Spring cleaning is right around the corner and this year, you’re going to be on top of it – we can feel it!!
The trick to an easy clean is to start with decluttering your space. We like to look at each item individually with the mindset of “store or sell.” Not sure how to make that hefty decision? We gathered some questions to help you decide if you should sell it or store it.
Each item in your home should serve some sort of purpose, whether that be a functional or emotional one. If you are struggling to get rid of things and declutter (hello fellow pack rats) here are a few questions to ask yourself:
- Has it been used in the last 12 months?
If not, chances are it is going to continue taking up space for another 12 months and you just don’t have the time and space for that (hint: no one does). - Will it gain monetary value over time? (we love an investment piece)
If so, consider this…will you actually end up selling it one day or gifting it to someone who will? And if you’re not interested in parting with it via a sale, how can you utilize it more in your daily life to get the money’s worth. - Does it add joy to your life?
I know we sound like Marie Kondo, but this is truly such a valuable question. If it isn’t bringing long-term joy, inspiration or functional use to your life it is time to say bye-bye. This question also works well for relationships and jobs too – hehe! - Would it add more joy to someone else’s life?
This can be a tricky but very rewarding question. When it comes to things like clothing you have never worn and probably never will, extra canned goods sitting in the back of your pantry or your 30th coffee mug, think about how much joy these pieces could bring to the life of someone who has less than you. There are COUNTLESS incredible organizations you can donate extra items to that will serve someone who truly needs it. - Do you have more than one?
You do not need two toasters. You just don’t. You also don’t need one toaster if you have an oven and a toaster oven too. You see what we mean? Get rid of things that only serve one purpose when you have other products or tools that serve multiple. It’s about ~optimizing~ our collections. - Is it difficult to store?
Grandpa’s giant roll-top desk may be sentimental and beautiful, but if it’s taking up 1/4 your garage to store it (and it’s not even on display in your home) then what are you doing?! Either find a proper space in your home for it or get some storage space back and let Gramp’s desk go to a new home that will carry on the legacy! - Does it have sentimental value?
As mentioned in the previous question, we know it is hard to part with sentimental items from loved ones or important times in your life. With that in mind, think about how you can consolidate these items into the smallest space possible. Have a ton of boxes filled with old photos? Consider getting them all professionally scanned so they take up digital storage instead (lol). Or instead of keeping every piece of your grandmother’s wardrobe, pick 2-5 pieces that you absolutely LOVE and actually remember her wearing and then sell the rest. Vintage is worth good money, and your grandma would be proud!
We hope these questions bring you some comfort and motivation when you’re in the midst of your spring cleaning / decluttering era. Just remember, one space at a time and one item at a time. You’ve got this. And when all the decluttering is done and you’re ready for a cat nap, call Mindful Mop to get the rest of the cleaning done for you. 😉
Cheers to a clean home this Spring 2024!
