If you live in the West, odds are you’ve seen a lot of rain and snow lately. Here in Salt Lake City, Utah where I live, Spring can’t come soon enough.
So even if it is snowing as I write this, I do know that Spring cleaning is almost upon us — and I count organization and decluttering in this annual home phase, too, because spring really is the perfect time to refresh your home and declutter your space. For all my busy mom friends — you can probably relate. This time of year marks the start of a new season and a chance to create a more organized and stress-free living environment. If you're feeling overwhelmed by the thought of decluttering your home, don't worry — I’ve got you covered! Here are some tips and tricks to help you declutter your home quickly and efficiently this spring.
Set Clear Goals
Before you begin decluttering, take some time to set clear goals for yourself. Decide which areas of your home you want to focus on and what you hope to achieve. Whether you want to declutter your entire house or just a few specific areas, having a clear plan in place will help keep you motivated and on track. You don’t have to get too crazy with the goals. Jot down your priorities in your Notes app and check them off as you go.
Start Small
When it comes to decluttering, it's important to start small and tackle one area at a time. Trying to declutter your entire house in one go can be overwhelming and may lead to burnout. Instead, start with a small, manageable area, such as a closet or a single room, and work your way up from there.
Decluttering Tips for Specific Areas
Closets: Start by emptying out your closet and sorting through your clothes. Ask yourself if you've worn it in the last year. If not, it may be time to let it go. Consider donating or selling items that are in good condition but no longer serve you. Oftentimes, clients of mine can feel wasteful when they’re getting rid of certain items. Keep in mind that someone else will love and adore that dress that doesn’t suit you anymore. Your square footage is more precious than holding onto something you don’t wear anymore just because.
Kitchen: Go through your kitchen cabinets and drawers and get rid of any items that are broken, unused, or expired. Consider investing in storage containers to help keep your kitchen organized and clutter-free. You can absolutely repurpose existing containers that you already have on hand. If you want to make your kitchen look extra streamlined, purchase new ones that match for a consistent look and feel.
Living Room: The living room is often a gathering place for clutter. Take some time to go through any books, magazines, or knick-knacks and decide what you want to keep and what you can let go of. Storage solutions, such as baskets and shelves, are a great way to help keep your living room tidy.
Get the Whole Family Involved
Decluttering your home can be a big task, so don't be afraid to enlist the help of your family. Get your kids involved and make decluttering a fun and rewarding experience. You can even turn it into a game or offer rewards for reaching a certain decluttering milestone. I recently learned about the magic trash game from son’s teacher. Have your kids help tidy before bed and then if they pick up the “magical” item that you pre-determined was the one special item of trash or clutter, they get a few minutes of extra awake time or a tasty treat. Whatever helps motivate your household.
Stay Organized
As you declutter your home, it's important to stay organized and keep track of what you've accomplished. Consider creating a decluttering checklist or creating an album on your phone of before and after photos so you can track all of your progress. This can help you stay motivated and see how far you've come. Bonus points if you text those photos to your mom or friend so they can see how far you’ve come!
Donate or Sell Unwanted Items
Instead of just throwing away your unwanted items, consider donating or selling them. There are many local charities and thrift stores that would be happy to accept your donations, and selling your items online or at a garage sale can help you make some extra cash. If you’re a Salt Lake City, Utah local then I recommend both Deseret Industries or Savers for items that can be used again.
Stay Consistent
Decluttering your home is not a one-time task — it's an ongoing process. To maintain a clutter-free home, make a habit of regularly decluttering and organizing your space. Set aside some time each week to tackle a small decluttering project, and you'll be able to enjoy a clean and organized home all year round.
Keep in mind that decluttering your home doesn't have to be a daunting task. With a clear plan, some motivation, and a little bit of time, you can declutter your home quickly and efficiently this Spring. So roll up your sleeves, put on some music, and enjoy a clutter-free living space.
Interested in the whole less is more idea? Click here and schedule a complimentary 15-minute consult and chat with me about your home organization goals or follow me on Instagram here for daily organization and minimalist-living tips.
