After a long winter, I love gutting out the house of all the clutter that has been collecting. Here are a few of my own tips to help you purge all your clutter & spring clean.
One Year Rule: Go through your closets & cupboards everywhere throughout your home. If you haven't used it in the last 12 months, chances are you really don't need it. Let it go! Add these items to your garage sale pile, donate to your local thrift shop, or simply throw it out.
Closets & Cupboards: Completely empty them and start fresh. Only put those items back that are in good condition, neatly stacked & organized.
Clothing: go through all winter clothing. Children`s clothing especially since they out grow almost everything each season. Save only clothing that is in great condition to be handed down to younger siblings. Label clothing bins that you are saving on the outside so you know exactly what type (summer/winter) & size each bin holds to avoid having to sift through bins.
Sporting Goods: Most people hang on to bikes, skis, boots, bindings, backpacks, helmets, skates simply because they cost a fortune to replace. If you use these items every year, they will get worn and outdated and especially children will out grow them. My suggestion is to give these items to your local consignment shop. They will likely be able to sell these items quickly for you, and you will get money back. Typically, you can ask for cash in hand once the item sells, or get an in store credit. In Store credits are sometimes better as you will earn a better percentage in return. Consignment stores not only have second hand items, but also supply new brand name goods.
Food: Go through your pantry and throw out any stale open bags or boxes of food. Create a "snack" bin that will fit in your pantry to put granola bars, fruit leather, Mini boxes of raisins etc. This will save space instead of having 3-5 open boxes of snacks stashed around on your shelves. Completely empty your freezer, and throw out any freezer burnt/forgotten about food items. If you have a large freezer, a great idea is to store your food in milk crates. They stack very nicely inside. This way instead of "digging" to the bottom to find something you simply lift out a crate.
Curtains & Blinds: Spend a day and take them all down. Either launder curtains yourself or send them off to the dry cleaners. Dust and wash your blinds. Since all your blinds and curtains are down, now is the best time to clean your windows.
Out Door Storage: Whether you have a shed, or a carport, gut and sweep them out. Throw out any broken items, organize your tools, hang up those rakes & shovels .
Not all of this will ever get done in one day...spring cleaning can be a daunting task. Go easy and pick one or two tasks a weekend and you will have it done in no time. You will be ready to relax for the rest of the summer.
