Tips from a Pro Organizer on 4 Places to Declutter Before Spring Cleaning
Why decluttering matters?
Decluttering matters because there are “layers” of clean. First, you have to clear the clutter, put things where they belong or create a place for things if you don’t have dedicated spaces. THEN, you can deep clean.
Decluttering provides immediate gratification. It is very satisfying and will provide you with the motivation to keep going.
You can break down decluttering into segments. This will create achievable tasks so you can work on a decluttering project across days or weeks.
Part of the decluttering process is to create systems which make your home easier to maintain.
Spring cleaning can seem like an ominous project that looms ahead. It can be overwhelming for all of us. Fortunately, starting to declutter now can minimize the time and effort when it’s time for a big clean. Tackling these five spaces can help us stay motivated, keep momentum, and avoid feeling discouraged when we start the deeper spring-cleaning routine.
Where To Start?
Common Living Spaces
Evaluate your common living spaces and organize everything that isn’t already in its rightful place. These rooms can often become a “drop zone” for items that should be put away in other rooms. Sort these items into piles or immediately take them to the room where they belong.
If you have a lot of items that don’t have a home and you like, use or need them, then make homes for them in a location where you use them most. If you don’t need them, thrown them away or donate.
Bathrooms
Bathrooms can easily become an overwhelming mess. Start by organizing and putting away everything where it belongs. If you find duplicates, toss what you don’t need more than one or haven’t used in the last 6 months. Next, go through your linens. Repurpose old towels and sheets or donate to pet shelters or bordering locations. Pro tip: repurpose your old hand towels for your spring-cleaning day!
Kitchen
A kitchen always seems to be challenged for space - with gadgets and appliances in rotation on top of managing food, accessories and utensils. Start by decluttering drawers by sorting utensils and removing duplicates and those you haven’t used. Consolidate keepers to an established home. Remember that a sharp knife can replace any small gadget you purchased but haven’t used since it was first taken from the box. Small kitchen appliances, if you haven’t used it in the last 6 months, are the next category to purge. Keep only what you use and find a storage spot for them in a cabinet or dedicated area of the pantry so you can free up counter space. Any items you received as a gift are not required to keep out of obligation.
Once you free up drawer space and get your countertops clear, repeat this process for your kitchen cabinets.
Bedrooms
There’s a common theme here of getting rid of what you haven’t used in a while and your bedroom is no exception. Start with a closet or dresser and don’t forget the nightstand. Get rid of things you don’t use often or have seen better days. Don’t forget to look under any beds for the random sock, storage boxes, or misplaced toys. Finish up the bedrooms by sorting through all of the small accessories that tend to find a home on surfaces like side-tables and dressers.
Decluttering is the key component to making spring cleaning easier. Start now and tackle a bit at a time, getting rid of worn-out or lesser used things and creating homes for things you do use. You will see that this process makes space in your home so you can stay organized and make routine and deep cleaning a breeze.
Need more help? Reach out to Lisa Malone, Professional Organizer and Co-Founder of You Have Arrived! www.youhavearrived.net