How to Clean Your Computer & Other Electronics

Electronics have become an essential part of our daily lives. In fact, how many of you think that you could live without your cellphones, computers, or other electronic devices for a day, week, or even a month? I know that I use my computer, television, and cellphone every day, and I'm not sure what I would do without these devices. Since these electronic devices are a major part of our lives, you need to regularly clean them! 

Check Out These Great Ways on How to Clean Your Computer and Other Electronics

Telephones & Cellphones

These devices are used every day and can accumulate too many germs and bacteria to think about.(Gross!) Telephones and cellphones are just a trap for icky things that lurk only in your nightmares. But, cleaning a cellphone could not be easier.

How to clean 

Simply wipe down the device with an alcohol pad. Be sure to include the ear piece and mouth piece because that is where bacteria lurks the most. For the touch screen, use a dry cloth to wipe away all of the smudge marks.

Computers

Computers have become an essential part of our daily lives. Many of us sit at our computers daily doing work, having fun, watching beloved shows, or just wasting time. A computer is a great place for dust, germs, and bacteria to multiply; so, make sure to regularly clean your computer.

How to clean

Cleaning a computer is easy. Simply wipe down the screen with a soft, damp towel. After your screen is clean you can clean between the keys of the keyboard by using a q-tip. Also, taking a rag that is slightly damp with alcohol and run it over your keyboard. The alcohol can eliminate any bacteria that is lurking there.

Televisions

The television is a great invention. It does keep me entertained for many late nights and definitely doesn't help my insomnia. But the television is a great place where dust collects.

How to clean

Take a soft, damp towel and wipe down your television. Using harsh cleaning products on your television can have adverse effects on the screen. So, if you want to use something other than water be sure that it will not harm that plasma or projection screen.

Do you have any tips on how to clean your computer and other electronics? I love to hear from you, so feel free to leave any personal stories, comments, or questions in the comment section below!

If you would like to see something that has not yet been featured on Methodical Living send me an email at methodicalliving@yahoo.com and I'll do my best to get back to you as soon as possible!

If you want more of Methodical Living check out me out on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. 

How to Clean Stainless Steel Sink Naturally

Good morning everyone!

Have you been struggling with getting your kitchen sink to shine? I was saddened and a little bit angry to find out that all of my hard work was getting me nowhere. No matter how hard I scrubbed, I wasn't able to get my sink to shine the way I wanted it too.

Luckily, I had some homemade lemon extract that I had made last year. At the time, I wanted to use it to get rid of the occasional flea. There was a time that I sprayed it on my furniture, but it didn't works as well as I had hoped. So, I put it up on a shelf and forgot about it until recently. This lemon extract is the perfect way to get my sink to shine to its fullest potential.

Here's how to make lemon extract:

1. Grate the peels of at least 3-4 lemons.
2. Cut up the rest of the lemon pieces.
3. Boil the lemons in about 2 quarts of water.
4. Bottle the mixture and let it sit for a bit.

How to get your sinks to shine:

1. Soak a paper towel in your lemon extract.
2. Wipe down your sink.
3. Watch how it shines!

I love reading all of your lovely replies so feel free to leave any comments, questions, or personal stories in the comment section below!

If you would like to see something featured on Methodical Living please send me an email at Methodicalliving@yahoo.com and I will do my best to have a post up as soon as possible!

If you would like more of Methodical Living follow me on Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest! 

How to Organize Your Linen Closet

Happy Wednesday everyone! I hope that everyone is enjoying their week so far. Over the weekend, I tackled an organization obstacle that has been haunting my dreams for weeks- my linen cabinet.

Over the months of moving into my home, I had just piled my linen closet with everything and that caused a huge problem. I could not even see what I had because of the piles of junk and miscellaneous stuff.


I cannot believe how easy it was to get my linens organized and tidy. It literally took only fifteen minutes or less, and now I know everything that lurks in my linen closet.

Here's how you can organize your linen closet too:

1. Take everything out of your closet or cabinet.
2. Access what really belongs in your closet.
3. Take all of your fitted sheets and flat sheets and fold them up neatly. Then place them in a matching pillow case.
4. Organize everything that actually belongs in the closet.

