With spring in full swing, the sun is beaming, grass is growing, flowers are blooming, and light is shining on some of the dust, debris, and overall clutter that might have piled up during the long winter season. By tradition, of course, “spring cleaning” is a common practice, and there’s a reason for that. It makes good sense to clear out and organize our homes and properties just as new life is growing all around us.

(Note: Those of you with severe seasonal allergies might have winced while reading the previous paragraph. All of that new life can make more than flowers bloom. We’re sorry! We feel your pain—and we’ll be happy to share our Allega and Benadryl as well.)

As spring unfolds and leads toward summer, here are some ideas and tips for attacking any decluttering projects that might be on your to-do list.

YES, KONMARI IS STILL A THING

Marie Kondo’s tidying method is not as piping hot as it was when she burst onto the scene during the pandemic, but her principles for streamlining our lives still command attention from those who advocate living in a simplified environment. Here are some highlights of KonMari that you might incorporate into your decluttering efforts:

• Imagine your ideal lifestyle: Consider how you want to live your life and what you want to own.
• Commit to tidying: Visualize the lifestyle you want and work towards it.
• Follow the right order: Tidy by category, starting with clothes, then books, papers, miscellaneous items, and finally sentimental items.
• Finish discarding first: Discard items that no longer spark joy.
• Give everything a home: Designate a specific place for each item.
• Reduce paperwork: Get rid of unnecessary paperwork and only keep important documents.
• Don't let nostalgia cloud your judgment: Consider whether an item brings you joy or is just taking up space.
• Before getting rid of an item, thank it for its purpose.
• When tidying with children, help them understand where their toys belong.

PERSONAL VALUES CAN MAKE IT EASIER

As popular as KonMari remains, some experts advise taking the time to evaluate material possessions based on a longer-term valuation. “Too often, people focus on the immediate ability of an object to ‘spark joy’ and forget to consider whether an object has greater meaning and purpose,” writes Mary E. Dozier, a clinical psychologist, in her article “Forget ‘sparking joy’: try this for easier decluttering.” “Values are the abstract beliefs that we humans use to create our goals. Values are whatever drive us and can include family, faith or frivolity.”

A study that Dozier’s research team published in August 2024 with adults over 50 with hoarding disorder suggests that “altruism, a personality trait of wanting to help others, may explain why some people keep items that others might discard.”

In any case, Dozier’s advice focuses on personal reflection: “Start with writing out your values. Every object in your home should feel value-consistent for you. For example, if tradition and faith are important values for you, you might be more inclined to hold onto a cookbook that was made by the elders at your church and more able to let go of a cookbook you picked up on a whim at a bookstore. If, instead, health and creativity are your core values, it might be more important to hold onto a cookbook of novel ways to sneak more vegetables into your diet.”

MAKING SMALL SPACES FEEL ROOMIER

In his article “Easy ways to make small rooms look more spacious,” building industry leader Javan Yoder addressed the importance of keeping an area as clear and clean as possible. “Declutter your space,” he advised. “The best place to start is by taking stock of the items in the room. You might be surprised by how much space you have. For example, experts recommend sorting things into keep, put away, recycle or donate. This technique can help you organize and simplify your space. Simplicity is critical for making any room look bigger.”

A SMART APPROACH TO DECLUTTERING

Yoder’s point above dovetails with a decluttering approach championed by many others as well. The idea is to start small by tackling one area at a time, sort items into categories (as noted above—keep, donate, sell, discard), and establish a "one in, one out" rule to prevent future clutter. Regular decluttering, even in short bursts, is key to maintaining a tidy space.

Here's a more detailed breakdown of decluttering tips:

1. Start Small and Focus on One Area:

• Don't try to tackle everything at once: Begin with a single drawer, shelf, or room to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
• Target areas that bother you most: Focus on areas that are particularly cluttered or that you use frequently.

2. Sort and Categorize Items:

• Create piles for keep, donate, sell, and discard: This helps you make decisions quickly and efficiently.
• Review each category: Ask yourself if items are still useful, necessary, or bring you joy.

3. Implement a "One In, One Out" Rule:

• For every new item you bring in, get rid of something similar: This helps prevent clutter from accumulating.
• Be mindful of impulse purchases: Consider if you truly need the item before bringing it home.

4. Regular Decluttering is Key:

• Make decluttering a habit: Even 15 minutes a day can make a big difference.
• Schedule regular decluttering sessions: This helps maintain a clutter-free environment.

5. Utilize Storage Solutions:

• Make the most of vertical space: Use shelves, hooks, and over-the-door organizers.
• Choose storage containers that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing: This helps keep clutter out of sight.

6. Donate or Sell Items You No Longer Need:

• Don't let items sit around gathering dust: Donate them to charity or sell them online.
• Consider the 20/20 rule: If you truly need something, you can replace it for less than $20 in less than 20 minutes.

7. Clear Flat Surfaces Regularly:

• Keep countertops, tables, and shelves clear: This creates a sense of spaciousness and order.
• Designate a place for everything: This helps prevent items from piling up on surfaces.

8. Be Strategic:

• Ask yourself what items you actually use: Get rid of anything that's not serving a purpose.
• Create a decluttering checklist: This can help you stay on track and organized.

Happy springtime—and happy spring cleaning, tidying, organizing, and decluttering!

About EMTAR: Chartered in 1969, our Association’s 1,200+ REALTORS are a proud part of the 36,000+ members of Tennessee REALTORS and of the 1.5 million+ members of NAR, all working to serve the public and protect the rights of America’s property owners. EMTAR members are known not only for their unmatched real estate excellence and high ethical standards, but also for being generous, hospitable, others-focused, loyal, hardworking, and eager to help wherever and whenever help is needed.