Ten Essential House Spring Cleaning Tips

It’s always a good time to have an annual spring clean of your house. It provides a great opportunity to revitalize your house, and give it a thorough clean inside out. It may be specific areas of your house that need a spring clean, or perhaps badly neglected areas that need a good clean out and declutter. Whatever the reason, if spring is around the corner, take the time to plan ahead to organize your big annual house spring cleaning day.

So here are ten essential house spring cleaning tips to get you on your way:

Plan Ahead

Before you embark on your big annual spring cleaning day, take the time to plan for your big day. Set a date, purchase any cleaning tools you need for your big day, and enlist the help of all members of your family.

Co-opt the Help of Family Members

It’s important to co-opt the help of other members of the family since more hands make less work. The children can also be tasked with basic spring cleaning tasks that they can carry out for their own bedrooms. Learning how to organize and take charge of the organization of their own room is great life skill to develop as they get older.

Declutter Your Home

A spring clean is also a great time to declutter your home to get rid of all that junk that has been accumulating in different parts of  your house, including your attic and garage.

Clean From Top to Bottom

Target specific rooms and give them a good clean from top to bottom. This means dusting, cleaning and wiping down surfaces, sorting and removing surplus possessions, getting rid of excess furniture, cleaning the windows, dusting the curtains, and cleaning the carpets.

Spring Carpet Cleaning

Take good care of your carpets by steam cleaning them at least once or twice a year. Lift dirt off the surfaces and get rid of any stains.

Window Cleaning

Another essential task is to clean all the windows of your house during your spring clean. Over time, windows of a house will tend to get smudged with rain and dirt. There’s nothing nicer than to be able to see out the windows of your home into your garden.

Dusting

Dust down all your rooms. Dust accumulates quickly and it is a good idea to remove dust from all those hard to get to spots during your spring clean. Purchase or make your own duster with a long handle that can reach high places in your rooms to remove cobwebs and dust particles.

Focus on a Few Tasks

Focus on a few tasks at hand. Spring cleaning is a big job and it is a good idea to break tasks down into manageable chunks. You may not be able to complete all your spring cleaning tasks in one day, but no doubt, you’ll be able to make some great progress.

Future Tasks

Pencil in another spring cleaning day and jot down any remaining spring cleaning tasks to be completed for your next session.

Reward

Reward yourself for a great day’s work.

Enjoy the nice, new feel of a clean house that has had its annual spring clean!

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If you are ready to eliminate clutter from your life, check out my Ebook “Stop the Clutter Bug!” at the following link:

Stop Being a Clutter Bug! – Easy Tips to Declutter and Simplify Your Life


Closet Organizing Systems – Does your Closet need a Makeover?

If your closet is need of a serious makeover, a simple solution to organize your closet is to purchase some off the shelf closet organizing systems.

The first critical step with project declutter closet is to purge your closet of old clothes, junk and clutter.

Then the next stage is to assess whether your existing closet provides adequate storage for your clothes and other belongings.

Then comes the fun part when you may decide to visit a few organizing stores to preview different closet organizing systems.

Here are my thoughts on using a closet organization system for your bedroom:

Off the Shelf Closet Solutions

A pre made or off the shelf closet solution is a relatively low cost solution. It is still possible to customize the closet to your requirements without having to pay through your nose for a costly fully customized closet solution.

Installation

It is easy to assemble – anyone with some DIY skills can install a closet system. If you don’t have the necessary DIY skills, many online organizing shops can include installation. Check with the customer services assistant whether the closet system you are interested in come with detailed installation instructions and the level of difficulty of the installation.

Type of Materials

Depending on the type of materials used eg wood, laminate or stainless steel, some materials are better for resisting scratches. Talk to the customer service assistant to find out which materials are better for resisting scratches if this is a concern.

Get Motivated to Clean Out Your Closet

It will motivate you to clean out your closet first. No excuses, otherwise you can’t go shopping!

Storage Space

Due to good design, there is usually good storage space across the different compartments and shelves of pre made closet organizing systems.

Organize your Knick Knacks

if you love organizing your little knick knacks and accessories, the many storage cubes that come with this type of closet organization system will really help you get organized;

Durability of Materials

Also consider the durability of materials used in terms of ease of cleaning. Some closet organizations systems are made from durable materials such as synthetic materials so they are easy to clean and maintain;

Easy Airflow

Check whether the closet system allows for easy airflow through your closet so that your clothes and personal belongings can breathe.

Get Creative

Get creative and organized by labeling the different shelves and pocket of your closet;

Accessibility of Storage

Allow you to store items based on their frequency of use. ie. less used items can be stored on the higher levels of your closet.

Have fun with your closet makeover.