If you have any questions or comments feel free to leave them in the comments section below! I love to hear your feedback. :)

If there is something that you would like to see on Methodical Living, feel free to email me at methodicalliving@yahoo.com.

How to Unclog a Drain Naturally

A few weeks ago I had a terrible problem with the plumbing in my kitchen. I noticed that my sink wasn't draining as fast as it should. Then, I was hit with the shock of having water pour out onto my floor and underneath my cabinets when I attempted to run my dishwasher.

I knew that something was amiss. I had my husband inspect the pipes. He concluded that the stoppage was down farther. Maybe even under the house which is a fear of mine because I don't want to pay a professional to come out and fix the blockage. I'm a more do it yourself kind of girl.

I talked to my father-in-law and he gave me this super simple and inexpensive solution to fixing my blockage problem in just a few minutes.

What You'll Need:

1 cup Vinegar
1 cup baking soda
Lots of boiling water
1 stopped up sink

Directions:

1. Make sure that your sink and water lines have no excess water by placing a bucket underneath the pipes and taking the pipes apart.
2. If you have water in the pipes that is after the pipes you will need to wait a few hours or so and let all of the water drain (slowly).
3. Put the baking soda down the drain first.
4. Then, pour the vinegar down.
5. Now, pour all of your boiling water down the sink.
6. You may have to do this a few times, but in my experience it works like a charm!

If you have any questions or personal stories about naturally unstopping your sinks feel free to leave them in the comments section below!

If you would like to see something else or need help organizing, email me at methodicalliving@yahoo.com!

How to Clean a Stove Top

This morning I tackled a major cleaning problem that had been haunting me for weeks. This morning I cleaned my stove top. And successfully too might I add! As you can probably tell, I'm very excited about my accomplishment.


Last time I attempted to clean the stove top I was completely unsuccessful. It was a horrifying realization that just a basic cleaner cannot get everything off of my well used stove. All of the oil and gunk just refused to come off. I'm pretty sure that the gunk and oil had formed some sort of vicious plan against my cleaning efforts. So, I decided to try a different method with a few of my favorite cleaning products.

Before... It was a gross mess. 

During, still a gross mess...

After, a 100% clean stove top!

What You Need to Clean a Stove Top:

Baking Soda
Hydrogen Peroxide
Simple Cleaner ( I used a degreaser)
A nasty, dirty stove top

Directions on How to Clean a Stove Top:

1. Cover your stove top in baking soda.
2. Pour a little bit of hydrogen peroxide on the baking soda.
3. Let this mix sit for at least 20 minutes.
4. Wipe down your stove top.
5. Spray your stove top with the basic cleaner to get rid of any left over gunk.

Do you have any questions or comments on how to clean the gunk off of your stove top feel free to leave them in the comments section below.

If you would like to see something on Methodical Living or need some organizing advice feel free to email me at methodicalliving@yahoo.com!

Are Psychological Problems Killing You Getting Organized

Image C/O Hegemony77

Good morning everyone! I'm happy to be posting my last post in the Three Reasons Why You Can't Organize Your Home series. Today's subject is all about how and why psychological problems can kill your organizational efforts. This particular post is near and dear to my heart because unfortunately this topic is the one that usually kills my organizing efforts. I'm one of those people that hold on to sentimental clutter way too much.

I've almost broke myself of this nasty habit but let me tell you its been a long and hard journey for me. And unfortunately I've had to let a lot of items go that serve no purpose at all. Believe me when I say this, it was one of the hardest organizational obstacles I had to overcome. But, I managed to do it and if I can do it anyone can too!

There are so many psychological reasons (or problems) that can stifle our organizational and cleaning efforts. I know that there is a lot of bad vibes related to the combination of the words “psychological” and “problems”. Well, I'm here to say that there is no reason to feel bad if you want to keep all of that clutter out of sentimental reasons or any other psychological reason for that matter. But it can be detrimental to your well being to keep that big old stack of Time magazine so keep that in mind.

Here are some questions to ask yourself to determine if psychological problems are killing your organizational efforts:

Are you constantly muttering to yourself about how you HAVE to get organized?

Do you isolate yourself from others so that you can “get organized?”

Do you constantly come up with different organization systems?

Are you a creative or visual person?

