Spring cleaning

Photo credit Deborah Goldstein

Spring Cleaning - Organizing tips

If you’re planning to do some serious spring-cleaning, the first step is clearing out everything that’s been piling up around the house all winter. The real hurdle is just figuring out where to start. Here are some tips to help you get started.

1 Take it one room at a time

Many of my clients become very overwhelmed when thinking about the total project. By narrowing your focus to one room at a time you will be able to organize each space in less time and will feel inspired by the results

2 Reclaim your storage spaces

If closets, basements, and utility rooms are crammed with stuff you barely recognize, let alone use, clear those out first. Recycle or throw away anything you don’t truly need, and find a home for the items that you decide are really keepers. Once you’ve freed up space in your storage areas, you’ll be amazed at how much you can actually store in them.

3 Streamline your clothing

Get your bags ready fill them with all the clothing your children have outgrown. Purge your closet of clothes that you no longer wear or feel fabulous in. If those bags of items waiting to be dropped off at Goodwill never leave your house, they’re just adding to the clutter. My go to place for for clothing donations is St. Mary's Church in Brooklyn. You can call or schedule a pick up online. https://stmarysclothingdrive.com/stmarys/schedule

4 Children’s school work and artwork

Spring signals the home stretch of the school year. Now is a great time to edit last years take home work. The truth of the matter is your children will not want their returned work when they adults. Clients often ask what do I do with all of the my child’s art work. Edit it like an art critic. You can photograph the best work and create books for each child. My favorite site is https://www.mixbook.com/

5 Finally make a resolution to create less clutter Before you purchase something or accept a hand me down. Ask yourself do I need it and can I store. The best way to simplify and maintain your home is to stop bringing in things that you don’t truly need.