Most people think that spring is the perfect time to declutter and get organized, and they’re not wrong! There’s just something about the warmer weather and increased daylight hours that can really motivate people.
But what projects are the best use of your time to tackle in the spring? Honestly, any area of your home will be productive, but there are some that just work better in the spring because they are better suited for good weather.
1. Garage
An obvious one maybe, but once again, that’s for good reason! Sweep out those leaves that blew in last fall, and make space for the things that you use in the summer months. Go through the storage bins full of sports equipment, old wires, memorabilia, holiday décor – whatever it is that you store in there – and make sure you are only keeping things that you actually use and are worth taking up valuable space.
Remember also that some things are not best stored in the garage, because the temperature and moisture levels fluctuate. This is not conducive for special items like photos or memorabilia, or food. A finished basement may be a better area to store them instead.
2. Basement
Speaking of basements, let’s tackle that too! I like doing basements in the spring because the light tends to be better then, and also I find that the process of hauling items out of the basement into the fresh air is invigorating and motivating. You want to get out of the basement as quickly as possible when you’re decluttering in the spring, so you move more efficiently. Like a garage, go through all those storage bins of miscellaneous items, and make decisions about what is important to keep.
3. Vehicle
My vehicle definitely needed a clean out after this job!
Cleaning out your vehicle is so satisfying. Empty all the unnecessary junk, take out the snowbrush and shovel now that you won’t need for another 6 months, and toss those receipts and food wrappers that have been cluttering up your floor. Give your vehicle a good wipe down, and a vacuum. While you’re at it, bring part of your reusable bag collection into your car so that you have them when you need!
Sidenote about reusable bags: If you have them in your car, but you forget to bring them into the store with you, just fill your cart back up when you’re done checking out. Roll the cart out to your car and place the items into bags in your vehicle, and then return the cart. It’ll only add a few minutes to your routine, and then you won’t have another few bags to add to your mounting collection of them!
4. Closets
Clothing changes seasonally, so it’s good to do a check-in to see if you still want to wear all the clothes you own, or if there are any that need to be repaired. It’s better to donate clothing during the relevant season, so do an assessment of your spring/summer clothing now, and see what you can donate and have people use for this season! Then go through your fall/winter items in the fall.
We only consistently wear a fraction of our clothing most of the time, so it’s likely that you have some items that don’t get worn very often, or ever! They would be better served by someone else wearing them, or being upcycled into a different item.
5. Paperwork
Tax season just ended, and guess what that means!? You can get rid of another year of your old taxes. Most people only need to keep 7 years’ worth of tax information and receipts, but always check with your accountant to be sure before tossing anything. Sort through your paperwork now before summer hits and you won’t have any motivation left! You may have old irrelevant receipts, instruction manuals for electronics you don’t have anymore, old school paperwork etc. Sort through it and give yourself a fresh start!
Remember that eventually someone will have to deal with your “stuff”, and the physical items that you keep do not define you. You should only be keeping items that you WANT to, not items that you feel OBLIGATED to.
Do you need some help with the decluttering process? Get in touch with me to book an assessment!
Contact me at adeilah@jigsaworgsolutions.com or 519-807-2478.