Are you anxious about thinking about your space being clean and organized?

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, a psychological problem may be killing all of your organizational efforts.

Here are some solutions to the problems listed above:

Are you constantly muttering to yourself about how you HAVE to get organized?

Why its a problem: So, this problem is probably the most obvious of each one that I have listed in this post. Obviously, you know that there is a problem. You acknowledge it and tell yourself too much that you need to get down to work.
How to fix it: There's only one way to fix this problem. Basically, you have to actually just get started. Cut out some time to get your space organized and clean.

Do you isolate yourself from others so that you can “get organized?”

Why its a problem: This problem can be a lonely one. A lot of people use their cluttered home as a way to isolate their selves from other people. They're constantly using the excuse that their space is too cluttered or messy so that no one can come over and hang out.

How to fix it: Realize that its time to get back to reality and meet new people. Make changes slowly. Thoroughly get use to the feeling that one by one your rooms and your home is becoming a place where you can actually retreat. Make sure that your rooms are filled with only the things that you need, use, or absolutely can't live without and love. Embrace this new feeling. And look on the bright side, a clutter free space is a better place to escape reality.

Do you constantly come up with different organization systems?

Why its a problem: Coming up with different organizational systems signals that you do not have clear goals set. Everyone loses some sort of clarity in their life at one point or another, and that is okay. One common pitfall is that people take on too many responsibilities at once. Goals and priorities then get mixed up and can become unclear.

How to fix it: First things first, make sure that you're developing a system that works for you and your goals. Sit down and write out a list of goals you want to get accomplished. Your list could be day to day, for a week, or for a month. Doing whatever works for you is the best idea. Try to prioritize  your goals and set up a system to get the most important goals done.

Are you a creative or visual person?

Why its a problem: This was one of the problems that I constantly ran into before I just started organizing. I feel as if I'm a creative person. I like clutter and piles and messes. I felt that I needed it in my life to keep my creative juices flowing, but I was so wrong.

How to fix it: My fears about creativity and clutter could not have been more wrong. As I began the organizational process I realized that instead of blocking or stifling my creativity being organized actually improved my creative process. If you're like me at all, try putting up a board for all of your ideas. With a thought board you will always be able to keep track of your ideas and still have a clutter free space.

Are you anxious about thinking about your space being clean and organized?

Why its a problem: There is a variety of reasons why you feel anxious about organizing your space. Some reasons include, you are afraid of failure, you have a need for material things, or you have a sentimental attachment to your belongings. Whatever the reason, it can be dealt with. .

How to fix it: This was a major psychological problem I have faced. I knew that being organized would save me time and help me get things done faster but I couldn't face getting rid of that old, broken CD from my high school days or the book I've never bothered to pick up and actually read. Just the thought of picking up my chaotic mess made me feel anxious. I decided that my problem was definitely sentimental. I started out with piles. There was a pile for things that I wanted to keep, things I wanted to get rid of, and things that I wasn't sure about. Check out a previous post How to Declutter Anything and Simplify Your Life if you are looking for a more in depth tutorial on this process.

I love hearing from everyone! So feel free to leave any comments, personal stories, or worries that you have in the comment section below and I'll respond as soon as possible!

If you need help organizing your space, feel free to email me at methodicalliving@yahoo.com.

Recongizing Unrealistic Expectations

Many of us are faced with the horrible fact that we have unrealistic expectations. It can be anything really. I know that I have a list of unrealistic expectations. These expectations can be a good thing at times because they motivate you to get up and do something. For instance, my unrealistic need to have everything clean and tidy keeps me motivated to get up and clean the house. Or my expectations regarding my weight or how I look makes me want to workout, eat healthier, and drink more water.


There is another more dangerous side to unrealistic expectations though. They can make us feel depressed, upset, and as if we do not measure up. I can definitely say that social media (especially Pinterest) makes me feel less than adequate at times. How is it that these supermoms can manage a household of 3 or 4 kids, keep their houses organized, make delicious meals, and create the most creative crafts ever? I seriously want to kidnap one of those women and have them work at my house for a month and teach me their secret ways!

Image C/O ancient history

Unrealistic expectations can also be a horrible thing because you can't actually do what you want to do. 

