Tips From Tonia – April 2024

Spring is in the air and you know what that means…..it’s spring cleaning & decluttering time. It feels so good to do some cleaning along the way. I wanted to put together some tips this month to help you get going on your spring organization.

Remember to start with the end in mind, this will help keep you motivated while you are in the process of decluttering!

1. Start with a plan: Make a checklist of areas you want to tackle & set specific goals for each space. You know I love a good checklist!
2. Declutter first: Begin by getting rid of items you no longer need or use. Donate, sell, or recycle items that are in good condition but no longer serve a purpose. Be realistic when choosing what to keep/donate. That treadmill that has been sitting around likely hasn’t been used, and probably won’t be!
3. Take it one room at a time: Focus on one room or area at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed. This approach helps you stay organized and motivated.
4. Use the four-box-method: Label four boxes or bins as “Keep”, “Donate”, “Trash” and “Store”. Sort items into these boxes as you declutter each space. Another possible category could be “Sell”.
5. Organize storage spaces: Utilize storage solutions like bins, baskets and shelves to keep items organized and easily accessible. Maximize vertical space to free up floor space.
6. Clean as you go: Dust, vacuum, and wipe down surfaces as you declutter each area. This saves time and ensures thorough cleaning.
7. Rotate seasonal items: Store seasonal items like clothing, decorations, and sports equipment in labeled bins or containers. Rotate these items as the seasons change to keep your space clutter-free.
8. Digitize paper clutter: Scan important documents and receipts to reduce paper clutter. Store digital copies on your computer or in the cloud for easy access.
9. Evaluate sentimental items: Keep sentimental items that bring you joy but consider displaying or storing them in a way that doesn’t contribute to clutter. Take photos of items you want to remember but don’t necessarily need to keep. I also recommend sending keepsake art/momentous to Artkive.
10. Maintain regularly: Establish daily or weekly cleaning habits to maintain a clutter-free home. Spend a few minutes each day tidying up & putting things back in their designated places.