Page 12 - Wayne Dispatch Pages

5 eyesores house guests notice first

Did you know that out of all the packages,” she warns.
months of the year, July ranks third
in popularity? Overstuffed Closets
According to Ranker, a website This area can be difficult to cam-
that polls millions on everything ouflage—especially during colder
from film to sports to food, July even months when hanging up guests’
topped December, which clocked in jackets and coats are a necessity. But
at fourth; May secured the top spot, even in the summer—when you may
while June came in second. not even open a closet, guests will
Regardless of where you stand in small piles have become common surely notice a closet’s inability to
this debate, we can’t deny that July blind spots to us, but they stick out close properly because of the hoodie,
is pretty swell. (Yes, it can also be to guests immediately. “We become softball bat, stray boot—you name
sweltering.) But high heat aside, this accustomed to clutter in certain it—that’s this close to tumbling out.
month does carry an array of unde- areas of the home,” Goforth says.
niable perks: For starters, there’s the “Piles of shoes by the door, stacks of Kitchen Catastrophes these nuggets of conciliatory advice:
4th of July holiday, the three Bs mail on the counter, or pet hair that Goforth acknowledges that keep- “If you don’t have any overnight
(boats, beaches, and BBQ), and the always lingers on the couch.” These guests, bedroom doors can stay
joy of a warm July night is simply are the kinds of things that stick out ing your kitchen tidy can be tricky closed,” Goforth says. She also notes
unparalleled. to fresh eyes. because, she says, “if you’re serving that playrooms are allowed to be rea-
any food, it’s impractical to expect a
And all the above usually leads to sonably messy—especially if it’s a
one thing: Not-So-Clean Bathrooms sparkling kitchen.” Therefore, some kid-free event. Fiocchi adds that
signs of food and drink preparation
The guests are coming. I repeat: There’s one room in the house even pet toys are granted some lee-
THE GUESTS ARE COMING! that requires a more thorough clean- are unavoidable—and entirely ac- way. Finally, there’s this: “No one re-
Whether your abode boasts a ing, Goforth says, because guests ceptable. However, that’s no excuse ally cares about the garage,” Fiocchi
backyard oasis, a plain ‘ol porch, or will absolutely notice a dirty bath- to make a massive mess, either. Go- argues. “So, when all else fails, just
a DIY fire pit, chances are probably room. “To go the extra mile, I also forth’s advice? Think: clean surfaces store all the mess in there.”
and clear clutter.
fair that you’ll play host at some like to organize the bathroom cabi- Courtney Conover is wife, mom,
point this month. And even if your nets with anything a guest may go yoga instructor, and Chicken Soup
get-together is outdoors, guests will looking for—like pain reliever, Closing Thoughts for the Soul contributor who has
still be traipsing through your home mouthwash, or feminine hygiene When all else fails, the duo offers called Wayne home since 1995.
to use your bathroom or fetch more products,” Goforth says.
ice for the cooler.
That means, unless mitigated, Overlooked Entryways
your home’s messes and clutter will Think about it: A large portion of
be on full display. According to pro- how a visitor views your home is
fessional organizer Meredith Goforth predicated on what they see as soon
and Imane Fiocchi, founder of Neon as they walk in. Says Goforth, “The
Lace, a textile and dye studio that front entryway is your home’s first
specializes in table linens and impression—and you shouldn't for-
kitchen accessories, here’s what get to keep it tidy and fresh.” To
tends to be most noticeable: spruce things up, she recommends
adding seasonal décor and a clean
Small Piles of Mess doormat and removing any kids’
If they’re small, they can’t possi- toys or dead plants. Fiocchi agrees.
bly be a big deal…right? Not so, says “There are two major culprits that
Goforth. And that’s because these often affect your entryway: shoes and

12 · July 2023 · The Wayne Dispatch