Dear Storage Seeker: I’d like to start the season fresh! Every spring, I get excited to clean up and clear out. But, I become so overwhelmed I simply give up. Can you provide me with some spring cleaning tips? My goal is to de-clutter.
Thank you!
Andrew
Hi Andrew!
It’s our pleasure! First off, if you’ve ever wondered why you have such a drive to clean every spring, it’s almost ingrained in each of us.
What is spring cleaning, and why do we do it? says that spring cleaning comes from “…the days when fireplaces heated homes, and efforts were made to prevent heat from escaping. The coming of spring and warm weather was an opportunity to air the house and clean it of soot and all the grime accumulated over the winter months.”
The problem is, most people, just like you, Andrew, feel overwhelmed. One recent survey found that 66 percent of Americans feel stressed and overwhelmed by a dirty home, with clutter being the number one anxiety-inducer.
And guess what? Tackling that clutter doesn’t always help. In fact, most people feel paralyzed by it! Here’s what you need to do:
Break down the tasks at hand.
You likely start to feel overwhelmed each season because you try to take on too much at once. Trust us when we say it’s not possible! Instead, as you start your spring cleaning, we recommend dividing your home up into zones – focusing on one zone each day or week (depending on the size) and breaking it up further. This way, you only spend 15-20 minutes on each section within that zone, making the entire clean-up process much more manageable.
Don’t hesitate to donate or discard items you don’t need!
Getting rid of stuff is a good thing, so please, find joy in the purge process! As you come across items you no longer have use for, you feel someone else may donate them to a local non-profit. Many organizations will even come to your home for a scheduled pick-up, making the process super easy.
If the item is not in the best condition, get rid of it and don’t look back!
Remember: if you haven’t used it in the past three months and don’t plan to over the next, it’s not worth keeping.
Consider renting a self-storage unit.
If you live in a smaller home or apartment, it can be hard to find the space to store seasonal decor, sports equipment, or camping gear can be a real challenge.
That’s where self-storage comes in. With 24-7 security, climate control, and drive-up access, you can rest assured your items will be safe, secure, and accessible. Plus, the monthly rate is super affordable. So, whatever size you choose will fit right into your monthly budget.
By breaking your home into smaller zones, getting rid of items you don’t need, and utilizing storage for things you do, your home will be clutter-free this spring and beyond!
Wishing you a happy Spring!
