20 tips for decluttering & cleaning this spring.

1. Start with one room at a time – spring cleaning can become very overwhelming. Finish one task or room before moving on to another.

2. Before beginning, envision what you want your space to look like and do not lose hold of that image in the process.

3. Follow these purging rules: Do you use it? Do you need it? Do you love it? If you cannot absolutely say any of these phrases about a particular item you should donate, sell, or throw it away. If you are having trouble parting with something, place it in a box and, in 6 months, if you have not used or thought about it you may want to reconsider if you need to keep it.

4. Sort through drawers of end tables. Remove any loose papers, garbage, or unnecessary items.

5. Sort through books and magazines. Recycle old magazines and donate books you no longer want to keep.

6. Toss any receipts more than a year old unless you need them for taxes. File any tax-related receipts.

7. Throw away any bills more than a year old. A paper shredder is perfect for shredding documents with personal information.

8. Remove any expired items or old and unused items from the pantry.

9. Clean out fridge - throw away any expired items and wipe down shelves

10. There is no need for mismatched Tupperware or Tupperware that is missing a lid, get rid of them.

11. Toss any makeup or cosmetics more than a year old.

12. Clean out your medicine cabinet and throw away anything that has expired (especially old prescriptions).

13. Clear dresser tops of anything that doesn’t serve a daily function.

14. Comb through drawers and closets for clothing items you no longer wear or use. Donate any items still in good condition. Ask yourself – Does it fit? Is it damaged (stained/torn)? Have I worn it in the past year? These 3 simple questions should help you decide if you should keep, donate or toss it.

15. If you are working with a small closet space, pack out of season clothing away. This includes shoes!

16. Clean your mattress – Combine 1c baking soda with 4-5 drops of essential oil (whatever scent you like most). Mix the two in a container, strip the bed and then sprinkle the powder you’re your mattress. Let the powder sit for a while to work its magic then vacuum

17. Clean under and on top of all surfaces (i.e. under couches and beds/on top of fans and light fixtures.

18. Use bins for children’s toys and seasonal items (take the extra step to label them, it will make all the difference)

19. Do not bring any new items into your home until the “decluttering” process is complete – this goes for storage items/boxes as well. Once you have gotten rid of everything you do not need, you can better understand your storage needs for the remaining items.

20. Stay focused! If you decide you are going to clean the living room, do not wander into the kitchen when you find a spoon under one of the couch cushions. Next thing you know you will be eating chips and putting away dishes. Instead toss items like this into a box labeled “other rooms” and when you are done with the task at hand you can bring those items to their rightful homes.