Get a Head Start on Spring Cleaning

Spring temperatures means spring cleaning. Don't wait for the warmer temperatures to keep your home clutter-free. It's the little things that keep your space clean and clear, from recycling those old magazines to down-sizing your wardrobe.

The key to successfully spring cleaning and keeping your house organized is determining what is necessary and what is taking up space, one room at a time. Bouncing from room to room and gathering here and there, instead of focusing on one section of your home, keeps you cleaning all day. But at the end of that day, your space may look like nothing has changed.

Start in one room and stay in that room until you are satisfied with your work. For instance, the kitchen always has unused pots, utensils, and other items just taking up free space. Go through each cupboard, shelf and drawer and remove those items you have not used in the last six months. You may appreciate the griddle Aunt Clara gave you for Christmas, but if you don't use it, pass it on to someone who needs one. A full silverware drawer is not necessary for two or four people. If you entertain less than four times a year, place extra flatware in a container and store it away or donate it to a non-profit thrift store. Other items you may not need include extra canister sets, dinnerware for large groups, and storage containers. Down-size to your needs and donate the rest. Once you are done removing the clutter, clean to your heart's content.

Move from the kitchen to the next room. Remove unwanted furniture, knick-knacks, and other items taking up space. If possible, rearrange the room to open up the space. Down-size the wall décor to one main grouping, to create a central focal point. If your accessories consist of collections, consider grouping them together in a display case or bookshelf.

Remember that items removed from one item are usable in another. For instance, the basket you took from the kitchen may work to collect those hair brushes and combs in the bathroom. Re-use what you can and get rid of the rest.

There are certain items you will not part with, no matter how cluttered they make the closet. When you come across something like this, stick it in a box. Once the box is full, tape it shut and store it in the garage. If the box goes unopened for three months, gift it to the local thrift store or church rummage sale, still sealed. Opening it means opening up the urge to keep those items. Don't tempt yourself after all your hard work.