Spring Into Organization: Your Ultimate Spring Decluttering Guide

With warmer temperatures on the way, preparing your home for spring involves more than just a good deep clean.

Here’s my Spring Organization guide to get your home Spring-Ready.

Spring Organize Your Closet.

Take advantage of the change in season to reassess your closet and wardrobe. Dust off all the clothes that didn’t get worn this winter and consider whether they should be kept for another year. Begin by decluttering these items first. Rotate your wardrobe so that heavy, thick winter items are at the back and bring forward lightweight spring clothing, including dresses, t-shirts, and shorts, to make them more accessible.

Take stock of your shoe collection and assess which pairs are suitable for spring. Clean and polish leather shoes, and consider taking worn-out pairs for repairs or discarding them if they're beyond repair.

Update your hangers to slim velvet ones to save on space. Some of our favourites are these velvet hangers.

Spring Organize your Entry way Closet/Mudroom.

Typically, entryway closets are limited in space and intended to store items for one season per family member. Swap out bulky winter gear for lightweight spring attire. If you have children, it's an opportunity to inspect their winter coats and snowsuits for damages. Will these items still fit next year? If not, reduce clutter and donate now. Every closet will have one or two single mitts and gloves - here’s the sad truth, they’re likely gone forever. Here is permission to get rid of those orphaned items. Winter boots can also be swapped to a second closet or the basement to free up space for current season’s shoes. Say goodbye to winter hats and bring out the sun hats/caps.

Spring Organize your Garage.

Not a fun space, but definitely one of the most important. Declutter any seasonal items that were not used in the winter such as tools, sports equipment and seasonal items. Are you an avid gardener? Assess whether any tools need replacing before heading to the store to replenish your supplies.

Spring Organize your Seasonal Decor.

Did you get new holiday decor this winter? We often overlook the need to go through seasonal decorations. Instead of storing everything away, consider decluttering any decor items that were not used this season, such as ornaments, throw cushions, etc.

Spring Organize your Cleaning Supplies.

If you’re like me the change in season brings on this need to open windows and deep clean the entire home. Have any cleaning products you purchased on a whim but didn’t end up liking? I know I sometimes see those miracle cleaning products and get sucked in only to find out they’re nothing special. Get rid of it. Sort through your cleaning supplies and organize by type and keep items where you would typically use them.

Spring Organize your Car.

Do you do a deep clean of your car after the cold winter months? Swap out tires and car mats? Take some time to go through the forgotten glove compartment and trunk before sending your car to get some detailing done. Check for items stashed on the sides of the doors and don’t forget to look under the seats as well.

Simplify: To Regain some Sanity in our Lives

And just like that the month is done. Between packed schedules and getting back to our routine it’s no wonder we may start feeling some overwhelm.

When in doubt, Simplify.

Simplifying is the most easiest and quickest way to regain some sanity in our hectic lives. Let’s start by simplifying your:

Your Belongings: Everything we own takes up physical space in your home and mental space in our mind. Start small. Decluttering is like building muscle. The more you do it, the easier it will be.Less things, more freedom.

Your Schedule: Every night I take a look at my list, and choose 3 priority items for the next day, depending on my schedule. These would be the most time sensitive and urgent items or the ones that I am stressing over the most. Get into the habit of checking your to do list daily. Schedule in a time to complete those tasks. I don’t think it’s ever possible to have your to do list down to zero, but at least in this way you are continuously getting those urgent, time sensitive tasks taken care of and nothing slips through the cracks.

Your Social Media accounts: Even for a day, try it out! Let’s mute those apps that constantly cry for our attention Reduce the “noise” in your life.

Not all Organized spaces look the same

Organizing is not just pretty bins and containers. Decluttering can be hard for some people.

Last week I helped my client with a decluttering session. She has a tough time letting go of her personal items, but she did the best she could.

She wanted a better flow for her space. She wanted to easily access her closet without all the clutter blocking her path. That was her motivation.

We took it one step at a time, removing all her items and categorizing them. She then let go the best she could, we found homes for the rest of the items.

She now has a clear path to her closet and she couldn’t be happier.

An organized space doesn’t have to look perfect, or straight out of Pinterest. Each person has a level of organization that they feel comfortable with. My job as an organizer, is to help coach my clients to do the best they can.

See below for what we accomplished last week.

