Now that Spring is finally here, I’ve started thinking about spring cleaning in my home. There’s something about spring that makes me want to open all the windows in the house, get rid of everything I own, pare down, declutter, and start living a perfect, minimalist lifestyle.
In my dream world, this is what my house looks like:
Since I have 4 kids, the minimalist thing is definitely not happening here anytime soon, so instead I offer these 5 ideas for gradual, small changes. Hopefully, they add up to making your home feel decluttered and peaceful.
- Pick 1 decluttering project per day.
Choose 1 kitchen drawer, 1 closet shelf, or 1 kitchen counter. Just declutter that 1 area today; it will take maybe 5-10 minutes. After 1 month, you will have accomplished some serious decluttering.
- Put a shopping bag in your closet.
Hang a shopping bag from a hanger in your closet, and every day, pick 1 item that you no longer wear. At the end of the month, bring the shopping bag to your local church or goodwill for donation.
- Clear out your medicines.
I recently decluttered my medicine drawer and was horrified to find multiple items that had expired several years ago. Lesson learned; from now on, I’m tackling this project at least once per year.
- Create a physical inbox.
Just like your email account, your home needs a dedicated spot for incoming stuff. I have a pretty mail tray at my kitchen desk where I put everything that comes in, from mail to school paperwork to work paperwork I’ve printed off my computer. Designate an hour to go through it all at least once per week.
- Would I buy it?
Go through your house with a trash bag, with the goal of filling it up. When you encounter an item you’re not sure about, ask yourself, “Would I buy it now?” If not, then you don’t love it or need it – so get rid of it.
Please let me know in the comments below what your decluttering strategies are. Happy Spring, mamas!