Many people usher in the Spring season by celebrating the winter thaw and rolling up their sleeves to embark upon the Spring purge. Spring is the season of rebirth, and for many that means out with the old and in with the new.
For some of us, though, parting with our prized possessions can be tough. Here are some tips to help you get rid of the things that clutter your world and hold you down so you can breathe in that fresh spring air without feeling suffocated by stuff.
Follow These Common-sense Rules
If you haven’t used or worn it in the past year, it isn’t valuable monetarily or sentimentally, and you don’t have any foreseeable plans to wear or use it, get rid of it! Depending on what it is, trash it, recycle it, donate it, pass it on, or sell it. If it is broken and you’ve been holding onto it for more than a year until you get around to fixing it, and it meets the aforementioned criteria, get rid of it! If looking at it makes you sad or mad (ie: photos that include your ex, the jeans you can no longer squeeze into) get rid of it! If it is potentially dangerous (an appliance with a frayed cord or food whose expiration date is loooong past) get rid of it!
Take it Slow
If you’ve ever watched the reality TV show Hoarders, you may be putting off decluttering because it seems like an impossible task. Fortunately, you’re not on a timeframe. Take baby steps! Begin small – possibly very small. Begin by tackling your makeup drawer and ditching anything that’s old, broken, outdated, etc. Move on to your linen closet and get rid of dingy, holey sheets and towels, etc. Choose one drawer or one box at a time. You’ll slowly feel the thrill of accomplishment, and will be motivated to kick into high gear!
Work Toward a Reward
Especially if you’re able to make some money as you declutter (by selling things online or having a garage sale), you’ll be able to reward yourself with a tangible treat. If you tackle your closet, reward yourself with a shopping spree for new wardrobe pieces. You’ll actually have room to store them! If you declutter your entire house, celebrate by hiring a cleaning person to deep clean.
Spring is here! If you haven’t yet been able to shed your heavy winter wardrobe pieces, you will soon! Shed your junk, too, and you’ll feel lighter and have a sunnier disposition!