Spring is here and you are ready for the light, airy freshness that it brings. SPRING CLEANING comes to mind….
You’re ready to attack the dirt and dust and all that crapola you’ve been collecting and storing. Don’t be a victim of the clutter beast! Before you leap on the piles and lose your mind, make a plan:
1. Focus on one room at a time.
Go room by room and assess what needs to be done.
This is critical so you don’t get overwhelmed.
2. Make a list.
Think about what’s not working, and think about a solution.
3. What is the ultimate goal?
Are you repurposing the space, clearing out some excess junk or just organizing?
Think S.M.A.R.T. — “specific, measurable, active, realistic and timed.”
4. Plan to do a thorough cleaning, dusting hard to reach areas like baseboards, high cabinets, the top of the refrigerator and ceiling fans.
Take down drapes and dry clean.
You will feel better when the dust is gone and air is clear.
5. Set a timeframe.
If you don’t set a timeframe, you won’t be motivated or encouraged to finish promptly.
6. Buy five large storage containers and label:
Trash, Give away, Sell, Storage and Put away.
Once full, sort the contents and begin again.
Now, what to keep?
And what to throw out, donate or sell?
If you haven’t used it in over 3 years, you probably won’t again. Maybe it’s served its purpose with you and it’s time to move it along. And just because you were given something, you don’t have to keep it — especially if you don’t like it or use it. You are not obligated to keep anything. Decide that you won’t be on Hoarders!
Trash should be disposed of, not sifted through yet again.
Give away should be done promptly, whether that means calling a friend to pick it up, delivering it yourself or mailing the items. GET IT DONE!
Storage should be assessed for easy accessibility or storage for another season and stowed.
Put away should be incorporated into your things that you already have. Make sure you are season-ready. Warm weather is gearing up; are your scarves, heavy jackets and galoshes still taking up residence at the front of your closets? Rotate out the cold weather wear and rotate in the shorts, capris and swimsuits.
Got books? All the books that you have read and will not read again, sell them here: Cash 4 Books.
Got purses, clothes and shoes? If your clothes are 3 sizes too small or too big, if you haven’t used the purse in 3 years and if the shoes are ill fitting and uncomfortable, donate to a favorite charity and enjoy the benefits of a nice tax write off! Here are a few good links to get your started:
Salvation Army
“The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.”
Big Brother Big Sister
“Big Brothers Big Sisters is not your typical organization. We help children realize their potential and build their futures. We nurture children and strengthen communities. And we couldn’t do any of it without you.”
Goodwill
“Goodwill® inspires hope and self-confidence, helping people from all backgrounds and walks of life to feel successful, valuable and dignified. We help people earn a living, improve their lives, and strengthen their families and their communities.”
Or why not sell them to a local resale/consignment shop?
In Tucson, Arizona I like Buffalo Exchange.
Check online for resale shops in your town.
With a little preparation you can be organized and ready for the winter blues to be blown away.
What are you organizing this spring? Got any tips and tricks? Leave your comments and or advice below.
Do you need a Jeanne?
With a flair for organizing and accessorizing, Personal Assistant Jeanne Stewart does everything from curtailing clutter and running personal errands to office filing and jewelry making.
You can find more information on Jeanne and her services at Do You Need a Jeanne? Or stop by and say hello on Facebook.
Jeanne, I love the idea of repurposing through donation. It’s easy to let go when you know an item will get immediate use! 😀
Jenny
I always encourage my clients to donate. It’s a write-off, but more importantly, it is an easy transition for people who tend to hoard, thinking it will be useful eventually.
As part of your de-clutter strategy I’d also suggest to sell your used books. Have a look at this website: http://sellmytextbooksshop.com/
Yes, Jeanne definitely advocates for thinning out the books and suggests selling them through Cash 4 Books. Looks like your textbook shop is a good option for folks hanging onto things like college art books, too. Thanks!
Good morning, elonyjores, yes, they can be. There’s a website called spoonflower.com that will allow you to rearrange the designs and get them printed on to a variety of fabric types. I’ve gotten samples for a couple of my designs, but the cost per yard starts at $18, so I’ve not pursued it further yet. It’s something I hope to do, though. The site is amazing, you should take a look sometime!