Spring Decluttering Strategies

April 16, 2017

By now you’ve probably heard of the KonMari method of tidying up, which advocates for minimalism and only owning items that spark joy. Spring is a great time to reevaluate your space, declutter, and organize. But don’t toss all those things that no longer spark joy! Someone else may need them. We’ve rounded up a list of favorite online tips and resources for tidying, organizing, and setting up systems to keep things neat (and at the end, a list of places to donate!). The best part is, you don’t need to spend a lot of money to get your space in order -- many of these tools and materials are available at the ReStores (and you can certainly donate unwanted items when you’re finished with your overhaul). 1. Create an outbox to help you corral items that need to be donated, given to a friend, returned to the library or store, etc. http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/lose-the-clutter-organize-your-54884 a0bc0e13b4e1f586d7dec1e1c7b012df72c63dc6   2. Hide unsightly items with clever DIY decorative storage http://www.homedit.com/toilet-paper-dispenser/ or http://hative.com/behind-the-couch-ideas/ 2-space-behind-couch   3. Add shelving in unexpected places to corral items http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/small-space-solutions-9-perfect-places-to-squeeze-in-shelves-239088 Shelves   4. Turn a thrifted CD or DVD holder into plate storage http://www.woohome.com/diy-2/the-most-genius-ideas-to-organize-your-pot-lids lid-storage-kitchen-6   5. Install a shelf or tension rod to store gift wrap and other strangely-sized items (also works well under the sink, in cabinets, and other small, tricky spaces http://www.organizeandinspire.com/2013/12/gift-wrapping-storage/ Holiday_Storage4_12-26_12   6. Add pegboard -- works in any room of the house! Bonus: it will add an industrial, minimalist feel to your home http://www.abeautifulmess.com/2013/12/elsies-laundry-room-tour.html and http://www.cravingsomecreativity.com/2015/08/19/how-to-build-your-own-pegboard-office-supply-organizer/ Pegboard   7. Craft a pretty tray or bin to collect items that tend to get scattered: living room blankets, kitchen counter condiments, etc. http://www.hometalk.com/16382145/five-minute-farmhouse-footed-stoolfive-minute-farmhouse-footed-stool-organizing-repurposing-upcycling-rustic-furnitu   8. Use an old frame and add cork board, a screen, or blackboard to write messages, hold earrings, or pin notes. http://www.batchelorsway.com/2013/02/office-redo-pin-board-of-dreams.html IMG_0361 9. Need a little extra storage space? There are tons of great ideas for reusing old media stands (which are inexpensive and readily available in thrift stores). Two great examples are this bar cart: http://loveandrenovations.com/2013/03/14/creating-with-the-stars-week-1-project-upcycle/ and this craft center: http://ourdailyideas.com/8-diy-projects-for-making-a-crafting-armoire/ IMG_0466_zpsc8ef4fbe   10. And after you finish decluttering and have gathered everything you want to donate: http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/where-to-donate-all-your-unwanted-items-small-space-organization-236842 6b8db91349b1fa174bcdf12d01db65ab0dee4d15