Spring has sprung, and with the change of season comes a sense of renewal and freshness. The trees are starting to bloom, the days are getting longer, and everything feels new. It’s the perfect time to do some spring cleaning – both inside and outside your home. Decluttering your living space can also help declutter your mind, sparking creativity in your work.
Here are a few tips on how to get started.
Do you really need to declutter?
After two years of staying at home due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many people have accumulated a lot of stuff. Our workspaces have been used and reused for different purposes, and it might be time to take a step back and reassess how we’re using them.
If you’re feeling bogged down by your space or feel like you can’t focus or think creatively in your current environment, it might be time for some decluttering. Other signs that your space could use a refresh include:
- Too much clutter – If you can’t walk through your room without bumping into things, it’s time to declutter.
- Poor lighting or ventilation – These can both lead to a feeling of claustrophobia and can make it difficult to focus.
- Aesthetics – If your space is uninspiring or doesn’t feel like “you,” it might be time for a redesign.
- Lack of storage – If you don’t have enough places to put your things, keeping your space clean and organized can be difficult.
Why Spring is the best time to declutter
The expression ‘Spring Cleaning’ has been around for decades, and there’s a good reason. Spring is the perfect time to declutter your space because it is warmer, making it easier to work outside and move large items around. It’s still cool enough, however, that you don’t have to worry about dealing with the heat and humidity of summer.
In addition, the nature of spring provides an opportunity to start fresh. Everything is blooming and alive, so it feels like a good time to clear out the old and make way for the new. We spend more time outside, breathing fresh air and getting exercise, which can help motivate us to clean our indoor spaces.
How To Declutter Your Space
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to decluttering, but there are a few general tips that can help you get started:
Make a plan
Don’t try to do everything at once. Start by making a list of the areas of your space that need attention, and then break each one down into smaller tasks. This will make the process feel more manageable and less overwhelming.
Unless things are critical, you shouldn’t need to rush everything in one day. Instead, spread out your various tasks over a period of days or weeks and take your time to enjoy the process.
Bring trash / donation bags
You may think you can get away with rearranging things without getting rid of things, but that’s usually not the case. If you really want to declutter your space, you’ll need to get rid of some things.
Channel your inner Marie Kondo in this phase. Be ruthless in purging – if you haven’t used it in the past six months, chances are you never will. Meaning, it’s time for it to go. If it’s broken, or if you just don’t like it, get rid of it too. The less stuff you have, the easier it will be to keep your space clean and organized.
Note that trash bags don’t necessarily mean trash! If you can donate clothes or supplies, it’s always best to do so.
Ask for a second opinion
Being too close to our situation / space can make it difficult to view it objectively, so getting a second opinion is often helpful. Ask a friend or family member to help you go through your things and decide what to keep and get rid of. Plus, an extra pair of hands is always welcome when cleaning.
This can also be helpful if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the task at hand. By having someone there to help you and encourage you – the task will less daunting.
How To Spark Creativity In Your Space
Once you declutter your space, it’s time to start thinking about how to spark creativity in it again. Here are a few ideas:
Create zones
When your space is organized, it’ll be easier to find what you need to work more efficiently. One way to do this is by creating zones in your space – for example, a zone for working, sleeping, and relaxing.
It will be less chaotic and more calming when everything has its own designated space. This can help spark creativity by providing a more peaceful and organized environment.
Add plants
Adding plants to your space can help to improve air quality and provide a bit of natural beauty. Plants can also be helpful for creativity, as they’re known to inspire new ideas and solutions. If you don’t have a lot of space, consider adding plants that don’t require a lot of maintenance, such as succulents. Or try a vertical garden if you have high ceilings.
Add art
One of the best ways to add personality to your space and inspire creativity is by adding art. Art doesn’t have to be expensive – in fact, you can probably find pieces that are just lying around your house.
Look for art that speaks to you. Pieces that makes you feel happy or inspired. Then place them where you’ll see them daily, and enjoy the positive energy it brings to your space.
Springtime is a great time to clean out your space and get a fresh perspective, especially after two years of spending more than enough time at home. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to decluttering, but these tips should give you a good starting point.
Take your time and enjoy the process. You are starting a new chapter in your life, and the space around you should reflect that.
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