Spring is the perfect time to deep-clean your house or go on an apartment-cleaning marathon. Work these household chores into your cleaning schedule and get ready to enjoy warmer days with a space that sparkles. Before you tackle the project, use our checklist to get organized and plot out your work.
Break It Down Into Chunks
Rather than tackling an entire room at once, focus on one cupboard or one corner at a time. You can make the process more manageable and motivate you to keep going. You can start planning your decluttering journey by writing a list of the areas in your home that you want to tackle and then schedule time in your diary each week to allocate yourself time to get the job done.
Tackle the ‘Stuff Economy’
The key to controlling clutter is managing what comes into your home in the first place.
- Try the one-in-one-out rule: For every new item you bring in, remove one item.
- Give yourself a 30-day cooling period before making non-essential purchases.
- Unsubscribe from shopping emails and create strict no-clutter zones in your home.
- These small changes can make a big difference in keeping your space organized.
Overcome Emotional Barriers
Decluttering can be emotional, especially when dealing with sentimental items. Start with easy decisions before tackling more challenging ones.
- Take photographs of meaningful items before donating them.
- Work in 20-minute segments to stay focused.
- Use the one-year rule: If you haven’t used it in 12 months, it’s probably time to let it go.
Make Spring Cleaning Smart
Use inventory apps and digital tools to increase efficiency.
- Use smart labels and QR codes to track stored items easily.
- Digitize instruction manuals to reduce paper clutter.
- Consider virtual organizing sessions with professionals for expert guidance without having someone in your space.
Practise Sustainable Decluttering
Before tossing anything out, explore local recycling and donation options.
- Join local Canadian groups to share resources within your community.
- Check online platforms to determine what can be recycled in your area.
- Donate old mobile phones and electronics to charities that refurbish or recycle them.
Use a Storage Unit to Stay Organized
Renting a storage unit can make decluttering easier and help you maintain an organized home long-term.
- Store seasonal items like holiday decorations, winter coats, and sports equipment to free up space.
- Keep sentimental items safe without cluttering your living space.
- Use it as a temporary holding space for items you’re unsure about before deciding to donate or sell them.
- Protect furniture and belongings during home renovations or redecorating projects.
Set a Timer and Decluttering Challenges
If you find it hard to stay on task, try setting a timer for an hour and see how much you can accomplish. Listening to a podcast or music can make the process more enjoyable.
For ongoing maintenance, incorporate decluttering into your weekly and monthly routine:
- Challenge yourself to donate or recycle two items before purchasing something new.
- Avoid buying new items until you’ve decluttered key areas of your home.
Be Realistic
Many people hold onto items thinking they’ll sell them in the future, but it’s important to be realistic about the effort involved. Sometimes, donating or letting go is the best solution.
Stay on Top of Your Decluttering Game
Decluttering is one task—preventing clutter from creeping back is another.
Adopt a “reset” habit: just like children put away toys before moving on to another activity, adults can benefit from tidying up before shifting focus. A quick reset after each activity keeps your space organized, reduces stress, and improves focus.
Spring cleaning is the perfect opportunity to refresh your living space and create a more organized home. Whether you need to store seasonal items, clear out space for deep cleaning, or simply declutter without making permanent decisions, renting a self-storage unit can be a valuable tool in your spring cleaning efforts.
If you’re ready to make the most of your spring cleaning, consider renting a storage unit today and enjoy a cleaner, more organized home!