If you are ready to eliminate clutter from your life, check out my Ebook “Stop the Clutter Bug!” at the following link:

Stop Being a Clutter Bug! – Easy Tips to Declutter and Simplify Your Life


Six Places to Get Rid of Clutter

If you are planning on having a declutter day and don’t know what to do with all that clutter, here is a list of useful places where you could get rid of clutter.

White Goods Collection

Most local Counties have a collection of white goods each year or collect recyclable products. Mark these dates in your calendar and get prepared for your big collection day. Don’t forgot those items that you have been storing in your garage that you have been meaning to get rid of.  County collections are the opportune time to get rid of these neglected items in your garage.

Charity Shops

Locate your nearest charity shop and ring them up to find out whether they will accept your old items. Charity shops are usually more than happy to receive your well loved items for their shops.

Go Online

Go online and source online charity shops which you can donate to. There are some handy resources on the internet which will list your nearest local charity shops. Some charity shops are also happy to come and collect your old goods. Choose from a range of different charity shops. Some specialize in collecting clothes, others are happy to receive computer and electronic equipment, and others collect furniture and general household items.

Free Cycle

If you are looking to trade items, free cycle could be a good alternative.  You hop onto free cycle and register as a member. Place an item on the free cycle website that you are looking to give away, and in turn, if you are looking for an item put in a request for an item to see whether other members can help you out.  Remember, only request an item if you really need it. Don’t bring home any more clutter! Free cycle is a great way to recycle used items and reduce waste in your local community.

Family and Friends

Swapping or giving away items to family and friends also works well. Every household has different requirements or are at a different stage of their lives with having kids, or having babies, so use your existing network of family and friends to find homes for your well loved items.

Earn Extra Cash

If your old goods are in good condition and resaleable, make some extra cash and advertise your items on Craigslist or eBay. Or if you can get the family to help out, consider organizing a garage sale to get rid of unwanted items.  Start cleaning out that garage and get ready for your garage sale.  Preparation is the key to having a successful garage sale.

If you are ready to eliminate clutter from your life, check out my Ebook “Stop the Clutter Bug!” at the following link:

Stop Being a Clutter Bug! – Easy Tips to Declutter and Simplify Your Life


Do you suffer from Mental Clutter?

We often talk about decluttering physical clutter from our lives, but removing mental clutter is also very important in our lives.

Mental clutter is stuff that makes our head hurt.

It spells anguish, irritation and frustration.

It can sometimes feel like one thousand and one thoughts whirring through our head at a million miles an hour.

It’s stuff that we can do without.

It’s stuff that doesn’t add value to our lives.

It’s stuff that chews up a disproportionate amount of our precious time.

If you are only focused on removing physical clutter from your life, think also about removing mental clutter in your life.

Because the funny thing is that there is a close relationship between physical and mental clutter.

You have probably experienced this for yourself.

But when we start to remove physical clutter from our lives, somehow the mental clutter in our lives starts to lift.

It’s a good feeling isn’t it?

Removing Clutter From Our Lives

Removing both types of clutter is a great way to declutter your life because it means that you are heading in the right direction.

I can’t tell you what your goals are.

But I can safely say that whatever your goals are, if you move in the right direction to achieve those goals, you will be well on your way to removing clutter from your life.

Take Positive Steps to Remove Clutter

Acknowledge the existence of clutter in your life, both physical and mental clutter.

Spend some time planning.

List your goals.

Take steps to remove that clutter by jotting down the actions that you are going to take today, tomorrow and next week.

Focus on one task at a time to avoid mental clutter.

For each item that you come across, either decide to keep or throw it away.

If you decide to throw it away, let it go calmly and peacefully.

Try to stay on track and avoid distractions.

Be proud of yourself for taking positive action in your life.

Overcome any problems with procrastination.

If you are ready to take action, you know what you need to do.

Take action to declutter fast and declutter now.

It’s a very satisfying feeling to remove all that clutter in your life.

If you are ready to eliminate clutter from your life, check out my Ebook “Stop the Clutter Bug!” at the following link:

Stop Being a Clutter Bug! – Easy Tips to Declutter and Simplify Your Life


Overcoming Procrastination – It’s Time to Declutter Your Home

What’s overcoming procrastination got to do with decluttering your home?

We all suffer from this malady from time to time. I like to refer to it as the Big P.

That’s right. Procrastination is what I am referring to.

The dictionary defines procrastination as:

  • To defer action; delay: to procrastinate until an opportunity is lost.
  • To put off till another day or time.

Procrastination is one of the top reasons why people never get around to reorganizing their home.

When you are ready to create a clutter free home, here are some simple tips to help with  overcoming procrastination:

  • Be aware that you are procrastinating.

