Making the decision to declutter your apartment can feel like a big task but breaking it down into manageable steps makes it much easier. Here are practical tips and a guide to help you get started:

1. Set a Clear Goal & Have a Game Plan-Define what you want to achieve and figure out what your decluttering goal is. Do you want a more organized living space, less stress or just get rid of a visible mess? Knowing your "why" can help you stay focused and help you prioritize tasks and figure out your next steps.

2. Start Small-Pick one room, or even just one area, like a closet, desk, or drawer, to begin with. This way, you won’t feel overwhelmed.  Start with what you feel is the easiest room first, this can help also with not feeling too overwhelmed too soon.

3. Use the "Four-Box Method"-Have four boxes or bags labeled:

• • Keep: Items you use or love. (A tip inspired by Marie Kondo: Before keeping something, ask whether it truly brings you joy or adds value to your life. If it doesn’t, let it go!)
  • Donate: Items in good condition that you no longer need.
  • Sell: Things you think have value that you can sell.
  • Trash: Things that are broken, expired, or no longer useful.

4. Tackle One Category at a Time-Instead of decluttering room by room, group items by category (e.g., clothing, books, kitchen gadgets, papers). This gives you a clearer sense of how much you have of each item and helps you make more decisive choices.

5. Purge Your Closet-A lot of clutter comes from unused clothing. Go through your clothes and donate or sell things you haven’t worn in over a year.

6. Minimize Paper Piles-Organize bills, important documents, and personal papers into files. Shred anything that’s outdated or no longer necessary.

7. Use Storage Solutions-Invest in storage containers, bins, or shelving units to keep things neatly arranged. Vertical storage can free up floor space, and multi-functional furniture can help too.

8. Keep Surfaces Clear-Try to keep countertops, tables, and your floor free of clutter. Only leave out the essentials or decorative items that truly bring you joy.

9. Adopt the "One In, One Out" Rule-To avoid clutter building up again, try adopting a habit where you donate, sell, or discard one item whenever you buy something new.

10. Regular Maintenance-Dedicate a few minutes every day or week to quickly tidy up any small messes that accumulate. It’ll prevent the clutter from piling back up. Regularly go through your apartment to reassess your things. Decluttering isn't a one-time task—it’s about forming a habit of keeping your space tidy.

11. Be Patient-Decluttering is a process that takes time. Don’t rush, and celebrate small wins along the way!

A clutter-free environment not only makes the every day cleaning process easier but also creates a more serene and enjoyable livable space. 

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Thinking of Trying Dry January…It’s Never Too Late to Try

Ever wondered about getting involved in the Dry January hype and challenges?  The new year is a popular time to take stock of your health and lifestyle choices, press the reset button, and dive into resolutions such as Dry January.

The Dry January challenge is a campaign developed and delivered by UK charity Alcohol Change UK where people sign up to abstain from alcohol in 2012.  This wellness first trend is catching up with people, especially Gen Z, which has led to it large-scale popularity.

Benefits of Dry January

Weight Loss-Consuming lesser calories can often lead to lead to weight loss alone.  Alcohol carries empty calories that without could lower daily calorie counts.

Lower Blood Pressure-According to research going only even 4 weeks without alcohol can lower blood pressure and even heart rates.

Better Sleep-Just a few weeks of going without alcohol can help one sleep deeper and more restfully

Higher Energy Levels & Improved Immune System-Taking a break from alcohol can also lead to increased productivity while also strengthening one’s immune system.

Balances Mood and Reduced Stress-Alcohol is a mood depressant and heavy drinkers can experience depressions and anxiety.  Taking a hiatus from alcohols can reduce stress and help balance your mood.

Liver Health-Alcohol can be known to harm your liver, giving it a break can help regain its health.

Skin Benefits-Lesser dry skin, redness and puffiness are likely to occur when not consuming alcohol. 

