Spring cleaning feels like the natural thing to do at this time of year (well for some of us) and making the time to have a good clear out and declutter can be soothing for the soul.

Where to start?

Like any big clean and de-clutter planning it keeps the stress and overwhelm to a manageable level. Below are some tips that should help.

• Schedule time – don’t just start your clean when you have a “spare 5 minutes” check the diary, allow plenty of time to do a thorough job. It might be that you have to find a couple of days, but they don’t have to be consecutive.

• Stick to the schedule – if you’ve allocated days, stick to them. It’s easy to get distracted by other people or activities. Sticking to the plan will get the job done.

• Pre-plan – make sure that you have done a stock check on any cleaning materials you might need. Nothing worse than starting the job and then finding you don’t have the tools for the task. Pre-planning definitely lessens the overwhelm.

• Set the stage – cleaning/decluttering can feel very therapeutic if you are not rushing. Put your favourite music on, listen to an audio book. Treat yourself to a nice lunch, some snacks. Get the windows open and the air flowing through your home. Treat it as a pleasurable experience rather than a chore.

• The tidiest room – it sounds strange but start with the cleanest and tidiest room. That way you will whizz through the task and have a sense of accomplishment that will drive you on. I often suggest to clients starting with the loo or the bathroom.

• De-cluttering -so that you don’t feel overwhelmed it is important to declutter in bite size chunks. This is something you might need to do over time and is better to do BEFORE you start the big clean, less clutter, easier to clean.

The emotional benefits.

Cleaning and de-cluttering can make a huge difference to how you feel, tidy house, tidy mind – there’s a lot to be said for that.

If you would like some more help with decluttering, my workbook available on my website has many more tips to keep you focused and lessen the overwhelm. www.katetilston.co.uk

The post Spring cleaning & decluttering – some useful tips appeared first on KATE TILSTON - PRACTICAL LIFE COACH.

Even though decluttering your wardrobe may seem like a tough task, the satisfaction you’ll feel afterward can outweigh any initial emotional discomfort.

Timing is key.

This is another task that should NOT be done when you are tired, or when you don’t have much time. I always suggest to clients that instead you should schedule a job like this into your diary. Allocate a good chunk of time to do it, otherwise it’s one of those things that gets half done and is then even more overwhelming!

Creating space.

The thing to remember when you are decluttering your wardrobe, is that by creating space, by clearing out the unworn, it has a significant impact on your day-to-day wellbeing. You aren’t rummaging through clothes you never wear. You’re not presented by endless guilty purchases. Clothes that don’t fit won’t be there to constantly make you feel rubbish!

For detailed help on how to declutter your wardrobe, head over to my shop and download the workbook. It’s packed full of tips to ease the anxiety and overwhelm.

To get you started –

• Allocate a chunk of time to tackle the declutter – this could well be a full day.
• Be prepared – have bags/boxes at the ready for those charity shop donations.
• A supply of vacuum pack bags is always useful for those things that are seasonal and can be stored away.
• DON’T do this if you are feeling under the weather in any way – it’s not a job that you can do if you are feeling a bit fragile.

Once you’re ready, you are going to sort your clothes into three key piles (more info on this in the workbook). These are:

1. Wear every day and feel comfortable/good in (despite the season)
2. Occasional wear – weddings/formal etc
3. Things you haven’t worn in the last 6 months to a year

Now go through each pile and ask yourself lots of questions!

• Is there anything that needs chucking because its past it’s best?
• Are there clothes that need mending or a trip to the dry cleaners?
• Will you really wear that floor length ball gown that cost you an arm and a leg ever again?

Always be honest with yourself.

Be honest, be brutal and only keep the things that make you feel good about yourself. As for the clothes that still have the tags on – if you haven’t worn it in the last siz months, you’re unlikely to wear it now, regardless of how much you’ve spent.

Recycle, resell, regift.

Clear out and enjoy being able to wear the things you love without being surrounded by guilt or those clothes that no longer serve you well. It’s hugely liberating!

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