Spring cleaning hints...

It's spring time and most of us are thinking...oh no...it's time to spring clean.

Here's some ideas to help you.

TIME TO DE-CLUTTER...

Decluttering, don't know what it is?  It's items, papers and 'stuff' that doesn't belong where it is right now.  Once you give a specific item or category a home to live, life is so much easier.

If you're stuck in the home because of bad weather...put on some music and gather everyone and discuss a game plan.  Do one room at a time or one person is in charge of one room, give a timeframe; 1/2 half hour or each side of the room, all gather and see what has been accomplished and then the one that does the best job in their room gets a prize or choose...where to go eat, money prize, or what type of pizza to order, which movie to see or whatever gets your family moving in the right direction.

Basic decluttering 101;

1. Figure out what you have, put them in a category.  sounds easy...and it really is.
2. designate a spot for everything-either label a spot with a basket, table, etc; then everyone will know what goes where

Ask yourself, when you come home what do you have ...groceries...bills, school bags, etc.  And where do they go? Make sure they all go in their new designated spot. Once they are in their right place, it's so easy to find one on those hectic mornings or late for appointment day when you can't find the keys.

Once you have a spot for everything tackle the whole home; one room at a time.  If you have children...put then in charge of their own room, let them choose where to put things, they just may surprise you on their own organization techniques and may even give you some pointers, too.

To start:

Get 6 large bags or wash baskets and label them...

1.  one for trash

2.  one for donating to Salvation Army

3.  one for cleaners

4.  one for recycling

5.  jar for change

6.  to fix

Sounds silly, doesn't it?  Well, believe it or not it really is that easy.

Let's start in the living room for example:  if you are like most people; you have 'stuff' all over the place...remotes, newspapers, eyeglasses, magazines, mail, bills, etc.  BUT if you have a place for everything, then it doesn't look so messy, plus you'll know where to put it or find it.  Obviously recycle the newspapers, get a basket and put in the  magazines and all reading material, eyeglasses and remotes go on top.  Put bills in a separate basket labeled "bills".

You will be surprised how fast it will go with music and a contest, everyone is competitive,  make it fun and it will be accomplised in no time.

Don't forget to take before and after pictures to show how much everyone has done.

New Year New Clean and Decluttered home..