Spring Clearing

(Yes, you read that right.)

Spring has Sprung, my friend, and I'm challenging you to a 10 Day Spring Clearing Challenge!

Don't I mean Spring "Cleaning"? Nope, I mean Spring Clearing and here's why:

As a professional organizer, I've seen how clearing your space by means of decluttering and organizing, goes beyond temporary satisfaction. While spring cleaning feels great in the moment, it doesn't last...

By decluttering, you can identify items that no longer serve a purpose, allowing you to maximize space and reduce stress.

By organizing, you can create a more functional and efficient space that lasts. With an effective system, you get things done with ease and save time.

This is the kind of energy and momentum we want moving forward. Spring symbolizes renewal and growth making it the perfect time to refresh your space and clear out what is no longer serving you!

The 10 Day Spring Clearing Challenge

Save this image so you don't forget what's next!

There are two bonus challenges, just in case you one or more of the days don't apply.

Bonus #1: Organize Digital Files

Take 10 minutes to go through your computer files. Delete duplicates or unnecessary files and create folders for better organization, making it easier to find documents later.

Examples:

• Create folders by category (e.g., Work, Personal, Projects) on your computer.

• Delete old programs or apps you no longer use.

• Back up important files to an external drive or cloud storage.

• Pro Tip: Regularly declutter your digital space to maintain organization.

Bonus #2: Create a Weekly Cleaning Schedule

Dedicate 10 minutes to outline a simple weekly cleaning schedule. Assign specific tasks to different days to maintain an organized and clean home effortlessly.

Example:

Monday: Dust surfaces and clean mirrors.

Tuesday: Vacuum or mop floors.

Wednesday: Clean bathrooms.

Thursday: Organize a specific area (e.g., pantry, closet).

Friday: Tidy up bedrooms.

Pro Tip: If you typically have one busy day or a "lazy day", don't schedule a task for it. Pair tasks together that make sense for you while still making time for yourself so it's sustainable.

Day One: Clear Out Expired Items

Spend 10 minutes going through your pantry, fridge, or bathroom cabinet. Discard any expired food, medications, or products to create a cleaner and safer environment.

Examples:

• In the pantry, look for canned goods or dry items like pasta and rice.

• In the fridge, check dairy products, condiments, and produce.

• In the bathroom, look for old medications and skincare products.

• Pro Tip: For easy maintenance, add checking expiration dates into your monthly schedule.

  
  

Day Two: Sort Through Paper Clutter

Dedicate 10 minutes to sorting through papers in your home. Identify documents to keep, recycle junk mail, and organize important papers into a filing system.

Examples:

• Create folders labeled “Bills,” “Medical Records,” and “Important Documents.”

• Recycle junk mail and outdated flyers immediately to prevent buildup.

• Use a scanner or app to digitize important papers for added space.

Pro Tip: Create a system where papers land when they come into your home. There should be two drop zones. One labeled "To Do" and the other "File". This makes it easy to maintain.

Day Three: Declutter your Entryway

Use this time to clear out your entryway. Remove shoes, bags, and items that don’t belong. Create a designated spot for essentials like keys and mail to keep things organized.

Examples:

• Use a basket for shoes and a hook for bags or coats.

• Set up a small tray for keys and mail to keep them from spreading.

• Consider a small shelf for items like sunglasses or umbrellas.

Pro Tip: If there are other people in the home, designate everyone their own spot. This way there's no question where things go. Kids and husbands alike won't have to think twice.

Day Four: Tidy up the Living Room

Spend 10 minutes decluttering your living room. Remove items that don’t belong, organize your books or remote controls, and fluff up pillows for a fresh look.

Examples:

• Use trays for remote controls and small electronics.

• Arrange books by category (whatever makes sense to you) or color for a visually appealing look.

• Fluff and straighten cushions for an inviting atmosphere.

Pro Tip: Ensure everything has a clear designated home. Involve the family so it's not a "new rule", but a family decision.

Day Five: Refresh your Closet

Choose one section of your closet (e.g., tops or shoes) and spend 10 minutes decluttering. Pull out items you haven’t worn in the past year and decide what to donate or discard. Find a method that works best for you when determining whether it stays or goes.

Examples:

• If you haven’t worn it in a year, you probably won't wear it again this year, so consider donating it.

• If you haven't used it for the last 90 days and can't foresee yourself using it in the next 90 days, this is probably a safe items to get rid of.

• Get rid of anything that no longer fits whether that's physically or just your evolving style.

  
  

Pro Tip: Note any staple items that might be damaged or don't fit so that they can be replaced.

Implement a "one in, one out" rule to avoid overstuffing your closet.

Day Six: Tidy Kitchen Counters

Clear off one section of your kitchen counters. Remove items that don’t belong, and only leave out essentials. Consider organizing frequently used items in a drawer or cabinet.

Examples:

• Remove small appliances like toasters or blenders that aren’t used daily.

• Use drawer organizers for utensils and cooking tools.

• Keep only essential items, such as a coffee maker or knife block, on the counter.

Pro Tip: If small items tend to collect on your counters, consider placing a small tray for such items. This gives it a "home" while maintaining the tidy look of your counters (i.e. they're not adding stress into your life).

Day Seven: Streamline your Bathroom

Focus on your bathroom for 10 minutes. Clear off the counter, remove unnecessary items, and organize remaining items by category (e.g., skincare, haircare).

Examples:

• Use bins or trays for skincare products, hair tools, and medications.

• Store frequently used items at eye level and less-used items higher on shelving or away in drawers.

• Clear out expired or unused toiletries to minimize clutter.

Pro Tip: Create zones. An easy example being the drawers on the right are dedicated to all things hair related, while the drawers on the left are dedicated to all things skin related.

Day Eight: Optimize your Workspace

Spend 10 minutes decluttering your home office or workspace. Remove distractions, organize supplies, and create a clean area to enhance productivity.

Examples:

• Clear off your desk and remove non-essential items.

• Use drawer organizers for pens, paper, and office supplies.

• Keep a calendar or planner in view to stay on track with tasks.

Pro Tip: While this is a workspace, make sure it aligns with your personal style (add plants & colors you like). This will naturally put your body at ease, enhancing your creativity and productivity.

Day Nine: Clear Out Toys

Dedicate 10 minutes to decluttering toys in the kids’ play area. Encourage your children to help decide what to keep, donate, or discard, and organize toys into bins.

Examples:

• Use a “keep, donate, discard” method to categorize toys together.

• Organize toys into labeled bins for easy access and storage. Consider picture labels for young children.

• Consider a “one in, one out” rule for future toy purchases.

Pro Tip: Involve your kids in the decluttering process to teach them organization skills.

Day Ten: Clear Out Cleaning Supplies

Take 10 minutes to go through your cleaning supplies. Dispose of empty or expired products, and organize the remaining items in a way that makes them easy to access for cleaning tasks.

Examples:

• Dispose of empty bottles or products you no longer use.

• Organize remaining supplies by type (e.g., kitchen cleaners, bathroom products).

• Store items in a cleaning caddy for easy transport around the house.

Pro Tip: Use clear Storage options so you can see when you're running low on items and need more.

Are you up for the challenge?

Use your time creating a space with lasting effects. A functional and harmonious home will keep stress levels lower while increasing your down time, productivity, and overall well being!

This challenge was brought to you by the founder of Ambiance Solutions, specializing in luxury home organization. Austin home organization that simplifies your life, not just your space.