T'is the season to declutter.... Tra la la la

Queen of Clean decluttering tips

I know even as I begin that this is going to end up being a series of articles on this one subject.  There is such a lot of information to decluttering your home it’s hard to believe!

However, one thing we all agree on - once done the feeling of satisfaction is worth the effort.  All the signs show a tidy, decluttered home leads to feelings of well being, a sense of empowerment and of pride.

We've put together a few of our first tips and thoughts - let us know yours and we will add them to our next declutter feature - because there will be one!

#1. As per one of our daily tips.  If you don't use it, wear it, love it - dump it! Be strong, be ruthless. It's the only way to succeed at decluttering.

#2. Much as we might dislike taking a look at reality.  Step back; pretend you’re visiting your home as a visitor.  Ah yes that lava lamp that looked so well with the dusky lighting from your student days not looking so well in the kids playroom now is it? Tastes and fashions change. No room for sentiment in decluttering, it’s for the bin!

#3. Every time you leave a room, take something with you that doesn't belong there and put it away or bin it (are you getting the theme?)

#4. They say you should start with the small declutter jobs. I'm a firm believer of booking a weekend when it’s all about the decluttering.  But go with what works for you.  If it is the former pick the small areas to work on and it tends to help build momentum.

#5. If you didn't listen to me above its time to listen to me now.  Roll up the sleeves and BLITZ the place.

#6. As my mother used to say, "Aim to have a place for everything and everything in its place". I used to really dislike that phrase and now I parrot it to my own kids - it works, you should see where we keep our shoes! 

#7. Sort in piles.  I tend to work on this basis.  For friends, for charity, to sell.

#8. And relax! Is that a glass of wine I see before me.....

Spring Cleaning

Have you noticed the light? It's that time of year for...Spring Cleaning!

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When fridges are defrosted, bags of clothes are dropped down to the charity shop and the cupboards are emptied out...Yes, it's Spring Cleaning Time!!

For the OCD among us it’s the season we love to love, nothing better than donning the gloves and giving the home a good scrub down. However, so many people dread the need to spring clean. We’ve been cosy all winter (and goodness it was quite the winter this year) the windows have been closed, the double tog duvet is still on and the heating needs turning down.

Suddenly the days are longer, the season is breaking and the flowers are appearing – this is when we notice the dust, the lights that need cleaning, the pictures that require a damp rub and once we start the little jobs we keep seeing the larger ones yet to do.

On the positive side you should think of it as a time of year when you get to appreciate everything you own and indulge your house in a little bit of pampering. So let’s clean out those winter blues and get ready for the long summer evenings ahead of us (which will hopefully be warm!)

Before starting your spring clean remember:

• Make a cleaning checklist and schedule of when you will clean and stick to it.
• Identify the nasty spots in your house and how to tackle them.
• If others are living and breathing in your home- have them help!
• Gather all cleaning supplies – products, dusters, cloths and keep in one bucket.

To help you along you way we have compiled a list of top cleaning tips:

• As the saying goes, clean from top to bottom: Start at the top of a room; ceilings, lighting fixtures and obviously move your way down. This way you won’t dirty what you have already cleaned.
• Deep clean: Everyone is a secret hoarder, if you dont use it, love it or wear it = get rid of it.
• One room at a time: Clean one room at a time, this helps to complete the cleaning task faster. Also seeing the first room gleaming will give you a boost to move onto the next.
• Play music: Playing your favourite music will not only make time go faster but will also give you more energy.
• Allergies: If you suffer with allergies or asthma make sure to remove all mould from your home and to dust everything thoroughly. Open those windows to let the dust out as you clean.
• Flowers: When you’re all finished, pick or buy some fresh spring flowers for your home. They will brighten any room and also emit a crisp clean smell.