If you are planning a spring cleaning, you’re going to find out something really quick: you have a lot of ‘stuff.’

We do a big clean-out at least twice a year and each time I wonder how we accumulated so much! Nonetheless, more stuff means more organization. And it also means letting go of some things too.

Letting go of your stuff can be difficult. For most, memories are attached to these things, and giving them away or throwing them out feels like you do not treasure those moments you’ve had – at least not enough to keep them.

But you need to remember, clutter has a way of hampering happiness and productivity. In a way, a purge can be refreshing. A clean slate that you probably have long been in need of.

To jumpstart the process, below are a few tips you should consider while in the process of determining the things to keep, give or throw away.

Little by Little, Every Day

One of the major reasons people refuse to sort through their belongings is time. It takes time to do this.

Instead of working an entire weekend, set aside half an hour a day to go through your stuff. Doing tiny bits of organization often is less tiring than having to go through every room in the span of 48 hours. You can even use 10 minutes to do a small area.

Evaluate Each Item

It can be difficult to go through each item that you are thinking about getting rid of. However, it is important to ask yourself why you are hesitating to give or throw away a certain thing.

• Does it make you happy?
• Does it make you more productive?
• Or is it just because you think you MIGHT need it in the future?

If it’s the latter, then throw it out because chances are you won’t need it – especially if you’ve had it for over a year!

Test Your “Maybe” Pile

In order to move the process along, create a “Maybe” pile for the things you are unsure of whether you want to keep them or give them away. Stash this maybe pile somewhere hidden and keep it for a month. In the course of 30 days, if you do not find yourself needing any of the items in your pile, then you’ll know it is time to get rid of them.

Create a System that Works for You

Organizing your things and throwing away those you do not need can be very therapeutic. However, it is very easy to fall into the same hoarding patterns. This needs to be addressed in order for your purge to be sustainable.

Develop a system that works for you and commit to

Winter is finally taking its last turn. And that means spring cleaning. Before you shake your head no, take a moment to look around. Most likely, you and the rest of your family have been living more at home than ever. Things have gotten a little grubbier from more use. Many items are getting more wear and tear than ever.

So why not take the new season as a renewed sense of productivity. It can be overwhelming. And it can feel a bit fruitless. (I know cleaning that sliding door track will only lead to more dirt in the track – not to mention an aching back.)

Here are some tips to easily get started.

Sort and De-Clutter

Going through everything you own should be your first step in spring cleaning. If available, grab three boxes, sort through the small items you own and put them into “keep,” “store,” and “toss” boxes. (Hint: I use plastic tubs for the store boxes, so I can easily get them in the attic without worry.)

To make the task easier, go through your stuff while listening to music. Make it fun, sing and dance along.

Here’s a suggested playlist:

Create a Basic Cleaning Kit

After decluttering, round-up the supplies you might need to clean every surface of your home. Make sure that you have an all-purpose cleaner, disposable gloves, disinfectant, glass cleaner, microfiber cloths, a sponge, and a small duster in your kit.

This way, you don’t have to run to the store to buy any cleaning supplies when you are already knee-deep scrubbing your floors. You don’t want to lose your momentum.

Take On the Task Room By Room

Thinking that you have to clean an entire house is enough to discourage anyone. You are one person – and there are just too many nooks and crannies to go through. This is why it is smarter to clean room by room.

Set a schedule. You can set an hour or a day per room – it doesn’t matter the length as time as long as you’re consistent. This will make the task less daunting.

Reward Yourself

Spring cleaning is not easy. Especially if it’s your first time, but after it is done – it deserves a reward.  Sure, the house looks great, but give yourself some extra credit and do something for yourself.

Perhaps it’s creating your own playlist for future cleaning! Why not share a favorite song that you like cleaning to in the comments?