In the midst of setting my New Year’s Resolutions, I always note how I have to get on top of my spring cleaning. Instead of reserving this specifically for spring, I try to take a look every other month at a few key spots that tend to accumulate the most clutter. Even so, spring still dominates as my “deep dive” in cleaning and it certainly isn’t for the faint of heart! I’m rounding up a few tips for the spaces I find more challenging to keep organized on a daily basis and how to tackle them in your mission to declutter.
HOME
Take this on room by room. Beyond that, break each space down into a smaller entity to make it less overwhelming. For example, don’t aim to complete your entire kitchen in one day. Instead, carve out time to focus specifically on your pantry. Grab (affordable!) bins from Dollar Tree and label snacks, drink mixes, juice pouches and so on. Clean out expired items, box up and donate items you won’t use and don’t move onto another area until you finish that space.
CLOSET
My goal with closets is keeping like items together. I also use the same color hangers for those items. All dresses go on white hangers, blazers on black hangers and seasonal items on colored hangers. I’m quick to give into clutter, but this method really helps me maintain order. When choosing what makes the cut and what has to go, I have a few questions to ask. First, when’s the last time I wore it? Next, will I wear it again? This should help you in creating those “keep” and “donate” piles. A few sentimental pieces you might never wear again are okay, but don’t fill the closet with them! Declutter and let that prom dress from junior year have a second life!
KIDS ROOMS
If you’re new to this, here’s a major hack: do not attempt to clear out toys when your kiddos are around. My toddlers “need” everything. Somehow each item you’re putting in the donation pile becomes their “favorite toy” after not touching it for a solid six months. Once they’re distracted, grab a few big boxes and start loading up everything you want to donate. Items that you’re keeping can be grouped into totes, bins or boxes with a label for what goes where. If your little ones can’t read, use clip art photos to label your bins. We have a book shelf with colorful totes that hold like items. One for Hot Wheels, another for dinosaurs, one for superheroes and so on. Our boys actually love keeping toys in the “home bin” because it’s easier to find what they’re wanting. I always tell our boys “if you can’t keep them in order, that means we don’t need them.” It has helped so much in keeping the chaos to a minimum in their toy room!
DIGITAL
Is it just me, or do you get the “your storage is almost full” message on a daily basis? I took a deep dive into my phone last time this popped up to see what the heck was bogging down my storage. It turns out, I’m a digital hoarder. There was so much that I’ve never even used nestled in my camera roll and application folders. How many of those apps are you actually using? If you haven’t touched it in the last six months, you probably don’t need it. Offload and organize your pictures with Google Photos and only keep the “necessities” on hand.
OFFICE
Do you have stacks of papers or drawers full of receipts? No judgement, I’m guilty of being a paper hoarder too. Much like the other areas in your life, start the organization process by cleaning out everything you don’t need. How much of your paper can be scanned into a digital file to make physical room in your office? The little folder icon on your desktop takes up way less space than in a filing cabinet, and it’ll be much easier to find! Rest assured, I’m not telling you to eliminate all paper. If you (like me!) prefer a physical planner and calendar, more power to you. Keep that paper version and stay organized!
Wow, I feel a little less cluttered already! This is a lot of info and you certainly won’t knock it all out in a day. I hope you’ve gotten a sense of how to keep yourself on somewhat of a schedule so life is a little less overwhelming once springtime arrives. So, what are your favorite tips for decluttering?!
Article can be viewed here in Owensboro Parent Magazine. Photograph credit to the ever so talented Jamie Alexander!