How To Refresh Your Home for Spring

Spring is in the air! Spring is such a wonderful time. It is the season for new beginnings. Temperature is getting better, we’re getting more hours of sunlight, everyone just seems to be in a better mood. The change in seasons is also a great time to make changes in your home.

Here are some things you can do during this season to refresh your home for Spring.

Spring Cleaning
There’s something about opening up the windows, letting the fresh air in that feels so refreshing. I get so motivated to deep clean my home. I did create a printable on spring cleaning, areas we often forget so don’t forget to check that out.

Switching out your Wardrobe
Time to put back those dark, thick winter clothes and bring out the lighter, spring outfits. It’s a great time to assess what you didn’t wear during the winter and consider donating them. If a whole season went by and you didn’t wear it, chances are you won’t wear it next year either. I also do a deep clean of my winter boots and coats and tuck those away as well for next year.

Setting up your outdoor patio.
The first bbq of spring is always a big deal for us. We sweep our deck, clean and bring out our patio set, and deep clean the bbq.

Change up your decor for Spring
Wake up those tired interiors. A simple swap of cushions, throws can really change the way a home looks and feels. Put away some of the thicker textiles, and opt for light ones that will help make the home feel airy.

Flowers and Greenery.
A simple vase full of fresh flowers and indoor plants can really freshen up the home and be the perfect pick-me-up. For those who can’t keep plants alive (me!) you can always opt for artificial.

Lighten the Load
If you want that light and airy vibe, then a good declutter is needed to ensure you only have what you need, use, and love. Go through your belongings, room by room, space by space and let go of the things that no longer serve you. Welcome that white space.

Are you feeling energized? What a difference these small changes can make! Do you have anything else you like to do in Spring? Leave me a comment below.

Decluttering Sentimental Items: Some tips.

Decluttering sentimental items can be tough; you need to be in the right frame of mind. It’s also why I never suggest starting an organizing session with this category. 

Now, remember: The special memories are in your mind, and in your heart…..not in the object. Letting go of the item, does not mean that you are letting go of those memories. Let that sink in.

Some helpful tips:

1. Display some of those special trinkets instead of keeping them in storage. Were you passed down a family heirloom, that you love but keep it away so it stays “safe”? What use is it doing collecting dust high up in a closet? Pull it out so you can enjoy it and let it bring joy to your day.
   

2. Were you gifted something but it isn't your taste, nor is it useful to you? Pass on the item to someone who actually wants it and will cherish it. 
   

3. Do you have something that you love, but won’t necessarily use? Repurpose that item into something useful. Pinterest is full of wonderful ideas on how to do this. How about those old baby clothes you keep in a storage bin? Choose the special ones and you can sew them together to make an adorable quilt.  These repurposing projects can definitely add character and you can get some use out of it instead of keeping it in storage.
   

4. Digitize the item rather than physically hold on to it. A picture is worth a thousand words. Often times, pictures of sentimental items are enough to preserve the memories associated with it, without keeping the items. 
   

5. Less is more. If you were passed down a collection of items. Give yourself permission to keep one or two from that group, and let the rest go. 
   

6.  Take breaks in between if you are feeling overwhelmed. You don’t need to do it all in one sitting; it can get pretty draining. Take a break, get some air, and come back once you’re able to continue. 

And remember, it is ok to keep some sentimental items, within reason of course. If an item is special and truly brings a smile to your face - by all means…..keep it. Fill your home with items that are full of positive energy. Don’t let an item with negative, guilt ridden feelings take up that valuable space in your home which you can use for other meaningful things. 

What I do with my kids' artwork and papers?

My daughter loves drawing, and I mean loves it. Every picture she sketches or colours in is special to her. Being the daughter of a professional organizer means she knows she needs to set limits for herself. She cannot keep every one of her creations or she will soon be drowning in her own artwork.

The way I deal with her projects is quite simple and it still allows her to make her own choices.

I allow her one space, just one space. It can be one drawer, one storage container, or even one file folder.

She is allowed to keep anything and everything that fits that one designated space.

Once things start becoming too full, we pull out her papers and it is time to assess. She then sorts through and separates her favourites from the ones she is ready to let go of. Letting go of the item doesn’t decrease its value, in fact it just makes the ones that she keeps a little extra special.

Any paperwork that is ready to be stored longterm: report cards, school awards, and special crafts all go in my clear storage container. It has hanging file folders that I use to separate per grade.