Where to Get Your Local Mocktails in Columbus– Best Mocktails In Columbus

Comune Restaurant–677 Parsons Ave, Columbus, OH 43206

With nearly a dozen booze-free bevvy’s like the Shrub + Soda, which is like a pineapple-y or berry Moscow Mule, you’re sure to find your favorite new mocktail.

High Bank Distillery–1051 Goodale Blvd, Columbus, OH 43212

With the distinction of being awarded the best cocktails in Columbus the past 4 years, High Bank Distillery doesn’t mess around with their mocktails either.

Watershed Distillery-1145 Chesapeake Ave, Columbus, OH 43212

Watershed is determined to share the flavors of the world with Central Ohio with their “Watershed: A World Tour” drink menu. And while the cocktail menu is extensive, there are several non-alcoholic versions that allow you to taste the world without ever having to leave the distillery!

VASO Rooftop Lounge–6540 Riverside Dr, Dublin, OH 43017

With five unique, specially crafted mocktails on their extensive drink menu, you’ll be able to find your favorite booze-free drink to go alongside their delicious Spanish cuisine.

Level One Bar + Arcade-130 Hutchinson Ave, Columbus, OH 43235

If mocktails and arcade games sound as incredible to you as it does to me, then Level One Bar + Arcade is your new spot.

Condado Tacos-1227 N High St, Columbus, OH 43201

Their creative menu features mocktails like the Nojito, which is, you guessed it, a non-alcoholic version of a Mojito or enjoy their Cactus Juice mocktail featuring prickly pear, pineapple, ginger beer and lemon!

Thank you to: 
https://stepoutcolumbus.com/guide-to-the-best-places-for-mocktails-in-columbus/

The post Doing Dry January? Wanna give it a Try? appeared first on Preferred Living Blog.

By Experience Columbus Staff on Aug 26, 2024

Going apple picking and to the pumpkin patch are some of our favorite fall traditions in Columbus. With tons of U-Pick farms and orchards around the city, there are plenty of opportunities for you to get out and enjoy this classic, midwest activity this season. Plan your apple-picking or pumpkin outing to one of these central Ohio U-pick farms this fall!

Apple Orchards Around Columbus

Branstool Orchards (Utica): You can pick 37 varieties of apples at Branstool! Check the website, updated daily, for information on what's ripe. Food trucks are on-site some during most weekends and leashed dogs are welcome to join the fun!

CherryHawk Farm (Marysville): CherryHawk is a family-owned orchard spanning more than 60 acres. They feature 19 varieties and update their website with what’s available regularly.

Lawrence Orchards (Marion): This family-run orchard and farm market offers 26 apple varieties throughout the season, with availability updated on Facebook, along with seasonal fruits, jams, jellies and more. Be sure to visit the Cider House Pavilion and pick up a gallon (or two!) of fresh and all-natural apple cider from Labor Day until Christmas Eve! Picking is available from 10 am – 5 pm, Monday through Saturday.

Legend Hills Orchard (Utica): Legend Hills is celebrating five generations of operation! Pick until your heart's content from 9 am – 6 pm Monday-Saturday and Sunday from 10 am – 5 pm. Check out what's currently available for picking here.

Lynd Fruit Farm (Pataskala): Lynd is a popular spot for U-pick apples, offering acres upon acres of apple trees for climbing and picking. They also offer hayrides through the orchard, a corn maze, and the big market tent loaded with produce, fall items and baked goods.

Ochs Fruit Farm (Lancaster): Ochs has been operating as a family-run farm since 1872 and offers more than 90 varieties of apples. Keep an eye on their Facebook page for daily availability and hours of operation.

The Orchard & Company (Plain City): This family fun center is more than just an apple orchard. Open 11 am – 6 pm on weekends through Oct. 30, it also offers lots of exciting activities for all ages including wagon rides, farm animals, zip lines and more. There is no admission charged for u-pick apples or to visit the store, but those entering “Farmyard Area” will need general admission and a Farmyard Pass. Please leave your four-legged friends at home for this experience!

