Cluttered spaces can lead to cluttered minds, making it challenging to find peace and focus. As spring blooms, it’s the perfect time to declutter and reorganize our living spaces, promoting a sense of renewal and wellbeing.
However, knowing where to begin and what to keep or discard can be overwhelming. Amelia Pleasant Kennedy, CEO and founder of A Pleasant Solution and clutter coach, shares her expert advice to help you embark on a transformative spring cleaning journey.
1. Set Aside Time and Create a Conducive Environment
Kennedy emphasizes the importance of dedicating focused time to the decluttering process. “Set aside one to two hours per project and set a timer to help you stay on task,” she advises. Creating an energizing environment is also crucial: “Make sure you’re well-rested, nourished, and hydrated, as decision-making sessions can be draining. Put on some music to increase your energy level and make your decluttering session more engaging and fun.”
2. Identify Your Favorites and Essentials
“Deciding what to keep is often easier than deciding what to toss,” Kennedy notes. “Think through the items you frequently use, which are your favorites or go-tos. Set these items into your favorites pile.” This approach helps you prioritize the items that genuinely serve you and bring joy to your life.
3. Let Go of the Broken and Unused
Kennedy suggests scanning your belongings for anything broken, non-functional, or that you simply know could be better utilized by someone else. “It’s best not to overthink it – toss or recycle these items and start your bag for donations,” she advises. Letting go of items that no longer serve a purpose can be liberating.
4. Evaluate the Necessity of Remaining Items
“If you’re unsure whether an item should be kept or discarded, get curious about what it adds to your life. Identify why it deserves space in your home or specific instances in the next three months that you’ll use it. If this is a challenge, the item isn’t serving you,” Kennedy states.
5. Refresh Your Linen Closet and Bedding
Spring is an ideal time to assess your sheets, towels, and blankets. Kennedy recommends donating linens that are thinning or stained to animal shelters. “Launder your mattress pad and rotate 180 degrees to even out the wear,” she suggests. Aim to keep a maximum of two sets of sheets per bed and two towels per person, neatly folded or rolled for a tidy appearance.
6. Declutter and Simplify Your Beauty Routine
Open beauty and personal care products have a limited shelf life due to bacterial growth. Kennedy advises tossing or replacing any open products you’ve had for an unknown duration. “Now is a great time to simplify your daily beauty routine and keep only the products that make you look and feel your best,” she encourages.
7. Revamp Your Wardrobe
As you transition from winter to spring, Kennedy cautions against storing items you no longer love for the upcoming season. “If you didn’t wear them this past winter, think twice about keeping them,” she advises. Additionally, she recommends dry cleaning coats and sweaters to ensure they’re fresh for the next fall and having a cobbler clean up salt stains or wear on boots and leather shoes before storing them.
8. Tackle Quick Wins for Instant Gratification
For immediate results, Kennedy suggests decluttering nightstands, tossing unmatched or worn socks, clearing desktops and filing papers, purging expired freezer items, and discarding nearly empty condiment bottles. These quick wins can provide a sense of accomplishment and motivation to continue decluttering.
9. Declutter and Organize Bags and Wallets
“You can instantly make your day-to-day better with a clean and organized purse,” says Kennedy. Clearing out everyday bags and wallets can be an achievable spring organization task, helping you start each day with a refreshed mindset.
10. Purge Unused Clothing and Accessories
If you have piles or bins filled with clothes, Kennedy suggests decluttering the items you no longer wear or have mixed feelings about. “Do you keep it around solely for how long you had it? Do you have mixed feelings about it but keep it cause it’s familiar?” she asks, encouraging you to let go of pieces that no longer serve you.
By following these expert tips, you can create a clutter-free, organized living space that fosters a sense of calm and wellbeing. Remember, decluttering is a journey, and taking small, consistent steps can lead to a transformative experience.
