Spring cleaning is in full swing.
There will undoubtedly be a ton of articles about spring cleaning your home published in the upcoming month, both online and lots of magazines. And I understand that because I spent a long time in that world.
I experienced many cold winters in Buffalo, NY, as a child, so I can truly enjoy the arrival of spring and the sense of vitality and newness that comes with it, perhaps more so than those who grew up here in beautiful Houston.
Deep cleaning your house in the spring is only natural. And I’m completely in favor of it. I believe you should go ahead and do it, even here in Texas, where in many ways it is not such a big seasonal shift.
But before you start your spring cleaning and each time you read an article on it, I want you to keep in mind one thing:
Spring cleaning isn’t as good as spring decluttering.
In reality, spring decluttering is where the best spring cleaning starts. Because cleaning is simpler the less you own.
Plus, the advantages of decluttering go well beyond the arrival of spring. You’ll get a home that is easier to clean each week of every year as a result of spring decluttering. And having fewer possessions makes a house more serene and tranquil every day.
However, because it’s easy to get overwhelmed by even the idea of decluttering, it’s also a good idea to start slowly. Finding even just a few things to purge from each section of your home will make your whole house feel lighter.
Here are some tips to help you get some spring decluttering started with small projects that can usually be completed in under an hour or so.
In the Kitchen
Small Appliances
The first step in decluttering your small appliances is to take stock of what you have. Gather all of your gadgets together in one place, and assess which ones you use regularly and which ones are taking up space unnecessarily. Be honest with yourself – if you haven’t used that panini press in six months, it’s probably time to let it go.
Once you’ve identified which appliances you want to keep, it’s time to find a home for them. One effective strategy is to designate a specific cabinet or shelf for your small appliances, and make sure that each appliance has a dedicated spot within that space. This will help keep your counters clear and make it easier to find what you need when you need it.
Another helpful tip is to choose multi-functional appliances whenever possible. For example, a blender with a food processor attachment can take the place of two separate gadgets, saving you both space and money. Similarly, a toaster oven can be used for baking, broiling, and toasting, making it a versatile addition to any kitchen.
Finally, don’t be afraid to get creative with your storage solutions. Wall-mounted racks, under-cabinet hooks, and rolling carts can all be great ways to store small appliances that don’t fit neatly into your cabinets. Just make sure that whatever solution you choose is easily accessible and doesn’t create additional clutter in other areas of your kitchen.
Cooking Utensils and Serving Ware
If you have multiples of the same item, such as three spatulas or four wooden spoons, consider getting rid of the extras. Keep only what you actually use and need.
Assess the condition of these items too. Look at each item, and if something is broken, chipped, or otherwise damaged, get rid of it.
In Your Closet
Winter Shoes
Get rid of any winter shoes you didn’t wear last season first.
Then, take a brief look at the ones you wore most frequently. I recently noticed my favorite boots were worn, damaged, and even splitting from the sole. It was time for them to go, however much I loved them (and I did). If you have similar footwear, you might either plan to save money to buy replacements next fall or try to find some replacements on sale right away. In any case, you don’t need them clogging up your closet right now.
Winter Clothing
The same is true for clothing. If it’s worn out, out of style, or does not fit, it’s time for it to go. I’ve also written far more extensively about seasonal closet decluttering here, so you could check that post out too.
In the Garage
Does anyone else have an excessive number of chemical containers that are only partially used, ranging from paint and car care items to bug and yard sprays? These are things that not only cause clutter but can even be hazardous.
All of them should be collected, your shelves should be cleaned, and the things that are still required and still effective and usable should be neatly put back.
In the Bathroom
Now that the dreadful flu season is finally coming to a close, it’s a fantastic idea to go through your medicine cabinet and check expiration dates. Contact a pharmacist for information on how to properly dispose of any prescription medications that have expired or are no longer required, and toss those half used boxes of cold remedy pills.
This is also a good time to ‘spring declutter’ your cosmetics. All cosmetics expire, no matter how expensive they were, and some, like mascaras and eyeliners, past their expiry dates can be harmful to keep using. This is something else I’ve written about more extensively before, and you can check out that post here.
In the Living Room
Decluttering your living room is often a bigger task, but to help you stay on track with your quick spring decluttering, here are some things you can do fast:
- Toss trash and recycling: Go through your living room and quickly toss any trash or recycling that has accumulated.
- Clear surfaces: Take a few minutes to clear surfaces such as coffee tables and end tables. Put away any items that don’t belong or that you no longer need.
- Put away shoes and coats: If shoes and coats have piled up in your living room, take a few minutes to put them away in their proper place.
- Straighten pillows and cushions: Fluff pillows and straighten cushions to give your living room a neater appearance.
- Remove clutter from the floor: If there are items on the floor that don’t belong, quickly put them away in their proper place.
- File away paperwork: If there is paperwork cluttering up your living room, quickly file it away in a designated spot. If it’s garbage, toss it in the trash.
- Put away electronics: Put away any electronics, such as laptops, tablets, or game controllers that are not currently being used.
Remember, these are just quick tasks to help you make progress. If you have more time, you can dive deeper into decluttering your home at another time.
Need help? You can transform your home into a fresh, clutter-free oasis this spring with our professional home decluttering and organization services. And right now, working with a professional makes more sense than ever, as we are currently offering a special discount on spring home organization.
Use the code SPRINGAHEAD10 when booking before March 31st, 2024 and we’ll give you 10% off any of our home organization services, whether you book by the hour or opt for one of our value packages.
Say goodbye to chaos and hello to a beautifully organized space that sparks joy and makes daily life easier. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards a more peaceful and organized home. Call 832-271-7608 or complete the contact form here to get started.
Working with Taya and her team is easy. You can book an appointment easily on her website, or contact her directly at 832-271-7608
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