By As the weather starts to warm, the sun begins to shine brighter and the flowers start to bloom, a lot of us find ourselves looking forward to doing two simple things: spring cleaning and decluttering. However, knowing where to start can sometimes be as scary. This is why we spoke with cleaning experts to learn their five favorite tips that will make your cleaning session easy and enjoyable. From the tried and true Core 4 Method to the 20/20 strategy, organizers swear by a handful of tactics that are as simple as, well, 1-2-3!.
Tame teeming closets with the Core 4 Method
Named for four Cs—clothes, color, cut out and contain—this is how organizers sort closets, says Jenny Dietsch of Getting It Done Organizing. First, remove all the clothes from your closet. Second, group them by similar colors. Third, “cut out” clothes, meaning toss out what you no longer wear. Last, contain: Ensure each item has a designated hanger to keep the closet organized.
Corral collectibles with the 1-in-10-out policy
This method is perfect for culling surplus items like coffee mugs, promises Cara Palmer. “It means that when you no longer have room to display items, you’ll need to give away 10 of them for every new collectible you acquire,” she explains. “It gives you a moment to pause and consider whether you truly need something new.”
Curb junk drawer pileups with the 20/20 strategy
Have a tough time clearing out your junk drawer? Just tap the 20/20 rule: If you can replace an item for less than $20 and in less than 20 minutes, it’s fine to toss. “You’ll feel less anxious letting go of something if you acknowledge how easy it is to replace,” says Michelle Urban.
Let go of sentimental stuff with a 5-year rule
Is your basement overloaded with boxes of old toys? Enter the 5-year rule. “When storing items, write the date on the outside of the box,” says Palmer. “Five years from now, if you haven’t opened the box, you’ll know you can let go of the contents—guilt-free.”
Get rooms guest-ready fast with the 12-12-12 plan
An easy way to speed-clean: Set a timer for 30 minutes and find 12 items to donate, 12 to throw away and 12 to put back in their proper place before the timer goes off, advises Urban. “This helps reset a space in very little time, and is ideal if you need to get a room or two in order before guests arrive.”
