Start
Getting started with the spring clean is always the hardest part. Be motivated to want to better your space and make it inviting. By cleaning spaces that have become “clutter zones” you will be freeing up valuable area that can be utilized for the actual purpose of the room.
 
Purge
When it comes to clutter, it’s mostly because people accumulate lots of “stuff.” When going through items, keep in mind you are trying to clean up the space. Get rid of those possessions you haven’t thought about or seen in the last month or so. If you find yourself saying, “I totally forgot I even had this,” then really, you have to ask yourself how much you will miss it in the end.
 
Re-organize
Organization is the most important thing when thinking about a spring clean! There are great ways to get re-organized—whether through great storage containers, or fun boxes to put your items in. This is especially helpful for things like seasonal decorations and fashions. Everything should be neatly stored in a container and clearly labelled so it’s ready to use when needed. There are a number of places you can hunt out great design-savvy containers. Prints and patterns match any décor whilst de-cluttering your space! These boxes are perfect to stack in that space above your closet or even left out as an accent. The important thing to remember is to put everything back in its place when you are done.

Indulge
Thinking about the “spring clean” is not the most glamorous of occupations. To make it easier on those dragging their feet, one suggestion is to make it more interesting by considering the fabulous items available now when it comes to storage solutions—with something to match any kind of décor. It doesn’t have to be ugly plastic containers. Think about gorgeous printed boxes, canvas storage containers, woven wicker baskets, and lovely faux leather desk accessories. Organizing and spring cleaning doesn’t have to be a chore. Indulge in design-savvy storage solutions to make it less like work, and more a design project.

Needs
Know what your needs are. Prioritize and identify places in your home in need of cleaning and organizing the most. Start here and then work your way down the list. By checking the items off as you go, it will give you a sense of accomplishment. Definitely a good thing! Tackle the hard jobs first; you will see how easy it can be once you have completed a few. Keep in mind what you use the spaces for and organize accordingly. This will help you when figuring out what exactly you need to keep/throw away and how you are going to utilize the space to its full potential.

Give
Be sure to donate things to charity. There is nothing worse than just throwing stuff away! Our landfills are already having their limits tested so, why add more when you have an option to re-purpose items. Many charities are willing to do pick-ups of old clothes and furniture. Giving to those in need goes a long way toward making you feel a lot better about letting it go.

Clutter Free
To become clutter-free, try to minimize what you have out on display. Showcase the pieces you love for a time, and then change them out every month or so. This will always keep your place looking fresh and new. Remember to store extra accents in an easily accessible place, so it’s not a huge hassle when it’s time for a change. This way, you won’t let laziness get the best of you! As the saying goes, have a place for everything and everything in its place. Keep certain items together—for example, a standard spot to keep your keys when you come in. It’s a great way of not misplacing your keys!

Love Your Home
Loving your home and being proud of your space goes a long way in how much you will be willing to do to it. You will want to invest in making it look its best, no matter how big or small it is. When you purchase a home, it’s likely the biggest investment you will make—so make sure it is the home of your dreams. If the “bones” are great, that is what matters most when buying in the first place.

Execute and Maintain
It is easy to do the cleanup and get organized. The hard part comes to stick with the routine of putting everything back in its place. That’s where most lose all their hard work. Keep in mind that, if not maintained, you will be doing this all over again next year! Put a sticky on the wall to remind where objects originated if need be (just make sure it goes with the colour scheme of the room!). By keeping this up, it will come as second nature and you won’t have to think about it anymore!

Accessorize
Don’t forget to accessorize. Decorative storage pieces can do double duty as accessories when you display boxes on shelves or furniture pieces. This will go a long way in helping you out with storage and prettying up your space; pulling everything together in style while making your home look not so utilitarian!

Neat
Neatness is a rule everyone should live by! Clean up after yourself in the kitchen area. The more mess you leave behind, the more you’ll have to clean up afterwards. Likewise, put your clothes away when coming home from work. Throwing them on your bed to put them away “later” is not going to work. Ultimately, when turning in for the night, they will just end up on the floor—and into a huge pile before you know it. Small things go a long way in keeping your place neat and avoiding marathon house-cleaning extravaganzas every month.

Going through this list when you are doing your spring clean will definitely help cut the clutter. By keeping on task you will be an organizing guru before you know it. It can really be quite surprising how much better you’ll feel when your place is neat and tidy—as though a weight has been lifted off your shoulders. Perfect timing—to be worry-free in time for spring!

Happy Cleaning! NL