Here are some questions to ask yourself:

Do you have more than enough work for you to complete?

A significant other, children, or a roommate that refuses to help out?

Are you in a transitional period in your life?

Does your life happen too quickly due to technology and social media?

Do you have a limited amount of space?

If you answered “yes” to one or more of these questions then you may have some unrealistic expectations when it comes to simplifying your life and organizing your home.

More than enough work for you?

Why its a problem: Its good to have goals for yourself. Much like unrealistic expectations, goals can help us do better than we ever thought possible. At the same time, goals can turn into cumbersome burdens that hold us down and suffocate us. Let's face it, no matter how hard we try there is simply not enough time in one day to get everything done. So prioritize your goals.


How to fix it: The keyword here is prioritize. Keep a list of everything you want to accomplish. Put the most important tasks first so that they will definitely get done and put lesser goals toward the bottom. That way, you don't have to beat yourself or drive yourself crazy trying to run around doing a million different things at once.

A significant other, children, or a roommate that refuses to help out?

Why its a problem: This problem is probably the hardest of them all because you are dealing with outside forces that you cannot necessarily change. There's really no way around just sitting and talking with the person. I'm sure you could find a plethora of passive aggressive ways to show your frustration at their less than stellar housekeeping skills, but that really isn't going to make the situation any better, believe me.


How to fix it: Sit your significant other, child, or roommate down and have a discussion on how to keep things clean and tidy. Tell them that its everyone's responsibility to keep things in order and it isn't fair to put all of that stress on just you.

Are you in a transitional period in your life?

Why its a problem: Are you looking for a new job, changing apartments, getting married, or having a baby? These are all huge transitions that can change your life completely and that's just a few of the major life transitions that we go through at some point in our lives. In most situations there is no use in setting up a permanent organizational system because you have no idea of what is and isn't going to work.


How to fix it: Wait till you have the bigger picture to make a system. Until then, setup a temporary system that will help with the transition and keep you organized.

Does your life happen too quickly due to technology and social media?

Why its a problem: Technology is great. Honestly, I can't imagine life without wifi or my smart phone- which oddly enough was only about twelve years ago or less. I feeling as if I'm telling my age but in the past few years my life has completely developed around technology. And I love technology but sometimes it can be a bit too much. Everyone can get a hold of me and that’s rather annoying. It seems like every time I get into a project someone calls me, it never fails. Then, I lose track of what I was doing and all is lost for a few hours.


How to fix it: The fix to this technology debacle is pretty easy. Simply cut out some time in your busy schedule to start getting your organizing done. Put your phone on silent, ignore the calls, or simply turn your phone off. It isn't necessary to be available to everyone all of the time.

Do you have a limited amount of space?

Why its a problem: Let's face it as women we are pretty much expert packers. We've mastered unbelievable levels of Tetris and can pretty much fit everything AND the kitchen sink into a small clutch. But there comes a time when you must accept that you cannot fit another item into a certain room. Honestly, we're miracle workers when it comes to this sort of thing but there is only so much we can do.


How to fix it: There are so many ways to fix this problem. First of all, you can toss some unnecessary items. If you need guidance or instructions on how to know what to toss you can check out my post on How to Get Rid of Sentimental Clutter. Personally, I love cutting down on my belongings. It makes me feel as if my materialistic possessions do not own me but I know a lot of people out there are shaking their heads in disagreement. For example, my mom cringes every time I even mention getting rid of a few of her twenty-something ice cream scoopers, and that’s totally okay. Honestly, that is another problem entirely and I'll get to it in my next post. Another (less invasive) way to fix this problem is to get a bigger space or rent a storage building. That way you can keep all of your things and still reclaim your space.

If there is something you'd like to see here at Methodical Living or if you are in need of some organizing advice, feel free to send me an email at MethodicalLiving@yahoo.com (I'm always happy to help)!!

If you have any comments, personal stories, or you just feel the need to vent about any unrealistic expectations, feel free to do so in the comment section below!

Why You Can't Simplify Your Life

Hello everyone! I'm excited to continue on with this small, basic organization series. If you missed the first post, here it is: Three Simple Reasons Why You Can't Organize Your Home.

