A simple pendant light switch makes a big difference in a messy closet. (Getty)
"For example, most often people use wooden hangers, thinking an expensive hanger is better but useless because there is not enough space," he told 9honey Living.
"It looks completely different if you decorate your closet in a more minimalist way. I use velvet hangers, very simple, very cheap. There are 30 hangers for $10 at Kmart; Your closet will look much more functional and even more aesthetically pleasing if you swap them out."
"But people think, 'Oh, it's an expensive hanger and it's good,' and it looks great, but it's just for showrooms and not suitable for everyday wardrobe."
Hangers like this one from Kmart will help declutter your messy closet. (Kmart)
Using the same stylish hangers throughout your closet isn't Njegovan's only advice, but to truly understand why customers keep and continue buying their clothes, you need to ask yourself a few questions, she says.
"We find value in what we have, in the way we look, in what we wear, in the car we drive. This leads to us not knowing who we are," he explains.
Jasmine Njegovan runs her own cleaning business on AirTasker. (Provided)
When Njegovan organizes a wardrobe, her approach "depends on where the client is in their journey," as some people find it harder to let go than others.
"So I have to tread very carefully with these customers because there are a lot of memories of them buying it when they were in [a certain stage of their life]," he says.
Tips and tricks to organize and do everything quickly and easily
However, practical things for Njegovan to consider include how long it has been since you last wore an item of clothing and whether you are keeping a stained item of clothing that you have never tried to repair.
"You have to make a decision," he says. "If I say you have to make a decision… you have to get rid of it, that basically doesn't do you any good."
"Sometimes I think, 'Oh, but maybe I can remove the stain.' And I say, 'Okay, you spend the time, what's your time worth? Are you going to take it to the dry cleaners or are you going to spend another half hour, an hour cleaning that shirt that you haven't cleaned in 18 months or three years?'
"That's why I have to give examples straight away so that people can make a decision straight away."
A before and after look at Njegovan's messy wardrobe. (Provided)
Once you've cleaned out your closet, Njegovan says you need to consider your lifestyle and the frequency with which you need certain items of clothing to reorganize it to keep it organized.
"It's planned separately for each style, so I don't have anything easy that I can just tell people: I know the person, I know their lifestyle, how much time do you spend in the gym, where should the gym clothes be? Are you a company? Are you an artist? Whatever you are, we configure the wardrobe based on your current lifestyle," he says.
Once you're done, add labels and consider storing out-of-season items on the top shelf of your closet in a basket that you can swap out as needed.
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We all know that feeling: we see a messy room and feel completely overwhelmed at the thought of cleaning it up. Whether it's dishes piled up or clothes scattered on the floor, it can be difficult to find the motivation to start. But one person has come up with a creative solution to accomplish this task, and it's something we're all familiar with: artificial intelligence. This method has created a buzz online and people are impressed by its simplicity and effectiveness. A creative cleaning trick that attracts people's attention. Recently, a Reddit user shared a clever (and "slightly embarrassing") way to use ChatGPT to keep your apartment clean. Overwhelmed with work and life, he admitted that cleaning had been at the bottom of his to-do list. Instead of allowing the situation to get worse, he turned to the AI for help. By uploading photos of her messy rooms to ChatGPT and requesting specific cleaning instructions, she was able to break the task down into manageable steps.
"I've been too lazy to clean my apartment (and have been for a while, I mean more than a little while)," he confessed, admitting that seeing clear step-by-step instructions helped him do something about it. Although the solution worked, he was a little uncomfortable relying on AI for such a simple task: "I feel like I should do it myself." » Why the internet thinks this idea is brilliant Although the Reddit user found his hack embarrassing, others saw it as a great way to tackle an otherwise overwhelming task. Many commenters praised her approach, acknowledging that cleaning can sometimes be too overwhelming to begin with. One user commented: "This is a fantastic use of ChatGPT. I look at the damage (even the smallest) and feel overwhelmed. This sentiment resonated with many and highlighted how easy it is to feel paralyzed by a disorder, even if it is not that severe.
