With seasons changing and the holidays right around the corner, it’s that time of year where cleaning and decluttering become crucial. While organizing and cleaning might not usually go hand-in-hand, combining these tasks can significantly streamline your home and reduce mental clutter.

Show Notes

Scheduling Your Cleaning and Decluttering

First things first, it’s vital to schedule your cleaning and decluttering sessions rather than waiting until the last minute. Last-minute rushes create unnecessary stress and cluttered thoughts. Instead, plan out dedicated time slots, even if it’s just 10 to 15 minutes per day. Target one specific area per session, such as kitchen counters or a single shelf, and clean and declutter simultaneously. 

Room-by-Room Focus

One of my favorite strategies is to focus on one room at a time. Nobody, except the kids maybe, will be in the bedrooms, so instead, concentrate on the spaces where your guests will be: the guest room, guest bathroom, living room, and dining area. This helps in reducing mental clutter and makes the task at hand more manageable.

Declutter Categories and Early Selling

Another tip is to keep a donate and a sell bag handy. As you declutter, categorize items immediately into either of these bags. When it comes to seasonal items, especially clothes, try to sell them at the start of the season. Consignment shops usually take in-season clothes, and selling early ensures you won’t be stuck with clutter for another year.

Cleaning as You Declutter

While decluttering, make sure to clean the space thoroughly before putting items back. Dust shelves, clean closet rods, and wipe down mirrors. This ensures that your newly organized space is genuinely clean and ready for use. Repeat this entire process seasonally and focus on different areas each time, ensuring that by the year’s end, every part of your home has been given attention.

My Seasonal Decluttering Routine

Here’s a peek into my own seasonal routine:

• Fall: Swap grilling tools for baking supplies, transition summer clothes to fall/winter clothes, and tackle school papers.
• Holiday Season: Focus on toys and seasonal decor in storage.
• Spring: Clean garages and outdoor spaces.
• Summer: Tidy up guest rooms and bathrooms.

By tailoring your decluttering and cleaning efforts to seasons, you ensure all spaces in your home are addressed without feeling overwhelmed.

Happy Organizing!

Organizing Freebie

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Organizing Tools You Will Love

Organizing the bedroom is the best place to start. And to help you focus on all the areas, room by room, I created a workbook that will keep you focused.

The Organize By Room Workbook is your no-brainer guide to organizing. Instead of feeling overwhelmed with what to organize next, follow the workbook to guide you through decluttering and organizing every room in your home at your own pace.

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