Weekend Warrior: Spring into Action & Clean Your Clutter! It's a fresh new season for a fresh new start…let's Get De-Cluttered the 'MOMeo way'!

MOMeo’s Weekend Warrior series launches a new feature: Get De-Cluttered! Let’s start with the basics: general tips.

Spring is in the air, and it’s time to get ready for another wonderful summer. However, for many spring cleaning looms like a thunderstorm, preventing us from truly enjoying the warm weather. 

But it doesn’t have to be this way. 

This April, MOMeo’s Weekend Warrior will help you power through your spring cleaning with helpful tips and techniques to clean and maintain a clutter-free home. This week, we collected some general cleaning tips to help you start tackling your clutter.

Stay CALM

In her book Simplify your Space, Marcia Ramsland believes the best way to start your de-cluttering is to practice CALM: Create a plan, Approach it by sections, Lighten up and let go and Manage it simply. “Simplifying your space is the process of organizing your belongings and letting go of the excess until your surroundings are orderly and peaceful,” says Ramsland.

Use a Stopwatch

Cleaning is like peeling an onion: it starts out as a simple task, but as you uncover layer upon layer it becomes more difficult, and leaves you in tears. Don’t get overwhelmed. Grab a stopwatch and set aside 15 to 60 minutes each day to tackle a clutter zone. You may not get through it all in one go, but breaking up cleaning into smaller chunks makes it manageable and less stressful.

The Three Box Rule

Grab three boxes and label them as “Keep,” “Donate,” and “Toss.” As you go through your clutter, designate items to one of the three boxes. Often we hold onto things thinking we may need them…one day. Chances are, if you haven’t used or thought of that item in the last six months, you’re probably not going to in the future. After all, do you really need four gym bags and a stack of Life magazines from the 1950s?

Eliminate Expired Items

It happens to all of us; at the store, we see a sale on Mac and Cheese and forget we already have lots at home. If you’re stuck for a place to start cleaning, why not start in the pantry or medicine cabinet? Anything expired can (should) be tossed immediately, allowing you to take inventory and make a list of items you need.

Avoid Garage Sales

Don’t let your neighbour’s old junk become your new junk. Avoid the urge to go treasure hunting at garage sales unless there’s a specific item you’re looking to buy.

Make it Fun

Who said cleaning has to be a chore? Make a playlist—something energetic and fun—and spice up your routine. Afterward, remember to reward yourself for a job well done; whether that’s a cocktail on the deck, or an hour with your favourite book, sit back and relax.

Do you have any spring cleaning tips to share? Register or log in below and join the discussion!