It’s happening now, can you feel it?
The stillness of winter is giving way to the expansive possibilities of spring time. And in the Northern Hemisphere, the snow melts as longer, warmer days quickly approach.
If you’re ready to switch from puffy parkas to daisy printed raincoats in your closets but feel overwhelmed, I’ve got 5 simple spring decluttering tips to help.
Spring Decluttering Tip #1 - Set Yourself Up Before You Begin
Please don’t jump into your spring decluttering without preparation first. Take time to mindfully set yourself up for success before digging through any closets or cupboards. Being methodical in your approach allows you to stop working in circles or creating bigger messes than you began with.
Pause, think ahead and plan your work before you get started. Ask yourself:
- What area of your home will you work on?
- What is the end goal? What does “finished” look like for this project?
- Do you have all of your supplies? (garbage bags, empty boxes, tape & markers etc)
Next, clear the chosen space from surface clutter first. This means removing trash, or any other items that are clogging up the space. You want the space to be as easy to work in as possible. And your planned afternoon of decluttering won’t go well if you’re tripping over old Amazon delivery boxes or can’t find a clear surface to lay your belongings out on.
Spring Decluttering Tip #2 - Think Seasonally
Decluttering can be overwhelming, but categorizing your belongings will help. This allows you to mentally divide your projects, so you can take care of them one at a time.
When you switch from winter to spring in your home, ask yourself these questions:
- What needs to come out and what can go away?
- Do I have items I haven’t used all winter?
- If so, why? (if you don’t have a good answer – let them go!)
- Where am I ready to reinvigorate the energy of my space? What are simple ways I could do this?
Spring Decluttering Tip #3 - Create a Positive Space to Work In
Note: this applies to decluttering and organizing all year round, not just in spring!
My clients often hold back from taking decluttering action because they dread the experience. But they (and you) have the power to make clutter clearing more enjoyable. The next time you get to work on a clearing project, try the following:
- Turn on music that you love
- Open a window for fresh air
- Use essential oils or candles – choose energizing scents like citrus or peppermint
- Set a timer and try the Pomodo Method, 25 minutes working with zero distractions then a 5-minute break (this is an incredible productivity technique that I use when I write these blogs!)
- Stretch, move and energize your body while you clear
Decluttering and organizing doesn’t have to feel like an endless chore that you’ll never have control over. By shifting the energy in your environment you’ll prove that yes, you’re in control. This in turn boosts your confidence before you even begin sorting and purging.
Spring Decluttering Tip #4 - Use Fresh Eyes on Your Space
Now’s the time to try something new! Move furniture, shop your home for bins and baskets, redistribute decorations and shake up the energy of your home.
Try looking at your spaces through the eyes of someone who doesn’t live in it everyday. We tend to get used to how things are and that puts blinders on to easy improvements we can make.
Your storage areas should make it easy to keep organized. This means knowing exactly what’s stored where, being able to remove and put back items without a ski helmet toppling from a top shelf onto your head and being able to clean the area easily too.
A shelving unit or closet could be rearranged for better access to what’s stored inside, and it could only take a few simple tweaks on your part. Remember, always question if your set up makes it easy on you to use.
Spring Decluttering Tip #5 - Get Intentional
On the surface, decluttering is just hauling overstuffed black garbage bags of boot-cut jeans and never used waffle irons from your house. But the more you clear, the more you’ll see it’s a tool for transformation in your life.
The intentional work you do in your home now sets the stage for the future you actively create.
Ask yourself:
- What are you looking forward to this spring?
- What are you ready to let go of in this seasonal change?
- Who are you becoming and do your belongings and home support this vision of yourself?
Now it's time to put these tips to use
Taking a structured and seasonal clearing approach lowers overwhelm and encourages positive changes in your home. Keep these tips in mind when you get bit by the organizing bug this spring.
And if you need extra support, sign up below for my Clear Your Life Method decluttering guide. In it I walk you through my 4-step process to clear any space with ease.
