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In Wisconsin, spring organizing is a time that brings on mixed emotions. It’s exciting to emerge out of another winter and throw open the windows to invite life back inside, but as the to-do list grows, you wonder how everything will get done and if you are up to saying goodbye to some of your stuff. What an emotional toll!
Keep spring organizing fun with a little planning, perseverance and, of course, a great music playlist. With March 2 being National Old Stuff Day, spring organizing is the perfect opportunity to celebrate and appreciate your old things while welcoming a refreshing change. Read on to see how spring organizing can be a gift to yourself and others.
Going through old clothes
It’s easy for dressers and closets to get so full you can’t even see what you have anymore. At that point, adopting a methodical approach to organizing clothes can save you time and prevent you from getting overwhelmed.
According to Laurel Kinney, a renowned personal stylist, asking yourself a few key questions can help you decide what stays and what goes. What do you want people to notice about you? When do you feel (or have felt) your absolute best? What are five words that describe you?
Although the process of giving things away can be difficult, it’s a necessary precursor to bringing new pieces in that reflect who you are today. When organizing is over, you can look forward to learning to thrift styles that match the new you, and consider exploring the concept of capsule wardrobes to keep your closet spacious and tidy.
Organizing and arranging rooms
What better time than spring to reevaluate your living spaces, starting with a broad vision for each room and working down to the details. A helpful starting point is to define each room’s purpose. From there, you can determine if smaller decisions related to organizing and arranging support the room’s key function. These 20 tips will help you breeze from room to room, decluttering every nook and cranny along the way. Feng Shui principles also can be applied to bring a natural balance to your living spaces.
According to tidying expert Marie Kondo, “The best way to choose what to keep and what to throw away is to take each item in one’s hand and ask, ‘Does this spark joy?’”
Similar to going through your clothes, once the hard work of decluttering your living spaces is done, the fun part of designing each room with intention can begin. With furniture, mirrors, artwork, lighting and rugs galore, Goodwill is here to support your DIY home projects and provide tips on how to decorate your home on a budget.
Determining donations
You are on to the final stage of spring organizing! Your house looks amazing, you’ve decided what to keep, and now all that’s left is a pile of items you can’t decide what to do with. Here are some considerations to help you navigate that question.
Donate: Does the item still have value? Can the item still be used? Is the item of decent quality, in working condition, and/or appealing in looks? If so, consider donating to Goodwill, where your high-quality donations become a means of providing job training to people with barriers to employment in your community. Keep in mind that a charitable donation also qualifies as a tax deduction.
Give away: Does the item have sentimental value? Would a close friend or family member appreciate its sentimental value and benefit from it?
Dispose of: Has the item lost all value? Is the item falling apart, in need of major repair, dangerous (i.e. recalled or hazardous), broken (i.e. electronics), extremely bulky, sharp (i.e. broken glass)? Time to properly throw it out or recycle it. Here is a list of items Goodwill NCW is unable to accept as donations.
Now, the work is done! Sit back, relax and enjoy your refreshed surroundings.