Pumpkin Patches & More Fall Fun Around Columbus

Circle S Farms (Grove City): Beginning in October, hop on a wheelchair-accessible hayride between the parking lot and pumpkin patch to find the perfect pumpkin at Circle S. Additional opportunities for family fun include corn and sunflower mazes, a petting zoo and fun barn. Be on the lookout for 2023 hours and pricing here.

Dupler's Pumpkin Land (Newark): In addition to a selection of traditional pumpkins, Dupler's prides itself on their specialty offerings in a variety of colors like pink, blue, white and more that are a result of 20+ years of cross-breeding. Make your pumpkin selections then spend time enjoying wagon rides, a corn maze, a haunted room, a giant slide, a web climbing net, and more.

Hann Farms (Obetz): Hann Farms offers u-pick tomatoes, green beans and peppers to round out your produce options this fall. Patrons are invited to bring their own bags for easier picking and are asked to note that the farm accepts only cash or checks. Stay up-to-date on the latest offerings here.

Hidden Creek Farms (Sunbury): This working farm is all about fall fun! They grow a variety of pumpkins, from tiny to extra-large in a range of colors including green, blue, white and all shades of orange. Plus, they have unique gourds, corn and straw bales for decorating. Enhanced fall fun activities are offered Wednesday through Sunday, including hayrides, pumpkin slides, pumpkin tunnels, a straw maze, farm animals and more.

Leeds Farm (Delaware): Admittedly this is not a u-pick option, but it's still an opportunity to get gorgeous pumpkins and gourds straight from the fields, harvested by the professional hands that raised them. Turn a trip to Leeds into a full day of family fun with their full slate of activities like hay rides, zip lines, slides and more. Activities are available on weekends from Sept. 16 – Oct. 28 and pre-purchased tickets, available here, are required.

Lehner Pumpkin Farms (Delaware): Lehner offers a 15-acre u-pick patch, featuring all sizes of pumpkins, from pumpkin pie pumpkins to large carving options, as well as gourds and large squash. Those who don't want to pick can also choose from a selection that has been pre-picked and washed. The property also offers additional activities like corn mazes, farm animals, barrel rides and more, even on weeknights. Plus, pets are permitted on the premises and most activities (as well as restrooms) are easily accessible for both strollers and wheelchairs. Check out a full slate of activities and a calendar of special events here.

Lohstroh Family Farms (Mt. Sterling): Weekends, beginning near the end of September through October, at Lohstroh feature u-pick pumpkins, a corn maze, a tractor train, food and more family fun. Find additional details here.

Lynd Fruit Farm (Pataskala): Of course, Lynd's is a household name for apple picking, but they also have a location on Morse Rd. that offers u-pick pumpkins. The season begins near the end of September. Check the homepage here for updates on inventory.

Miller's Country Gardens (Delaware): On Saturdays and Sundays in October, Miller's invites you to ride in their hay wagon out to their pumpkin field to pick your own pumpkin. Whether you need them for making pies, decorating or carving Jack-O-Lanterns, Miller's has you covered.

Pigeon Roost Farm (Hebron): Pigeon Roost is the ultimate hub of fall fun, with its Great Pumpkin Fun Center offering a wide range of activities like a corn maze, tractor-pulled wagon rides, paintball, face painting and more. All activities and pumpkin purchases are credit cards only. Check out the full slate of offerings to help plan your trip here.

Van Buren Acres (Hebron): This family-owned and operated farm has activities for kids and kids-at-heart with a pumpkin patch, corn maze, sunflower trail, cow train and more. Admission is $9 with hours Wednesday – Sunday 10 a.m.-7 p.m. and by appointment, through Oct. 31. Learn more here.

Get out and enjoy the season in Columbus and share your memories with us using #FallinCbus.

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