Spring is finally here, and with it comes the baggage and clutter many hold onto from winter. As the season changes, the task of spring cleaning can feel overwhelming, particularly for those diving into the daunting process of decluttering their homes. Thankfully, expert organizational specialists like Sarah Reynolds, founder of Organised Chaos, are ready to help navigate this time-consuming challenge.
Reynolds, known as Ireland’s first professional organization consultant, emphasizes a straightforward starting point for anyone feeling overwhelmed by the mess: flat surfaces. "I always say look at your flat surfaces. For example, counters, kitchen islands, dining room tables, coffee tables, and bedside lockers. If you can clear those, you will instantly feel better!" she advises. This small yet impactful task provides a quick win that can motivate individuals to continue the decluttering process.
Her toolkit for effective organization includes innovative solutions such as turntables, or lazy susans, particularly beneficial in the kitchen. "It has to be a turntable or lazy susan for the kitchen. Love these products. They look good, fit things well and bring items in the back of a cupboard easily to the front," she says, highlighting how these clever devices can simplify access to kitchen essentials.
Tackling the wardrobe, however, often proves to be the biggest challenge during spring cleaning. To make this task manageable, Reynolds suggests organizing clothes by category. "When it comes to clothes, go by category. Look at all your jeans together, look at all your t-shirts together," she explains, adding that this method offers a comprehensive view of what one owns. This clarity helps in making informed decisions about what to keep and what to toss, transforming a formidable task into a straightforward evaluation.
"You can clearly see, for example, that you have 62 pairs of jeans and 15 of them are black skinny ones!" Reynolds points out. This system not just helps in reducing excess clothing but fosters an honest conversation with oneself regarding personal needs and preferences.
Amidst the common obstacles individuals encounter, Reynolds notes a frequent pitfall: allowing the entirety of one’s home to overwhelm them. "They look at the whole house and then get annoyed at themselves for letting it get that way. You have to break the project down. The next mistake is not sticking to it regularly," she reflects. She likens maintaining order to committing to a fitness regime: "Think of it like going to the gym. To achieve results, you’ll need to invest time, motivation, and discipline. But it will be so worth it in the end!"
For families with small children, the challenge increases tenfold. Reynolds proposes a strategic approach: declutter right before significant events like birthdays or Christmas, creating a habit-to-sort connection for kids. She also advocates for using open bins for toy storage, stressing that children are unlikely to replace lids. Instead, using photo labels can make the organization process fun and intuitive for kids of all ages: "Use photos as labels instead of written or typed. Kids will think of it as more fun to put stuff away!"
Alongside Reynolds is Niki, founder of Simplify and Sort, another Irish-based decluttering expert. Niki advises families to temper their expectations regarding uninterrupted time for cleaning. "Be realistic about how much uninterrupted time you will have. It’s best to break the task down into smaller jobs and do little bits when you can," she suggests, promoting planning around times when children might be occupied.
Once the spring cleaning is complete, Niki underscores the importance of maintaining the newly organized space. Establishing a daily tidying routine that covers essential tasks like making beds, tidying counters, and conducting a single laundry task can effectively uphold order without feeling overwhelming. This routine, she suggests, should take no more than 15-20 minutes, creating an inviting and manageable atmosphere for the family.
Moreover, Niki emphasizes family involvement, proposing a weekly cleaning schedule that can incorporate deeper cleaning tasks such as bathroom scrubbing, kitchen sanitizing, and vacuuming. "Remember to get the whole family involved, and it will all go much quicker. Breaking things down ensures you’re doing a little every day, which helps you stay on top of things," she notes.
In an era increasingly concerned with sustainability, finding purpose for donated items becomes part of the decluttering process. The article advocates donating unwanted belongings to charity and second-hand shops, highlighting the environmental benefits as well as the positive impact on those in need. By reducing waste and supporting local organizations, spring cleaning transforms from a daunting task into a meaningful use of time.
Ultimately, spring cleaning and organizing do not have to be painful processes. With the right strategies and a bit of patience, it can evolve into an opportunity for renewed harmony within the home. Taking things one step at a time promises not only a tidy space, but also a newfound sense of order that can lead to a happier and more productive home life.