Image C/O Rite Hutcheson Cobbs

Today, I'll be focusing more in depth on the simple mistakes that everyone makes when they organize- whether they admit it or not.

• Do all of your belongings have a home?

• Are any of your storage systems convenient to reach and get too?

• Do you think that organizing is fun and exciting?

• Does the amount of stuff you have equal the amount of storage space your home or apartment has?

• Do you remember things without having them strewn around your home?

• Are your storage systems easy to understand and follow?

If you answered “No” to one or more of these questions then you might be suffering from simple organizing mistakes. Don't fret though because it is super simple to rectify these mistakes and become organized.

Simple Ways to Correct Organizing Mistakes

Do all of your belongings have a home?

Why its a problem: All of your belongings should have a home- a specific location where it is stored until that moment when you need it. Unfortunately, there is no way around it but with a little elbow grease everything you own can have a a home. 

The solution: Take some time and find a location for everything that you own and stick to your decisions. If you have a hard time getting into the organization mood read this article on How to Be Organized at Home.

Are any of your storage systems convenient to reach and get too?

Why its a problem: Why would anyone want to follow a organizing plan that is inconvenient. If you can barely reach the storage bins or have to move several big totes to get to your closet you are definitely not going to want to put anything away, ever.

The solution: The only way to stick to a plan is to make sure that you make something that is fun and easy to follow. Use brightly colored boxes or line the inside of your drawers with colorful paper. Make your organization system fun, appealing, and easy to follow and you'll be more willing to follow your new system.

Do you think that organizing is fun and exciting?

Why its a problem: Not everyone thinks that organizing is fun or exciting. Trust me, even I have to be in the right mood to start digging through random junk in my house. I can always find something better or more fun to do than organize, but it takes time to become organized. There are things that you can't escape from and organizing is one of them.

The solution: Its best to just put on your favorite jams or a favorite television show and get down to work. To make it easier organize your home in chucks. Start with one section of a room or (if you're feeling frisky) an entire room.

Does the amount of stuff you have equal the amount of storage space your home or apartment has?

Why its a problem: Do you have too much stuff and too little space? I'm sorry but its impossible to store your things in a space that is inadequate.

The solution: The perfect solution to this problem is to get a bigger space. I know that a lot of us aren't blessed with having an option of getting a bigger space. So, try renting a storage building to keep all of your extra belongings in. If you don't want to invest any money or don't have the funds for it try getting rid of a few things by throwing a garage sale or donating things to a local thrift store.

Do you remember things without having them strewn around your home?

Why its a problem: I'm a big believer in out of sight, out of mind. I suffer from ADHD and while I don't use this as an excuse; I feel it is a perfect explanation of why I am the way I am. Plus, I know that a lot of people are this way-ADHD or not. If something isn't right under my nose the likelihood of me remembering it is slim to none. Having a few things like library books or homework setting on the table is okay but when the clutter and mess starts to spread and pile up you have a problem.

The solution: Here's a little something that I do to curb this terrible habit- I use sticky notes. Plus, if it is really important I'll leave somethings out on the counter so that there is no way I'll forget it.

Are your storage systems easy to understand and follow?

Why its a problem: Having storage systems that are clear, concise, and easy to understand goes hand in hand with having storage systems that are convenient and easy to get too. Make sure that your storage bins or totes are clearly labeled and you know exactly where everything goes. That way you won't get frustrated and give up on your storage system.

The solution: If you struggle with this try figuring out a way to make organizing easier.

If you have a question or problem with your organization system or plan, feel free to email me here.

How to be Organized at Home

Everyone seems to be longing for a more organized life. In this day and age being organized can be hard. There is always something else to do- there's early meetings, emails to respond to, family to be with, and the list goes on and on. Luckily, there is something that you can do to be organized at home. Below are some of my best tips on the subject. 

{1}

How to be Organized at Home

 

{1}

Have a spot for everything

Always have a spot for everything. Never leave an item in limbo because it will undoubtedly get shifted around during the minutes, hours, or days between the last time you used it and the time you need it again. Having a spot for everything is the number one essential part of being organized. Just think about it, you will always know where everything is. Just think about all of the time you'll save!

