Declutter Your Way to Spring Cleaning

In February love is in the air. Show your home some attention with a thorough decluttering. February is a great time to get rid of the old to make way for the new things you received as gifts. It’s also a great way to set yourself up for a successful deep clean in the spring because everything is already organized. Here are some tips for getting started.

Start With the Junk Drawer

Starting small will get you in the mood to tackle larger jobs. What’s smaller than the junk drawer? Throw out old take-out menus, packets of soy and hot sauces (how long have they been in there, anyway?) and pens that don’t work. Buy a drawer organizer and organize paper clips, rubber bands, washers and more.

Hit the Cabinets

This is a great time to take stock of everything you’ve thrown in kitchen and bathroom cabinets. Check the expiration dates on cleansers and throw out old sponges. Old body lotions and those tiny bottles of shampoo you got five years ago on vacation can all go. This is also a great time to get rid of old mascaras and lipsticks. In the kitchen, clear out old coffee mugs, chipped dishes and bowls with cracks in them.

Thin Out the Pantry

We all have canned and boxed goods we truly meant to use. Check the expiration dates and throw out old items. If they haven’t expired, box them up and take them to the nearest food bank.

Medicine Cabinets and Linen Cupboards

When was the last time you really looked at your medicine cabinet? Dispose of expired medications, almost used up antibacterial ointments and expired pain relievers. Go through your linen cupboard. Take out frayed towels, stained sheets and threadbare blankets. Donate them.

Show Your Closets Some Love

Your kids aren’t the only household members shoving stuff in their closets. Get a box out and go through everything on the floor first. Decide where to put it. Then tackle your clothes. You probably got a few new items as gifts. If your blouses are more than five years old, it might be time to donate them. If you are working on the kids’ closets, store meaningful toys or clothes in plastic boxes in the garage or attic.

Throw Pillows and Rugs

How many throw pillows do you have and do you need them all? Check to see if they are stained or frayed. If the cases can be removed, do it and purchase new ones. If not, try washing them. If they still aren’t clean, donate them. Your throw rugs may need to be replaced, as well. Area rugs can be expensive to replace so spot clean and take them outside to beat the dust out of them.