Spring Cleaning is Starting Early in 2020

​The phrase "there aren't enough hours in a day" generally rings true during the usual hustle-and-bustle of our busy lives.  Right now, however, during the COVID-19 outbreak, we are in a unique situation.  We are staying at home more than usual due to self-quarantining in an attempt to keep healthy and flatten the curve.

This situation poses the question:

"What should I do if I have some extra time at home?"

Hours of sunlight are getting longer, and we are spending more time at home than usual!  What better time than NOW to jumpstart spring cleaning & decluttering and get a fresh start!

Fun Fact:

We spend about 10 minutes a day searching for lost items, which adds up to more than 60 hours, annually that we spend trying to find things we've lost in our own homes!

Spring Cleaning & Decluttering is HEALTHY!

Spring cleaning & decluttering is therapeutic! Several health benefits come along with going through your house and clearing your clutter:

1. It can lower stress & boost mental health! Did you know the sight of clutter can cause a release of the stress hormone,  Cortisol?
2. It can lower the risk of depression! Spring cleaning can improve happiness and reduce fatigue. Happiness, satisfaction, and a sense of accomplishment are all feelings associated with having a clean house!
   
3. It can enhance your productivity! People are generally more efficient when their space appears organized because they are less distracted and stressed by the clutter around them.
   
4. It is beneficial for your safety! It is no surprise that clutter can pose obstacles to walking through the home, which can lead to potential injuries.

Not sure where to start? Here are some tips:

1. PLAN
Start with a plan! Set aside time in your schedule to get your projects done, uninterrupted.
2. DECIDE WHERE TO DONATE
Decide on if/where you will donate unwanted items and schedule it in your calendar to drop off donations to your organization of choice.
3. CATEGORIZE
Create space to work, and categorize items you plan to keep. Toss or recycle items that no longer serve a purpose for you, and relocate items that are in the wrong room to their rightful homes.
4. CREATE HOMES
Create labeled homes for the things you keep! Putting a label on it is a great way to make sure everyone who lives with you knows where to find and put things away.
5. MAXIMIZE SPACE
Maximize space by utilizing the hard to reach areas to store items you don't need to use very often.    

What is the first area in your home that you want to tackle & declutter this spring?​

About the Author

Kara Desmond is a Professional Organizer in Metro Detroit, and the Owner of Utterly Uncluttered, LLC.  She provides local services in the Metro Detroit area and virtual services throughout the US. Want to get in contact? Email her or visit her website!