“Spring is the time of plans and projects.”
– Leo Tolstoy
Although there may still be snow on the ground in some areas, spring is definitely in the air! This time of year always brings with it a sense of new beginnings and fresh starts. So, what better way to welcome this new season than to get organized.
Where to begin?
Winter can be long and drawn out. The clutter and grime can be bothersome and leave you feeling overwhelmed. Not sure where to start? Identify, which area is giving you most grief and leaving you feeling the most overwhelmed. Ask yourself, “What are the things that need to be done to make this space clean and organized?” Prioritize, then get started!
1. Clear the clutter
The first step to getting organized for spring is to clear the clutter. Clutter can easily accumulate over the short, cold days of winter. Thankfully, clearing the clutter is easily achieved! Use totes or boxes to collect and clear the clutter from all surfaces and the floor in every room of the house. Spring is a great time to get totes on sale at stores like Walmart, Canadian Tire or Target. However, cardboard boxes from the grocery store are cost-free and work just as well.
2. Start with one room
Don’t overwhelm yourself by trying to do it all at once. Tackle one closet, one drawer, and one room at a time. It doesn’t all need to be done in one day. Just like a spring flower needs due time to reach its full blossom, so too does an organization project!
3. Eenie Meenie
Having clutter means that a) you do not take the time to put your stuff away; b) you do not have a place for everything; or c) you have too much stuff. If it’s the latter, you will need to purge and streamline your belongings. This is usually the most difficult step. Using totes, bags or boxes, create the following piles: keep, trash, donate and recycle.
As you go through your items, ask yourself:
• Is this useful, beautiful and do I love it?
• Do I have multiples of this item?
• Is this item in good condition?
• Have I used this item in the last six months?
When in doubt throw it out!
4. A place for everything, and everything in its place
Charles Augustus Goodrich did not know what he was onto when he coined the phrase “A place for everything, and everything in its place” back in 1857. This step is work but it will ensure you always know where to find what you’re looking, which will save you a lot of time in the long run. Decide where you want your “stuff” to live. It should be a practical location that makes it easy and convenient for you to return the item once you are done.
5. Kiss winter goodbye
Spring is the time to pack away all of your fall and winter items. There are some fabulous storage products on the market. Space Bag Storage Products is a great solution for packing away items, such as hats, mitts and bulky fall and winter coats and blankets. Eliminate clutter from closets by only carrying current plus next-season items.
6. Let the cleaning begin
Spring is synonymous with cleaning. Nothing screams “clean me” more than a dirty, dusty house after the winter thaw. Websites like FlyLady and Martha Stewart offer great checklists that will help keep you on track.
7. The never ending list
As you are organizing and cleaning your home, now is the time to make note of the home repairs and errands that have to be done, such as taking drapes and comforters to the dry cleaners. Keep an ongoing list and carve out time to tackle them. If the maintenance and errands are complete, you will be more inclined to stay organized.
8. Staying organized for spring
Everyone has their own idea of what being organized is. Define what it means to you, work to make it happen, and then maintain it by following these simple tips:
• If you take it out, put it back.
• Create “zones” (food prep area, reading area, bill paying area, etc.).
• Keep a “to donate” box in the house. If something is not functional, beautiful and useful to you right now, donate it.
• Keep a basket on each level of the house. If something is out of place, put it in the basket to return it to its correct place at the end of the day.
• Vow not to procrastinate.
• If it can be done in 30 seconds, do it now!
