Most of us have currently found ourselves in an unfamiliar situation. Due to social distancing we are spending more time at home. For some of us that includes having the kids at home and even partners. Definitely an adjustment for the majority. I am a firm believer in looking for the positive in any given situation. Even amongst uncertainty, stress and worry there is beauty and calmness that can be found in new circumstances.

Spring is here. It isn’t stopping for anyone. Spring is continuing as it does. Thankfully bringing with it a little sunshine into our lives. Bring a little normality back and do what we would ordinarily do in Spring. Yes it is time to Spring clean!

This year it is time to embark upon those projects that we would put off and say if only I had time. Well due to circumstances we now really do have the time. We have an abundance of time which we are spending in our own homes. Declutter those cupboards, clean out those drawers and clear out that garage. Don’t be afraid or overwhelmed you can do it. The sense of achievement you will feel will be euphoric and you most certainly feel a lighter ambience in your home where chi (energy) is no longer left stagnant or blocked by clutter.

Linen Closet Before and After! Baskets and boxes help keep linens and towels together or seperate as needed. It is easier to find what you are looking for!

Probably the biggest issue most people have is where to start. The enormity of the task at hand. It can be overwhelming and enough to put you off from even beginning. The easiest and simplest way to start is by breaking down the projects into much smaller undertakings. Don’t look at it as the whole house, or even by an entire room. Tackle one assignment at a time. If you are starting with the kitchen, begin with just one cupboard. Choose glassware, crockery or tupperware. Your choice. Take everything out of that one cupboard. Really look at what you have and decide if you wish to keep each individual item. You should be thinking about dividing items into three piles, keep, donate and trash. By literally emptying out the cupboard you really force yourself to think whether you really need the item before you place it back in.

Buy drawer dividers to organize your utensils

Do not make the mistake of starting off with the hardest task. The junk draw. We all have a junk draw, I feel like it is an essential part of life. It is real life. “That” drawer is overwhelming and probably overflowing. Wait until you have had the feeling of success with simpler tasks. Once you have started to make more space you will feel a huge sense of accomplishment. You can tackle “that” drawer, little by little. This drawer may take a fair amount of time as it will require not only throwing out but sorting and putting away items that should actually live elsewhere in the house. Areas that are still not organized.

Follow this simple procedure throughout the house. You really do not need to overwhelm yourself and start on an entire room at once. Pick an area, a dresser, or even just your underwear drawer. Be ruthless. I know how tough it can be to make the decision to part with a favorite sweatshirt or bra. But honestly if you are in your forties or even thirties and still have a sweater from your hay days, you can let it go. It is most likely going to need to go into the trash pile as it is no longer good enough to donate. Try and cut your emotional ties. A good rule of thumb is that if it no longer would be suitable for donation it is no longer suitable for you.

Roll and stand leggings upright so you can see the design! It will make it easier to find the pair you are looking for!

Stuff. That is what most of us collect in our house. We may purchase, be gifted, or acquire from family. The purest way to declutter your home is to detach emotion. If an item/s has served its purpose then let it go. Easier said than done but I assure you, once you can seperate the emotional reaction it will become a lot easier to declutter. You may need to enlist the help of your family. Get your kids involved, they can easily start in their bedrooms. Really assess the situation. How many bath towels does each person in the household really need? If you can do it, stick to two per person. Honestly why would there be a need for more? You can translate this throughout the house.

Just because we have capacity in our homes, it doesn’t mean we have to fill it. Let that really sink in. If an item has a purpose and a function then keep it. You will be amazed how what you decide to keep can really stand out and be noticed in your home. What was once obscured will be visible and will add a lot more joy. Breath. Enjoy the extra space and let the chi flow freely.

Spring is Here!