Open the Shutters & Fling Out the Clutter!

I know it might not last and I am trying to remind myself that we have had record blizzards at this time in March but the excitement of spring is in the air. I don't know about you, but I have already thrown open the windows to let the fresh air in my home. I want to get outside, plant something and then return to a clean, fresh home.  

If that second part is tricky for you, then it is time for some spring cleaning. In winter we often huddle into our home and surround ourselves with warm comfortable things. The papers, books and magazines stack up. Our closets fill up and our garages become bloated with offcasts that we plan to deal with in the spring. It is as though our homes are putting on 'winter weight' to get them through those cold, dreary months.  

But, the time has come to clean out. I love this time of year. It is so full of possibility that the anticipation is palpable. Take that engergy and put it to good use.  

Always start with a plan. Walk around your house and make a list of every project that comes to mind. Don't worry about how or when it will get done. Just put it all down on paper, by room.  Then go through your list and pick the one project you could start with that would make the biggest difference with the least amount of effort. It could be something as simple as switching out old, burnt lightbulbs with new LED versions.  

The first project will get the ball rolling and spur you on to your next task. Pick a project that would take a weekend to complete. Clearing out a closet is a good example. Use the following steps for getting organized.

1. Observe what is going on in the space. Is there too much stuff? Are you using it as a dumping ground? Do you have unread mail in here? Be objective and honest.
2. Visualize what you would like this space to look like. 
3. Plan the steps you need to take to make your Vision a reality
4. Sort & Purge Apply Pareto's Principle (the 80/20 Rule) that we use only 20 percent of what we own to pare down the excess and group like items together.
5. Organize, Systemitize & Create Habits When you organize you assign a home to your stuff. Label shelves and containers to make it easy to find what you are looking for later. Create a system for maintaining your space and identify the habits you will need. Remember a habit takes 28 days to learn!
6. Review Organizing is action and requires on-going maintenance. Your space, family and life situation will change. Review your space as necessary to keep it in shape.

As you are clearing out keep in mind, Clear Your Clutter Day—this one-stop event allows you to clear your clutter in an environmentally resonsible way for FREE! Sponsorship proceeds for Clear Your Clutter Day support Habitat for Humanity Susquehanna.