Take a look around your family room. Are the remote controls easy to locate? Or are they lost under a couch cushion? Remote controls also have a way of multiplying. We may get rid of an old DVD player but the remote remains. Let’s declutter and organize this space today.
Collect
Aggregate all the remote controls from your family room. Check under the couch and inside drawers and cabinets. Address each one.
- If the remote operates a current device
- Replace the batteries.
- Use a label maker to provide additional information. (This can be helpful for guests and aging family members.)
- If the remote operates a disconnected device
- Remove the batteries
- If you own the device, tape the remote to it.
- Donate or Recycle unused electronics
Storage
Each night, I put the family room to bed before turning in myself. I fold blankets, return games to the cabinet, and stow remotes in a basket.
Get in the habit of “putting to bed” the common spaces of your home like the kitchen and family room. A reset room provides a clean slate to start the next day.
Repeat
The average American home has more TVs than people. So chances are good you have remotes in other rooms. Repeat the steps above for each room. Also, work with your kids to set up storage for their gaming accessories.
Designate a drawer or box for video games, remotes, chargers, and headsets. Declutter to make room for their frequently used items. Get rid of unused items that fill key storage areas.
Set the example. “Put the family room to bed” every night for a week. Then, ask your kids to do the same thing with their gaming equipment.
Enjoy waking up to a calm and clutter-free home.
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