Deciding What to Declutter

Maybe you are at home deciding on what to declutter.  Soon you find yourself flipping pages of a magazine. The phone then rings and you decide to chat on the phone with your friend. You start to feel hungry and get a snack and a cup of coffee.  Wasn’t that closet in need of decluttering?  You were about to go to your closet and start decluttering. But then you thought about going to the organizing shop on the weekend to buy some new storage containers. Oh well, not to worry, you can always declutter your closet another day.

A typical day right?  Our minds are filled with all sort of thoughts throughout the day and we don’t always get to tasks that we would like to complete.

Tips for Overcoming Procrastination

  • Try and stay focused on the task at hand.
  • If it helps, write down your mini goals for the day.
  • Reaffirm to yourself the importance of decluttering your life and home, and include these affirmations in your goals.

For example, today I am going to spend 30 minutes decluttering my closet.

Hah……perhaps you are feeling slightly guilty about not tackling the 30 Minute Challenge?

It’s Never Too Late to Start

It’s never too late to start. Now is a good time to take charge to organize your life.

Have you completed at least one 30 Minute Challenge this week?

I challenge you to complete at least one 30 Minute Challenge this week.

Be Accountable to Achieve Your Decluttering Goals

If you would like to be accountable for your decluttering goals, feel free to email me to account for what you successfully decluttered during your 30 minutes.

  • Be accountable for accomplishing tasks.
  • Tackle a little at a time. It’s better to start and complete a small task, then to leave many tasks unfinished and incomplete.
  • Completing one small task will leave you feeling motivated to set another task to complete.

You don’t have to start a huge home reorganizing project to get started on decluttering your home.

In fact, tackling projects in bite size chunks is highly recommended.

  • The best way of overcoming procrastination is to just get started.

So stop reading this blog post, and get decluttering! It’s time to organize your life today.

If you are ready to eliminate clutter from your life, check out my Ebook “Stop the Clutter Bug!” at the following link:

Stop Being a Clutter Bug! – Easy Tips to Declutter and Simplify Your Life


Creating a Clutter Free Home – Declutter in Four Easy Steps

Creating a clutter free home is easy if you break down your home organization projects into 4 easy steps. Firstly, before setting off to declutter, it’s a great idea to sit down and assess the state of your house.

Ask yourself the following questions:

What is the current state of my house?

What would I like my house to look for?

What can I realistically achieve this upcoming month?

Once you have set the wheels in motion of what is possible to achieve with your decluttering efforts, it’s time to get started to make it happen.

Here are 4 easy steps that you can follow to create a clutter free home:

Step 1 Make the Commitment

Write down your home organization goals.

Having it written down on paper helps to make your goals tangible.

Commit yourself to taking action to achieve your goals.

Take it one step at a time. This might involve setting weekly and monthly goals, or even daily goals, if that suits you better.

Step 2 Decide On Your Priorities to Organize Your Home

Decide on a room to declutter.

There are so many rooms in the house to declutter. So you don’t want to get bogged down trying to declutter every room in your house, and not making good progress, if you have spread yourself too thin.

Set aside a date and time to declutter. Make an appointment with yourself means that you are committed, and treat your appointment equally important as if you had an appointment to meet a friend.

Even 30 minutes set aside to declutter is better than nothing. Try the 30 Minute Challenge to get organized at home. You will learn how to organize your home at lightning speed.

Step 3 Throw Away or Keep?

It’s the billion dollar question whether you should throw away or keep a particular item as set about clearing stuff around your home.

This is one of the most common bottlenecks that impede progress when decluttering.

Don’t deliberate.

If you have to think about whether an item is considered clutter, it probably is clutter!

Learn how to part with sentimental stuff.

Are you a packrat or hoarder?

Be aware of your hoarding tendencies and try to overcome them a step at a time.

Reward yourself for taking a step in the right direction.

Step 4: Improve Storage and Organizing Systems at Home

Assess your current storage.

Can you easily access items in your cupboard, closets and shelves?

How jam packed are your cupboards?

Improve current storage.

Could you improve your current organizing systems by buying some stackable containers and bins?

Apply some simple solutions to get things organized.

This may or may not entail shopping for new organizing systems.

Improvise and be creative by making use of existing resources and tools on hand at home to create new organizing systems.

Hope you have a successful decluttering session in just 4 easy steps.

If you are ready to eliminate clutter from your life, check out my Ebook “Stop the Clutter Bug!” at the following link:

Stop Being a Clutter Bug! – Easy Tips to Declutter and Simplify Your Life


How to Organize Your Home at Lightning Speed

Learning how to organize your home at lightning speed doesn’t have to be an onerous task.

You can get a lot done in a short burst of time if you focus your energies on the task at hand.

Beat Procrastination and Get Organized

Overcoming procrastination sometimes gets in the way of getting organized, whether it is at home, at work, or in attending to our daily chores and tasks.

