Spring has officially arrived in the UK!
I love the start of a new season, and the beginning of Spring is probably my favourite.
That sense of new life, our gardens awakening following the winter hibernation and the first signs of plants creeping through the borders are a welcome reminder that brighter (and warmer) days lie ahead.
Temperatures here in the East of England are beginning to nudge into double figures. The longer days and glimpses of sunshine spark the excitement that it won’t be too much longer before we’re spending more time enjoying our gardens.
With that in mind, it’s the perfect moment to spring into action and get our homes ready for the new season ahead.
Let’s turn our attentions to some long-overdue decluttering and general spring-clean.
With these six simple steps, we’ll make the daunting task of “spring-cleaning” feel more manageable; sharing a series of bite-sized tips to help keep your home ship-shape all year round.
1: Declutter for a fresh start
Let’s begin with a biggie! Decluttering.
Decluttering your home doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. There’s no need to declutter the entire house in one day.
Start small.
Why not begin with something simple, like sorting out that drawer? You know the one; it mysteriously attracts everything from random batteries and pens that no longer work, to business cards from services you’ll never call.
Photo by Orgalux on Unsplash
Starting small not only makes the task more manageable, it also gives you a sense of achievement right from the start.
A great tip which makes a huge difference is to follow the 12-12-12 rule. Have you heard of it?
This idea is to find 12 items to throw away, 12 to donate, and 12 to return to their rightful place.
This method encourages intentional decision-making, helping you take small, steady steps towards a tidier home.
For an extra challenge, try adding a layer of fun with the 5-second rule. Give yourself just five seconds to decide the fate of each item, it’s a game-changer!
Remember, start small.
Focus on one area at a time, and finish it before moving onto the next.
Completing an entire room brings an incredible sense of achievement, which will (hopefully) motivate you to tackle the next space with confidence.
2: Tackle the big jobs (in bite-size pieces)
When you first start, the thought of cleaning the whole house can feel rather daunting. However, breaking it down into manageable, bite-size pieces makes the process far more achievable, and even enjoyable.
Instead of attempting to blitz the entire house all at once, start by creating a list of tasks.
Prioritise them based on urgency, how much you want them out of the way, or the satisfaction it will bring once completed.
Set realistic goals for what you can accomplish in a day or week, and schedule focused time to tackle your cleaning.
I find that concentrating on one room at a time works wonders. It’s incredibly satisfying to see visible progress and know that each space is being transformed, one step at a time.
And remember to make it fun! Turn up your favourite playlist and dance your way around the house with the vacuum cleaner in tow, or listen to a podcast for entertainment.
Image from Pixabay
When you’re done, treat yourself; you’ve earned it! Whether it’s a cup of coffee and a chocolate biscuit, or perhaps a well-deserved glass of wine, it’s the perfect way to celebrate your hard work.
3: Refresh and rejuvenate
A simple yet impactful way to refresh your home at the start of a new season is to swap out heavy, winter linens for lighter, breathable fabrics that add a pop of colour.
If you’e looking for an affordable way to transform your bedroom, updating your bedding is a fantastic place to start. A new duvet cover can completely change the look and feel of a space without the stress, (or expense), of redecorating.
4: Organise and optimise
Spring is the perfect time to review and refresh your wardrobe.
Much like the 12-12-12 rule, the 90/90 rule is a brilliant approach to wardrobe decluttering.
If you haven’t worn an item in the past 90 days and don’t see yourself wearing it in the next 90, it’s time to show it the (wardrobe) door and find it a new home.
It might sound a little harsh, but it works and I review my wardrobe two or three times a year.
If there are a few items you’re not quite ready to part with, set them aside for now, revisit them in another 90 days, and if they’re still unworn, it might be time to say goodbye.
Once you’ve decided what to part with, there are plenty of options to give your clothes a second life. Donate them to a local charity shop, connect with a pre-loved clothing store or list them on platforms like Depop or Vinted.
For the items you’ve decided to keep, it’s time to reorganise.
Start with a seasonal wardrobe swap; pack away those chunky knits and winter staples into vacuum-sealed bags or storage boxes.
Not only does this save space, it also makes room for lighter, more seasonally appropriate pieces.
Next, organise your clothes in a way that works for you; by product type, colour theme, or even by complete outfits.
Imagine how much time you’ll save each day if your outfits are ready to go!
Photo by Alyssa Strohmann on Unsplash
I prefer the colour approach and then order by product type, starting with vest tops, followed by short sleeve tops, long sleeve tops, dresses and trousers.
All sweatshirts and knitwear are folded and placed on the shelving above the hanging rails in the wardrobe.
Here’s a handy tip; turn your hangers around whenever you wear an item.
When it’s time for your next 90/90 review, you’ll see clearly what’s been worn and what hasn’t. You might be surprised at how few clothes you actually wear; most of us are creatures of habit sticking to just a few go-to favourites.
By decluttering and reorganising your wardrobe, you’ll not only create a more functional space, but you’ll also make room for the pieces you truly love.
5: Add those finishing touches
Bring the essence of spring into your home with thoughtful touches that celebrate the season.
Houseplants are a wonderful way to introduce greenery with the added benefit of creating a calming atmosphere to your living space.
I’ve just purchased a couple of new plants for our bathroom and it’s amazing how much a little bit of greenery has added a homely feel to this space.
Why not start a small herb garden in your kitchen? It’s practical, smells amazing, and makes cooking even more enjoyable.
Decorating with fresh flowers is another simple, yet impactful way to brighten your home.
A vase filled with tulips, daffodils, or your favourite blooms can instantly brighten any room while adding a gorgeous natural fragrance.
Photo by Bianca Ackermann on Unsplash
Consider treating yourself to a bunch of flowers each month; it’s a lovely way to add a splash of colour to your home and a touch of luxury to your everyday life, without costing the earth.
6: Maintain the magic
With your home refreshed and ready for Spring, the key to keeping it that way is to incorporate a few simple habits into your everyday routine, which will help you keep your home feeling fresh and tidy all year long.
Dedicating just 15 minutes a day for a quick tidy-up can make a huge difference.
Small tasks like putting away items, wiping down surfaces, or giving the kitchen a once-over can prevent clutter from building up and keep your space looking its best.
Add one “bigger” task to your weekly routine to tackle areas that need a bit more attention.
With warmer weather on the horizon, it’s the perfect time to clean the windows, tidy the garden, or give the patio a sweep.
Don’t forget to revisit the earlier steps periodically.
By committing to these manageable habits, you’ll create a home that feels welcoming and organised, not just for Spring, but all year round.
If you’re looking for further support with either Home Organising or Home Styling you can find out more on here.
I hope the tips I’ve shared have inspired you to kick-start your spring-clean and refresh your home.
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