Spring has officially sprung and with Shrove Tuesday traditionally allowing for clearing out the pantry, the start of Spring seems a good time to have a general clear out. In this month’s Empower we talked about the effects clutter can have not just on the appearance of our homes but also how it can make us feel.

Sometimes when we’re moving from one task to the next and the days seem to blend into one another it’s easy for mess and clutter to accumulate quickly. Before you know it, the few pieces of mail you promised yourself you would deal with has turned into a mountain of paperwork, embellished by the children’s artwork.

Where possible, it’s worth decluttering as you go along to keep on top of things. Decluttering doesn’t need to be a full-time job however, if you’re at the stage now where the level of clutter in your home is beyond what could be easily dealt with in an hour or two and it bothers you, it may be time for a deep declutter.

Where should you start?

Based on the material in my Step-by-Step Guide to Decluttering I’ve given you a few questions you may want to ask yourself before embarking on your decluttering spree:

When was the last time you used the item?

A bit like the rule around deciding which clothes to keep or discard, a good rule of thumb is if it’s been more that 12 months since it was last used, you probably don’t need it. In which case - time to get rid.

What's the item’s true value?

Is it a family antique heirloom that has been gathering dust but is worth a fortune? If so, is there a way to integrate it into your family home? If not you may want to consider packaging and storing it away. If it’s that juicer you bought two Christmases ago that you never use, as much as it might make you feel virtuous owning it, it's not really doing much other than collect dust. Now might be a good time to think about selling it or giving it away.

Are you simply just holding onto the past?

While It’s great to be reminded of the good times, those skinny flares you used to be able to get into, you probably wouldn’t wear out again - even if they did fit. Isn’t there a rule somewhere that says if you remember wearing the fashion the first time around you should probably give it a miss the second time around.

Is it unnecessary children’s clutter?

Are you holding onto your children’s outgrown clothes, books and toys ‘just in case’ you have another baby or because they are ‘too cute’ to throw out? Sometimes the cost financial cost of replacing these things later is much lower than the cost of not having the extra space. You could either sell them or give them away.

Unwanted Christmas Gifts?

Are you really going to use that toilet golf set given as a joke present? Gifts can sometimes be a source of guilt when it comes to decluttering. You don’t want to seem ungrateful for disposing of items you have never used. The truth is if you aren’t planning to use the items, it doesn’t make much difference if it stays unused in your hallway cupboard or at the charity shop. Most family and friends would probably understand.

Start your journey today – achieve confidence, balance and joy.

For a comprehensive, interactive step-by-step guide to de-cluttering, visit my online shop where you can purchase my popular and highly effective self-study guide, De-cluttering: Clear Your Space, Clear Your Mind. This essential guide combines effective techniques, tips and tasks that will help you take control of your clutter both in your home and mind.

It will help you prepare to de-clutter, clear out the old, dispose of unwanted items and organise your ideal space and also help you to establish effective systems and best practices to help you maintain a clutter-free home.

Within the guide, each room of your home has its own help section, examples and notepad so you can capture your de-cluttering tasks in on handy workbook. This all-in-one self-study guide enables you to prepare for, create and maintain a peaceful, calm environment in which you and your whole family can relax and enjoy quality time together.

Start your journey today – achieve confidence, balance and clarity for an easier, happier life!

Empowering Mums is on a mission to empower a million mums and mumpreneurs just like you with greater confidence, balance and clarity to activate your infinite capabilities within! Enabling you to enjoy an easier, happier life alongside running a highly successful business. Aligned with enjoying time out for an essential self-care routine that fulfils your own needs and delight in quality time spent with your children being the mum you really want to be!

For further support please contact Empowering Mums today on 01606 334 015, alternatively visit our website at www.empoweringmums.com for more information.