 

{1}

Always put an item away after you use it

Like I stated above, never, ever leave an item in limbo. I know, it may seem like a pain in the butt, but always take the extra time to put an item back where it belongs. If having a spot for everything is the number one rule for being organized then putting items back where they belong is definitely the second rule for being organized at home.

 

{1}

Stop stock piling random things

Stop stock piling random items. Just stop it. You do, I do it, and pretty much everyone I know is guilty of this. When I cleaned out my kitchen months ago, I found multiples of pretty much everything. Do you know what I did? I filled my kitchen drawers with my favorite items and ditched the rest of the junk I had stockpiled. Honestly, it is gut wrenching to think about how many times I lugged those ice cream Scoopers, spatulas, or whatever else I had acquired over eight times. 

Do you have any tips or tricks that you use to stay organized? I'd love to hear your input in the comment section below!

Brighten Up Your Wednesday with Alittle Inspiration

Wednesday is always a drag for me. I always find myself lagging in inspiration, creativity, and energy. I'm sure that some of you experience the same drain every hump day. So, to combat the drain of the dreaded Wednesday I have found some great photos to get everyone inspired and moving! Enjoy!

I love this picture.

I wish that my spice cabinet looked like this.

I've always been a sucker for labels like these.

These jewelry boxes are the perfect thing for storing your jewels!

This drawer is perfect for storing mini baubles.

I love the smell of fresh linen drying on a line.

This is my personal motto.

Enjoy your Wednesday!

Kitchen Cleaning Checklist

Cleaning Checklist

As everyone knows, that I love a clean, organized, and decluttered home. I'm planning on doing a series of posts for every room in the house after my Organize It: Organize and Declutter Your Kitchen series. I plan on providing a plethora of free printables. You will be able to print them out and keep them in a binder to maintain an organized home. During this kitchen series, I have provided several printables, but this cleaning checklist is by far my favorite.

Kitchen Cleaning Checklist

This checklist provides the very basic things that very kitchen needs to be organized, cleaned, and decluttered. Feel free to add on anything else that your kitchen needs.

Grab your very own printable...

Get your own cleaning checklist for your kitchen for free here. Simply, save the photo to your computer, insert it into a word document, and print it!

Comments? Questions?

If you have any questions or comments feel free to leave them below.

Want to see something?

If you want to see something on Methodical Living just shoot me an email here. 

Shopping List Template

Shopping List Template

Have you ever found yourself in the store wondering what you made the trip for?

Do you find yourself buying everything except the items that you actually need?

A shopping list template is the perfect way to keep track of what you need. Put in on your fridge to have on hand at a moment's notice. You'll be able to jot down everything that you need as soon as you run out of it. Then, the next time all you have to do is grab your shopping list, and you'll never forget anything that you actually need ever again!

Grab your own shopping list template for free!

Want your very own free shopping list template here. Just save the template to your computer, open a Word document, insert the photo, and print! Print out as many as you want to keep up with all of your grocery needs!

Questions? Comments?

Feel free to leave any questions or comments below.

If you want to see something...

If you have an organizing dilemma or a question that you need answered email Methodical Living here.

DIY Drawer Organizers

Happy Monday everyone! I hope that everyone enjoyed their weekend. The hubby and I finally had two days to just kick back and relax; which, we did to some extent. We also used the time to do a few things that we had been putting on the back burner for some time. The hubby spent his time working on his truck. He installed a new stereo and speakers. I spent some time dreaming up more great organizing tips and tricks, such as, the drawer organizers that I will be sharing with you today.

Declutter Your Kitchen Drawers

This is another post in the Organize It: Organize and Declutter Your Kitchen series.
Are your drawers cluttered, unorganized, and hard to open?
My kitchen drawers were looking a little rough. All of my kitchen utensils were scattered everywhere, and it was getting hard for me to find anything. Honestly, I wasn't sure what I was going to do. I knew that I had a large cardboard box that was taking up room in my house, and I didn't want to throw out something that could be repurposed. So, I decided to make some drawer organizers out of cardboard.

The Downfall of Cardboard Organizers

Apparently, cardboard attracts bugs, and will not hold up for very long. So, these organizers are only temporary. I had planned on painting them, but since they are just going to be in my drawer for a little while, I decided to not waste the paint. The hubby and I are planning on making some wooden organizers using the cardboard organizers as a template. But for now, my kitchen drawer is nice, tidy, and organized.