If you are procrastinating about organizing or decluttering your home, take the 30 minute challenge and see how much you can get done in 30 minutes.

It can be very effective to declutter different areas of your home in minimal time and with minimal fuss.

Try the 30 Minute Declutter Challenge

Here are the steps to follow to try the 30 Minute Challenge:

  • Find 30 minutes in your day. It could be in the morning, in the evening or during the weekend when you have spare time;
  • Allocate 30 minutes in you calendar for the upcoming week;
  • Make an important date with yourself in your calendar and treat it as you would with any other appointment;
  • Grab a timer and set it for 30 minutes (if you must!);
  • Pick a spot to declutter, any part of the house that needs a bit of tidying up. It could be your living room, your bedroom, or your kitchen. Just pick a spot in the house that needs some tender loving care;
  • Turn on some music. Pick your favorite tunes to help the time go by quicker;
  • Pick a reward for yourself before you start your 30 minute challenge. A nice cup of coffee and biscuit or piece of cake wouldn’t go astray;
  • Don’t procrastinate! Don’t over think which area of the house you are going to declutter. The important thing is just to get going.

Don’t even think about not doing the 30 Minute Challenge!

Here are some of the decluttering tasks that you could easily accomplish in 30 minutes:

  • Empty the bin. This will take less than 30 minutes;
  • Sort through papers and throw away old stuff. i.e. old magazines, papers, reports etc;
  • File away paperwork in your study;
  • Vacuum a room and lift that dust off the carpets;
  • Dust a room. Dust high and low to get rid of those cobwebs;
  • Move furniture to create more space in your living room;
  • Pick stuff off the floor. i.e. clothes, toys, books, magazines etc;
  • Organize paying bills by setting up direct debit auto payments.

Recognize Your Achievements

Account for what you did during your 30 Minute Challenge by jotting down your achievements for the session.

Whilst you are feeling in high spirits, make a note of what you might tackle for your next 30 minute challenge.

Did you accomplish a lot?

It’s a satisfying feeling to declutter your home, so don’t forget to reward yourself with a nice cup of coffee and biscuit.

Hope you have a successful 30 Minute Challenge.

If you are ready to eliminate clutter from your life, check out my Ebook “Stop the Clutter Bug!” at the following link:

Stop Being a Clutter Bug! – Easy Tips to Declutter and Simplify Your Life


Get Organized at Home – Are you planning a Declutter Day soon?

If you have been thinking about having a declutter day to get organized at home, now is the time to start planning for that big day.  Here are some handy tips to help you and your family get organized at home.

Make a Plan

  • Grab a notepad and pen;
  • Make a list of which rooms you are going to declutter;
  • Estimate the time it will take you to declutter each room.

Set Realistic Declutter Goals

  • Set yourself some realistic declutter goals about what you can accomplish for the day;
  • Don’t overwhelm yourself by setting too many goals;
  • Set bite sized goals that you can accomplish by the half hour or hour.

Set a Date for your Big Declutter Day

  • Get the family organized and let them know about the big declutter day;
  • Find a convenient time when all members of the family are available;
  • Make a commitment for the big day and diarize the date in everyone’s diary.

Plan Ahead to Get Organized

  • Collect spare boxes from your local supermarket or office;
  • Hire a skip bin if necessary;
  • Choose which rooms you want to organize and estimate how long it will take;
  • Assign responsibility for decluttering tasks to each member of the family;
  • The kids should be responsible for organizing their own room;
  • Get your cleaning gear and equipment in order.

Monitor your Progress with Clutter Clearing

  • Give yourself a pat on the back every time you sort through another box of your possessions;
  • Record how many boxes of clutter you have collected;
  • Jot down in your notepad any action items resulting from your clean up day;
  • For example, one of your action items might be to donate old furniture to your local second hand shop.

Throwing Away Clutter

  • On the big day, resolve to throw away as much clutter as possible;
  • Repeat the actions of sort, keep or throw away till you have eliminated as much clutter as possible.

Criteria for Throwing Stuff Away

Criteria for helping you decide whether or not to throw stuff away:

  • Haven’t used it in 1 year;
  • It’s broken;
  • You have more than 1 item of the same type;
  • It’s old;
  • It needs fixing;
  • It doesn’t work properly;
  • It’s a fire or safety hazard;
  • It belongs to someone else (so return it!).

Reward Yourself

Lastly, don’t forgot to reward yourself and family members for taking the time to declutter.

Treat your family to dinner as a reward for a hard day’s work to get the house in order.

Hope you have a successful declutter day to get organized at home.

If you are ready to eliminate clutter from your life, check out my Ebook “Stop the Clutter Bug!” at the following link:

Stop Being a Clutter Bug! – Easy Tips to Declutter and Simplify Your Life