Other users praised the idea of breaking tasks down into smaller steps. One wrote: "It's not embarrassing at all. Breaking tedious tasks into smaller steps is a smart and effective strategy, and you've found a really creative way to do it. What matters is not that the task seems "trivial" or the support you previously needed, but that you have recognized that things are more difficult at the moment and have found a constructive way to move forward. The idea of tackling tasks step by step is something that many people can relate to. As another user said: "It's actually a smart idea. Sometimes you just need to make a difficult task a little easier to get started. Small steps, big results
This story is a perfect reminder that sometimes the most effective solutions to life's daily challenges are the simplest. Reddit users' creative use of ChatGPT has sparked discussions about how splitting tasks and asking for help, whether from AI or another source, can make difficult tasks easier to complete. So next time you're staring at a messy room or feeling overwhelmed by a long to-do list, remember that even the most important tasks can be accomplished if you take them one step at a time. This "embarrassing" cleaning tip could be the inspiration we all need to tackle our own challenges, big or small, with a little help from technology.
Spring is the time to begin planning and preparing for the upcoming growing season, even in colder climates.
Spring cleanup of gardens involves cutting off dead foliage, but leaving some stems for beneficial insects.
Testing the soil and adding the necessary nutrients are crucial steps in preparing for a successful growing season.
Temperatures may still be cool across much of the United States, but it's time to prepare for your growing season plans.
According to the National Gardening Association , gardening is a growing trend (no pun intended) in the United States, with more than 80% of households participating.
Lawn care is the most important gardening chore, but planting flowers, vegetables, and houseplants (all good spring garden projects) have increased in popularity in recent years.
"Spring is the time when gardeners get their seeds, start transplanting and prepare vegetable beds," said Dave Whitinger, executive director of the National Gardening Association.
If you want to grow vegetables or plant flowers this year, now is the time to act. Even die-hard garden lovers need to prepare for spring.
Here are some tips to help you prepare for spring.
Many gardeners expect to spend more this year, according to a survey by Axiom Marketing, a Minneapolis-based marketing firm that serves the agriculture, horticulture and landscaping industries. The 2025 Garden Outlook Study found that around 40% expect to spend more.
To save money, many gardeners start with seeds to grow plants that they can transplant instead of purchasing them from a garden center or a large retailer such as Home Depot.
"Depending on where people live, they are currently thinking about preparing their gardens for potato growing, perhaps planting seeds in trays to transplant later, planning their gardening activities for the year, or learning new gardening topics through reading, listening or webinars," said Cheryl Boyer, professor and extension program director in the Department of Horticulture and Natural Resources at Kansas State University.
Flowers and vegetables such as tomatoes, lettuce and peppers can be grown from seeds indoors. Ideally, you should start six weeks before the expected last frost date where you live.
There are many variables when growing plants indoors, including the type of plant, its hardiness, the container to use, and the planting mix. For advice on individual plants, from arugula to zucchini, see the plant database on the National Gardening Association website .
You can also check your state's extension service website, usually affiliated with a university, for local planting tips (just search for your state's extension service online). For example , West Virginia University Extension has a detailed section on starting seeds.
Many of the plants grown from seed were scheduled to be planted last month, with transplanting beginning in April. Therefore, you may want to set a calendar reminder for next year. However, according to the NGA website, some plants such as lettuce can be sown directly into the garden once the ground has thawed.
According to the NGA, seeds for summer plants such as pumpkins , cucumbers and sunflowers can be planted in the ground as early as mid-April.
When growing flowers from seeds indoors, you can prepare them for transplanting by placing them outdoors during the hottest times of the day.
When do you start planting a garden?
You can find out when it's time to plant outside by visiting the National Gardening Association website and entering your zip code. In Kansas, for example, the frost-free growing season begins April 19 and ends October 11, according to the website.
