Spring = New Life

Every spring, the world comes to life. The flowers are blooming, the trees come alive, the grass turns green. Everything feels fresh and new again.

The sun comes out and the days get longer. We get itchy to work in our yards, clean out the beds and plant new flowers.

We want new life in our homes too. We want to clean every space, put away winter and bring the house to life again. It’s a natural feeling.

But for most people this can be overwhelming. Where do I start? I don’t know what to do first. I have too much stuff!

Where do I start?

The best place to start is by making a list. Start by writing everything down that you want to accomplish. Every room you want to organize. Put everything on that list, big and small. It’s a proven fact that when goals are written down, they are more likely to get accomplished.

I’ve Made My List Now What?

Now tackle each item one by one. One room, one drawer, one closet, one space.

The first step is to take everything out of the space.

For example, if you are working in a closet, take everything out.

Why Do I Have To Take Everything Out?

It’s much easier to work with a blank space. It forces you to touch every item in the space and decide if it stays or goes. When it is empty you won’t be tempted to keep it as it is.

Next Step, Sorting:

Now after everything is out. Start sorting. Make piles: keep, relocate, donate, trash.

Keep:

These are items that you use regularly and that you will keep in this space.

Relocate:

Do not keep anything that is not going to live permanently in this space. For example a drill probably shouldn’t live in your food pantry.

Donate:

You can either sell these items at a yard sale or donate them to charity. Chances are, if you haven’t touched the item in a full calendar year, you probably don’t need it and can get rid of it. TIP: If you choose to sell at a yard sale, make it happen quickly or it won’t get done. There are donation drop offs everywhere and places like Goodwill where you can get a tax write off for donating your goods. If you don’t think you will follow through on a yard sale, then you need to donate it.

Trash:

Anything that is broken, missing a piece, or not in working order is trash. Throw it away. It’s taking up space and cluttering your mind as well.

Ok, Sorted! Now What?

The next step is to put like items together, on a shelf, or in a container that best fits the space.

Why Like Items?

Keeping like items together saves time and helps everyone. Everyone knows where to find what they are looking for.

For example: Where’s all the stuff to make our school lunch? It’s all in a bin together in the refrigerator.

Where are the kid’s snacks? They’re in a bin together in the pantry.

Where are all the gift wrapping supplies? In the closet drawers upstairs.

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When everything alike lives together it’s easier to find, saves time, energy, and money since you are not buying something you already have, but can’t find.

Organization equals less stress on everyone.

What’s Next? Labels!

Finally, label everything. Labeling not only looks pretty, it is practical way for everyone in your home to know where things are, and where they go back when they’re done using them.

TIP: Labels in the pantry let everyone know where decanted food items are and when it’s time to buy more.

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