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Kicking the Clutter: Three steps to spring clean your home

Wake up Powell River, the flowers are blooming, the birds are chirping and your house is calling you to start that annual and much-needed spring cleaning.
Kicking the Clutter Powell River
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Wake up Powell River, the flowers are blooming, the birds are chirping and your house is calling you to start that annual and much-needed spring cleaning.

Spring cleaning is a tradition that lets us freshen up our homes and get a head start on the busy and enjoyable seasons of spring and summer. Spring cleaning usually happens in three simple steps: downsizing, cleaning and organizing.

Step one: Downsize your stuff

A large portion of spring cleaning should be devoted to downsizing, the first step in getting your home organized and clean. 

So, what is downsizing, you might ask? Downsizing is the process of letting go of the items you don’t use or need, to have a space for the things you do use and need. What comes to mind are the many projects you started and lost interest in; donate them to somebody who will love to finish them.

Check the clothes you don’t like or don’t fit you anymore, shoes that give you blisters, many rusty tools, useless paper and the volume of toxic cleaners you never use. Fill the donation box with your unused stuff and donate to the local thrift shop.

Step two: Clean things you are keeping

A good, thorough spring cleaning that includes the whole house is a great time to begin new ongoing cleaning habits, and it can also make the next spring cleaning a whole lot easier. Simple 10-minute cleanup routines carried out every day, each including a series of two five-minute chores, can make spring cleaning easier to start and finish.

Commercial cleaners are not always a healthy choice for your family and pets. A variety of cleaning products could easily clutter up your cabinets and closets.

Resist the temptation to buy all these cleaning supplies; the real winners of spring cleaning are more basic supplies, such as vinegar and baking soda. There are even homemade cleaners you can make that will save you money while protecting the environment.

Step three: Organize your stuff

The third and final step to getting your home functional and beautiful is creating a system (home) for every item you own. Start by categorizing items that belong together: sugar, coffee, tea and honey could be contained in a plastic container or on the shelf, easily accessible.

Make sure to keep your important papers contained in a filing system. Again, keep in mind, the less you have, the better you will be organized. Now is a great time to plan a garage sale to get rid of the unused stuff and make a few dollars. Cleaning will be a lot easier when the clutter is gone.

Get the family involved. “A family who eats together, stays together.” I would add to that: a family who works together, stays together.

So, why is spring cleaning so important? Studies show a clean and well-maintained home makes people happier. It can give a sense of fulfillment and pleasure.

I wish you the best of luck keeping your home organized and clean.

Ranka Burzan owns a professional organizing company based in Powell River and has written several books on reducing clutter and becoming more organized. For information, go to solutionsorganizing.com.