It is not necessary to wait until the threat of frost has passed before planting vegetables and other crops. "Spring is the season to grow cool-weather vegetables," such as beets, broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, lettuce, onions and turnips, said Miri Talabac, horticulture specialist at the University of Maryland Extension Home and Garden Information Center.
It's also good to plant hardy plants like perennials (think asters, delphiniums and pansies) as well as shrubs, trees and vines in early spring, he told USA TODAY in an email exchange. You can plant them "whenever the soil is usable (i.e. not frozen or too wet)," explains Talabac. "Only frost-sensitive plants such as greenhouse-grown herbs and warm-season annuals (flowers and ornamental vegetables such as tomatoes) should wait until temperatures (air and soil) are warmer."
If you already have a garden or outdoor area where you have grown plants, shrubs and flowers, you can do a little tidying up and prepare to return. But don't overdo it.
"We advise gardeners not to over-clean in the spring and to prune old perennial trunks and shrub branches," Talabac said in an email exchange. "This is primarily because several beneficial insects (including some of our native bees) can use these plant parts as shelter for the winter and do not resume activity until later in the year."
When cutting off dead plant stems and flowers, leave between 20cm and 60cm of space, depending on the plant. These stems will remain hidden behind the flowers this year and will continue to be a possible refuge for bees and other beneficial insects that emerge as temperatures rise. For more information, Talabac recommends the Tufts Pollinator Initiative and Xerces Society websites.
In flower beds you can rake, trim foliage and remove winter mulch. If there are excess full leaves, you can remove them as the planting and growing season approaches.
You can prune rose bushes, fruit trees, and most other trees, but postpone pruning birch, maple, and walnut trees until they bloom and plant new trees. Additionally, fertilize and add new mulch to a depth of 4 inches, but avoid creating "mulch volcanoes" where 1 foot or more of mulch wraps around the trunk.
These suggestions come from the Kansas State Research and Extension website. "Each state's extension service will likely provide a gardening calendar on its website for activities that people think of each week of the year," Boyer said.
You may want to do a soil test. DIY kits are available or you can send samples to a laboratory (your local extension service may recommend one). Knowing the composition of your soil can help you determine what fertilizers or other nutrients you should add. For garden enthusiasts this time of year, there is "a lot of soil prep, seed prep, pruning and tool prep," Boyer said.
When you get there, don't forget to consider where you live. "Southern states may already be past their frost dates and are busy with all sorts of planting projects," Boyer said. "The northern states are still in the dream catalog and drool phase of gardening."
Residents who have evacuated their homes should take precautions in case the home was damaged. Please note that the structure may be weakened or contaminated by mold or sewage, resulting in health risks.
Be aware of the dangers
outside the house
Before entering your home, check the outside for damaged electrical and gas lines, cracks in the foundation, and other external damage. It may be too dangerous to enter the home until an inspector has checked it out.
Turn off major electrical and water systems until you or a professional can ensure they are safe. NEVER turn the device on or off or use any tools or electrical appliances while in the water.
Smell the gas. If you smell natural gas or propane or hear a hissing noise, exit the vehicle immediately and call the fire department.
Check the ceiling and floor for signs of sagging. Water trapped in the ceiling or floor can be dangerous to enter.
Be aware of rodents, snakes, insects and other animals that may be on your property or in your home.
inside the house
If your home flooded due to the disaster or has high humidity, expect mold to form. Exposure to mold can increase health risks for survivors with asthma, allergies or other respiratory problems.
Open doors and windows. If the house has been closed for more than 48 hours, let the house air out before staying indoors for a long time.
Wear protective clothing, including gloves and rubber boots.
If in doubt, throw it away.
Throw away items that absorb water and cannot be cleaned or disinfected (e.g., mattresses, carpets, cosmetics, stuffed animals, and baby toys).
Remove all drywall and insulation that has come into contact with flood water.
