5 Things to Declutter This Spring
Winter is long gone, so all of these items should be too!
Everybody is talking about spring cleaning, but what about spring decluttering? Now that spring has sprung, let's use the change of seasons as inspiration to declutter what we didn't use this past winter! Spring is a time to start fresh, and what better way to do that than declutter?
Decluttering vs. Organizing vs. Cleaning
Before we get into our Spring Decluttering, we need to establish the difference between decluttering, organizing, and cleaning. These actions are different ways we keep our home in order, and they are all equally important! Decluttering is when you go through your stuff and get rid of what you don't need, want or use. Organizing is when you take the stuff that is left and put it in a place where you know you'll find it, whether it be a bin or a shoebox. Cleaning is cleaning! Wiping off shelves, cleaning baseboards and washing windows. These tasks can become overwhelming when you try to do them all at once. Separate them into three different actions and they will become much more manageable.
Now that we have gone over the difference between decluttering vs. organizing vs. cleaning, you are ready to take on the task that lies ahead! You've gotten through winter, and it's time to take a look at what's ready to go. Here are 5 things that can be decluttered post winter.
5 Things to DeClutter this Spring
Winter coats, hats, and gloves
If you or someone in your home didn’t wear a winter item this year, there’s a very good chance it won’t be worn next year. Separate out the winter outerwear that doesn’t fit anyone anymore. That’s a great start to letting go. Now, look for items that didn’t get worn because honestly, you didn’t like them in the first place. You’re not going to grow to love it and wear it in winters to come, so let it go.
Winter boots
Grew out of boots? Got blisters from a pair that never seemed to break in? Just a few too many pairs crowding the bottom of the coat closet? Now’s the time to take a good hard look at what boots didn’t get worn and say goodbye.
Broken umbrellas
Feels like an easy one, but so many of us think “maybe I can fix it” or “I hate to throw it in the landfill." Sometimes broken items are simply trash. So gather up all the broken umbrellas and throw them away.
Winter sports gear
Did another winter pass without anyone taking the sled out? How about that spin around the ice rink that hasn’t happened in years? Often when we get gung-ho about a new sport, we buy all the equipment only for the infatuation to wear off and the equipment to languish in the garage. Get honest about how that sport wasn’t for you and let the gear go.
Unused holiday gifts
While most gifts are given with the best intentions, sometimes they fall short and never get used. These gifts have gone from cheery to clutter. Letting go of a gift someone gave you may feel disrespectful but keeping an unwanted gift can lead to resentment. Say goodbye to the item with gratitude for the thoughtfulness of the giver and next year ask for something you really need or want.
A big key to success for decluttering is to take the donatable items straight to the donation drop-off, not drive the bag around in your car for months. Once your Spring Decluttering is done, the Spring Cleaning can begin. Set yourself up for success this season, and take things one step at a time. Don't forget to take the time to breathe and smell the fresh flowers!
Tracy McCubbin is the CEO and founder of dClutterfly, one of America’s top decluttering companies. In the last two decades, she has helped thousands of clients clear the clutter in their lives to create space for positive life changes. Tracy is also the author of Making Space, Clutter Free and her latest book Make Space for Happiness. Tracy looks at the root of our clutter to find the real cause and ways to find real solutions.