way to stay motivated and can make tedious obligations like cleaning fun.  Pretend the mop is a microphone and belt out your favorite fun as you make those bathrooms shine

Declutter

Freshen up your rooms by removing unnecessary objects from tabletops and shelves, store them accordingly or you don’t need them throw away or give to charity Replace them with a single arrangement of fresh flowers. Flowers really can bring a room together and create a sense of happiness. House hold declutter can be a problem for many people and it so easily builds up into a huge mountain but use your spring cleaning time to tackle that mountain.

Go for it

Load up your cleaning caddy and go for it and most of all try to enjoy it.

Don’t forget when decluttering have a think about it you could possibly donate or resell the item. Take a look at Ruths guide to making money selling on ebay

If your struggling and a need a little motivation then always feel free to send me a message.

Happy Spring Clean
Lynsey Queen of Clean xoxox

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Christmas present hiding

by with 3 Comments Christmas

Hiding Christmas presents is something I have to think about every year. I like to be super organised and start my Christmas shopping early, the summer sales can be great for picking up bargains but my issue is where do I hide them?

I always have to think of clever ideas where no one in my family will be quick to look. I also have to remember where the hiding spots are.

Being organised is always the key with Christmas.

I am sure some of us as children we went off looking for Christmas presents, you may even as gone as far finding them and then opened up your presents to see what was inside and then quickly stuck it back together again. Naughty Naughty!

I have come up with a list of places that you can potentially use as hiding places. But make sure you keep a list of what you have brought, who you have brought for and where you have hidden the present.  Print of my free printable to help you keep track of your Christmas shopping.

I have been known to hide presents to well and then I can’t actually find them when it comes to wrapping them up! Not a good move.

My top hiding places are

  • Garage or shed – Hide them in empty boxes or thick bin bags.
  • Laundry Basket – Hide items in a disused pillow case and then leave this at the bottom of the ironing pile.  I mean in my house I tend to be the only one who does any ironing so the chances of anyone looking here are very slim.
  • Suitcase – The holiday suitcases have been put away and are no longer in use so this is the perfect place to hide items
  • Family – Use the family for delivers and to hide items, they may have a spare room where you can leave items that no one will see. This is good for larger presents such as bikes.
  • Car boot – If you have a boot tidy in the back on your car this is another great hiding spot but always ensure you lock your car.
  • Empty shoe boxes – You may have a few of these in the bottom of your wardrobe so empty out the shoes and fill the boxes with presents.
  • Loft – Perfect place that children will struggle to get into.
  • Plastic Tupperware tub – We all have quite a few of these in the kitchen cupboards, keep a few empty and use these to hold small gifts.
  • Filing cabinet – If you have a home office the filing cabinet is a great place as this can also be locked.
  • Ottoman – Mine is full of bedding and towels so I can hide items in between.
  • Underwear drawer – This is a personal space where no one should go so hide a few items in here.
  • In books – Gift cards, iTunes vouchers can easily be hidden within a book

I hope I have given you a few ideas to make your Christmas present hiding a little more stressful.

If you have any hiding places then please feel free to share below, it always great to help each other out and then I can add them on for next year.

Happy Christmas Shopping

Lynsey Queen of clean xoxox

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Cleaning Tips for Moving into a New Home

by with No Comment Cleaning Tips

Moving into a new home is a very exciting time but it’s so important to give your new home a good clean before you move in to make it feel like yours. Other people’s grime will be polluting the surfaces and door handles!  You will notice the previous occupants marks of habitation which can make you feel uneasy in your new property but never fear a few antibacterial products and a drop of bleach here and there will help your home to feel brand new and all yours.

My advice would be to start at the top and work your way down!

1 – Firstly dust those ceilings concentrating well on the cobwebs and the corners. Have a step ladder to hand and go over with a large feather duster.  It will be satisfying watching the dust drop to the floor.  Ceilings harbour dust so it’s important that you get these clean.

2 – Door handles, light switches and other buttons all need a really good clean with antibacterial spray.

3 – Get all the windows and doors open and give the house a really good air.

4 – Pull up any unwanted carpet and rugs and pull down old curtains, blinds and  lampshades and get them straight to the tip. This items will smell and if they don’t go the smell won’t go!

5 – Add a good amount of neat bleach to all the sinks and baths and leave to soak to really help kill those germs.  After a good soaking scrub clean with an antibacterial spray until it comes up like new.  if you have a shower replace the shower head these harbour a lot of bacteria and germs.

6 – If you are keeping the toilets make sure you replace the seats with new ones and really scrub the pan clean.  Pour a cheap bottle of coke down to ensure the pipes are clean and there are no unwanted blockages that can create nasty smells.

7 – If appliances have been left and you are keeping ensure you scrub them clean, invest in a good over cleaner and use baby oil to really shine that hob.
8 – A bit of neat bleach on a toothbrush will help you get the grout in-between any tiles clean and bring them back to life.

This rigorously but well needed clean will now make your home feel like yours and is now ready to move into.

And most important of all enjoy your new home.

As always thank you for reading.
Lynsey Queen of Clean xox