Spring cleaning means refreshing your living space with some new home goods purchases and reorganizing your current décor. But cleaning and reorganizing your home is not as daunting as it may seem. According to organizing expert Jill Pollack, doing these simple tasks will prevent you from taking on too much at once and might even make you feel differently about maintaining order at home.
The most important thing to start is to create order at the doorway as it’s the first place you come in and last place you leave.
“It’s a place for your keys, a coat that is easy to access, so create that system,” said Pollack, adding that double hooks for hats, bags and backpacks is a great idea.
Next, get your drawers in order. “Create a life surgery drawer,” said Pollack of organizing the junk drawer that almost everyone has in their home. “You know you need paper clips, hair bands, a section for gum or mints. When you need it, you need it.”
As for the closet, if you didn’t wear something last spring or summer, chances are you’re not going to wear it, so get rid of it. Pollack recommends investing in felt covered hangers so nothing slips off.
“The linen closet is one of the most non-emotional places to do. You need two sets of sheets for every bed, not five. Get rid of old or excess towels and washcloths (have a nice set of everything and upgrade one in a while) and donate them to dog shelters and homeless shelters.”
It’s time to clean out the fridge. Read expiration dates, check for freshness, clean the shelves and start fresh.
“The kitchen is the stomach of the house. Anything you don’t need but is still good, donate,” said Pollack. “Keep the cheeses, meats, dairy and fruit and vegetables in a designated spot for easy access and to know where everything is.”
Most importantly, know your storage options as finding a place to put your everyday and seasonal items is crucial when maintaining an open, noncluttered living space.
“Bed Bath and Beyond has everything, it’s a one stop shop and they also give you coupons all the time,” said Pollack of where to buy your storage and organizing needs. “The Container Store is a little fancier, but Target, Home Depot and Lowes work as well.”
Pollack noted that teacups can be used as jewelry holders and colanders can be used to scoop up kids’ bath toys.
“There are so many organization hacks, so assess what your needs are before you buy a bunch of supplies,” she said, emphasizing to go sturdy and strong for storage devices. “You can measure dimensions so you know what will fit and what you need before you go looking for it and don’t waste time.”