Be careful when moving furniture or debris as they may be wet and heavier.
Throw away all food, drinks, and medications that are exposed to flooding and mud, including canned goods and sealed containers of food or liquids.
outside the house
cleaning
Thoroughly clean hard surfaces (e.g. floors, counters, and equipment) with warm water and soap or detergent.
Some solutions can produce toxic fumes and other hazards when mixed. If you smell a strong odor or your eyes water from chemical fumes or mixtures, open a window and leave your home.
Before making any repairs or modifications, check with your local building authority to see if a permit is required. For a detailed overview of safety precautions and cleaning methods, visit the CDC website at Safely Cleaning After a Disaster .
Blood, sweat and vomit are some of the most difficult and common stains that thousands of people deal with every day when dealing with clothing .
But TikTok cleaning expert Roo, who goes by @rooshome on the social media platform, is now sharing her top tips for avoiding headaches when clothes and linens pile up .
She said, "Whether it's a razor cut you didn't notice before bed, Mother Nature making her presence known, or a storm of sweat in your sports team's armpits... blood, sweat and everything in between is just a part of life."
"Fortunately, that doesn't mean you have to throw away every item of clothing with suspicious stains. Here are five tips for washing the clothes you need in your life."
If your clothes have sticky stains like gum or glue , don't just throw them in the washing machine. This could cause the gum to melt and spread to other clothing.
Before washing, treat the area with white vinegar and then wash cold with your usual laundry detergent.
How to remove blood stains:
You should always rinse the stain with cold water first (not hot water, otherwise the stain may become even harder). Pre-treat the stain with detergent and put it in the washing machine on cold water.
Cold is worth its weight in gold for removing blood, and most stains disappear with one wash. However, if there are still stains, repeat the process.
This is how your socks always stay fresh:
Revitalize your dull, sweaty socks and fight the bacteria hidden within by placing them in a bucket or sink with warm water and a generous squeeze of lemon juice and letting them soak overnight.
Before applying detergent directly to stubborn stains, wring out your socks and wash them in cold water.
Keeping socks clean is one of the most annoying tasks in life. Even if you keep your house and floors reasonably clean, socks can still get dirty and aren't always as easy to restore.
And that's before you even think about white socks that have turned gray or faded over time. Of course, it would be easy to throw them away and buy new pairs, but we're in a cost of living crisis , so it's good to take matters into your own hands. I decided to stop putting off this task and finally try out a popular cleaning tip for my stained socks using just one simple ingredient .
I went to the nearest Asda and bought a large bag of soda crystals from the cleaning aisle, which cost me a whopping £2. I've never used them for cleaning, but they have so many uses, from cleaning the washing machine to degreasing pots and pans.
Although they do not contain bleach, they are also said to be excellent at removing stains. At least that's what fans of Mrs. Hinch say, and they're rarely wrong. Baking soda crystals are also being hailed as a way to soften clothes, and for someone who doesn't own a dryer, the idea was immediately very appealing.
So, armed with my dirty socks, I followed his instructions and filled a large container with hot water before adding my socks and a cup of soda crystals.
When it started to look like a menacing soup, I left the soda crystals on for about two hours. Professionals recommend leaving it on overnight, but since I was racing against time, I had to use it for a few hours.
Once the time was up, I carefully drained the water from the container and put the socks in the washing machine with regular detergent and an extra helping of baking soda crystals in the drum, just for good measure. They actually looked worse at this point, I think because they were soaked, so I was really hoping the washing machine would do its thing.
Luckily I didn't have to worry as they came out transformed after a wash at 30°C.
The stubborn stains disappeared and the socks looked much whiter and brighter, as if I had bought them new.
I don't think the soda crystals softened them, but it may take a few washes for that to happen.
Either way, I'll be using them in every white laundry room from now on and can't wait to see what other cleaning jobs around the house can benefit from this simple and affordable product.
