Tweet

RSS

When we think of decluttering our spaces, sometimes it can feel like the only option is to get rid of the clutter itself–to grab a plastic bag or some spare boxes and start paring down what we don’t need, use, or want in our way anymore.

But decluttering, and the psychological benefits it provides, can be about more than just ditching what’s not bringing us joy anymore. Sometimes it can be about recreating our space with what’s already there. Below are a few tips, both quick and more involved, that can scratch that spring cleaning itch without a trip to the curb.

Dusting

It sounds simple–and it is! It’s not news to anyone that people have been spending a lot more time at home, especially in the last few years. With many of us sticking closer to the house, remote work becoming more common, and much more human and pet traffic through the spaces where we spend our days, dust can accumulate quickly and make a room feel stale, even if you don’t notice it all the time. Making time to wipe down and dust surfaces, shelves, baseboards (even the tops of books on your shelf) can rejuvenate a living space.

If you really want that satisfying shine, take a little extra time to move your larger items, such as coffee table books, computer monitors, and kitchen appliances to get underneath them, not just around them.

Don’t Reorganize–Refresh

Did you know that many retail clothing stores have their employees take time to just go around the racks and touch each individual item, jostle each individual hanger, and make sure every jacket has its zipper zipped? It’s true, and it’s not just for stores.

If you’ve been looking at things like your bookshelves and closets and been feeling bored, try just taking each item out, giving it a little shake or brush-off, and putting it back where it was. Much like dust, things can start to settle against each other in a way that feels resigned, and just taking time to make a centimeter of space between your hangers can help. It refreshes your mind and eyes and makes a space feel more organized, even if things go right back where they were.

Store It!

“But what if I’ll want this later?” We’ve all thought it, and really, most of us have probably felt silly for thinking it, because we’ve also held onto things we never came back to. And that’s okay, too! But finding an old favorite can be a rewarding, refreshing experience, from the movies we watch to the things we collect.

An excellent way to declutter without waste is to store things you might come back to later–maybe it’s time to switch out your couch, change the art on your walls, or just break out a wardrobe from (more than) a few seasons ago. Visit us at Spartan Storage to learn about options for keeping things out of your way, but not out of your life!