How to Make Drawer Organizers

Tools:

-Exacto Knife
-Cardboard
-Pencil

What to do:

1. Clean out your drawer.
2. Cut out one big side of your box.
3. Measure the inside of your drawers.
4. Draw out each piece on your box using the measurements that you just took. Make sure that your lines are straight!
5. Cut out all of the pieces.
6. Put each piece in your drawer and size everything up.
7. Cut slits in every piece so that they go together perfectly.
8. Trim all pieces if they do not fit right.
9. Put everything back in your drawer!

Presto! Your drawers are clean, organized, and decluttered!

Feel free to leave a question or comment below!

If you would like to see something on Methodical Living shoot me an email and let me know!

Declutter Your Diet with These Five Simple Tips

Image C/O PhotoPin

Follow these simple tips to declutter your diet

I've managed to almost get down to my goal weight by incorporating small, easy changes to my diet and exercise routine, but I'm more concerned about the toxins that I put into my body on a daily basis. For instance, I drink a healthy amount of clean, fresh well water, I have cut down on sweets, and I eat less fast food. From my past failures I have found that decluttering your diet is one of the hardest things to accomplish, ever. Before you try these tips, remember to talk things over with your doctor. Any major dietary changes could lead to serious side effects, especially if you have a pre-existing medical condition.

Image C/O Me!

1. Pin-point the foods and drinks that you consume on a daily basis that are bad for your health.

The first step to decluttering your diet is to find out which bad foods you cling to. Write these foods down.

I'm a big fan of sodas because I have low blood sugar and my schedule does not always allow me to eat 4-6 small meals every day. A bottle of soda will raise my blood sugar without making me stop whatever I'm doing at the time, but it really has become a problem for me. Unfortunately, sodas are extremely bad for my body. First of all, I have read that sodas are extremely bad for my teeth. Plus, they are prepackaged, sugary toxins. Did you know that CocaCola is used to clean up blood on the road after a major accident? In addition to sodas, I have an addiction to white breads, chips, and biscuits.

Image C/O PhotoPin

2. Don't cut out all of the bad foods at once.

If you try to over stretch yourself and cut out everything at once you will probably end up back at square one. So, take it slow and remember that you don't have to get rid of everything in one swoop.

If I cut out sodas, I end up with a major headache. I can't imagine what I would feel like if I cut out sodas and everything else all at once. The best way for me (and you) to declutter our diets is to take small, baby steps in the right direction.

Image C/O PhotoPin

3. Replace the bad foods with healthier options.

Most people eat bad foods because they get a craving for them. I can guarantee that there is a healthier option no matter what kind of craving you get- sweet, sour, crunchy, salty. Making the switch from the foods you're craving to their healthier options may be difficult, but after the first week all of the cravings will stop.

I love sodas (like I've said before). Well, I love soda, coffee, and pretty much anything with caffeine in it. Its something that my body just craves. Healthier drinks exist that have a fair amount of caffeine. These drinks include coffee and certain varieties of teas. Replacing my sodas with coffee or tea will help my body adjust to a healthier way of living without all of the harsh side effects of quitting cold turkey.

Image C/O Me! Some of my Fairy Tail keys that I use to motivate myself.

4. Treat yourself every now and then. 

Sticking to a strict diet can be tedious and demanding. It can also be pretty boring. So, don't forget to treat yourself every now and then. Treating yourself can be with your favorite food, or something else that doesn't have anything to do with food. Try to get a manicure, buying a new shirt, or just taking time for yourself when you complete a big dieting goal.

Image C/O Me! This is my cute puppy Lilth or Lil for short.

5. When you fall off the wagon don't beat yourself up about it.  

There isn't anyone in the world who can honestly say that they've never cheated on their diet or fallen off the wagon. Making huge dietary changes can be hard but everything that is worth doing is suppose to be hard. Falling off the wagon is only natural, especially in the beginning. The only thing that you can do is to stand up, dust yourself off, and continue to try your best.

I hope that you can use these tips to declutter your diet and start living a healthier life! Feel free to leave any questions, comments, or tips of your own below!