It’s that time of year again, the birds are chirping, the trees are budding and you are surrounded by an abundance of STUFF. Not only are we dealing with our regular post hibernation purge of belongings, but we have now completed an entire year of on and off lockdowns. If you’re anything like us you have placed a few too many online orders and it’s time to get your home organized! Out with the old + the extra!

Where to Start.

No matter how big your home is, you will want to start small with a manageable space that you can see in its totality. And by space, we mean like the junk drawer. Take the process step by step and know that your entire home does not have to look like the home edit after one day.  Once you see the  end result within this tiny space, you’ll feel far more motivated and inspired to keep the process going throughout your home.  Find your own systems and process and work with it!

Embrace Your Inner Marie Kondo.

For some of us, there is no better feeling than freeing ourselves of the items that no longer serve a purpose for us; for others this can be an intimidating and anxiety driving task. We promise that if you can remove the clutter, you will feel a world of a difference! If you don’t need it, want it, use it, or love it, it’s clutter. If an item doesn’t fit into one of those categories, it doesn’t belong in your space. You don’t need to rid yourself of all of your belongings, simply consider what is serving you and what is not, then edit your pieces from that mindset.

Tackling Sentimental Value.

There are certain spaces in your home that will feel more personal to tackle than others, it is best to avoid starting your cleaning with a space that holds emotion, as this can stunt the process. If you start with a desk drawer, you’re not going to get too emotional tossing rubber bands — it’s less of a  mission than your closet. Know that just because something was given to you as a gift, does not mean you have to save it forever ” in case” they notice you don’t have it. Chances are your aunt doesn’t remember the serving dish she bought for your wedding 6 years ago. If something holds a sentimental value for you but doesn’t serve a day to day purpose; consider storing it away as a momento rather than claiming prime real estate in your space.

Bring On the Aesthetic.

If you are anything like us all tasks are made more satisfying when the end result looks good. Get yourself some organizational containers, baskets or labels and find away to make organization attractive! For those who follow The Home Edit, you know that they love a good rainbow organizational system. Work by colour, function, size, or whatever category works for you. Creating a system and place for all of your items will make your space feel cleaner and also make organization a more maintainable task.

Have Fun!

Spring cleaning does not have to be a daunting and painful task  throw on your favourite playlist or get into a new podcast and enjoy the process. If it feels like too much to tackle alone, get your partner or family involved at home or find an accountability buddy! Call up a friend and start the process at the same time, you can discuss your systems and progress and keep each other motivated! It’s all about mindset, think of it not as a chore, but as a way to reclaim your space. Start with the end in mind and know just how rewarding it will be when your space is feeling lighter, brighter and ready for a new season!