Is it just me, or does spring cleaning give everyone else goose bumps too? Who needs a trip to the Bahamas when I could be throwing out stuff! In my opinion, there’s nothing quite as invigorating as purging old, wrinkled scratch paper that’s been stuffed behind completed math books or throwing out the one-inch pencil—sharpened to its death and stashed behind the six-month old art project on top of the wardrobe. And it doesn’t have to be springtime to Spring Clean! Any time is a good time to get rid of clutter!

My husband believes (sometimes, much to his dismay) that I am a neat freak. Silly, I know! But whether or not it’s true, I thought I’d share some organizational tips with other moms and hopefully encourage those who are in need of a little cleaning inspiration.

We homeschool, so clutter can get out hand quickly! It does my soul good to head up to our school area with an extra large garbage bag and an empty box labeled “give-away.” The McDonald children gasp and clear the way as they try to recall what forgotten gems lay hoarded in their school bins.

But, regardless of what type of room you’re organizing, here are a few basics that will make your job easier (and more pleasant!). Before getting started, it helps to be well rested and have on hand a tall glass of something refreshing to drink, as well as a high protein snack (cheese and crackers, nuts etc.).

If possible, start your spring cleaning while it’s cool enough outside to open your windows. Along with used up crayons, bent game boxes with missing pieces, and broken toys, it’s a good idea to remove the stale air from your room with a good cleansing breeze. And don’t forget to have some cheerful music playing!

As you sort through the room, ask yourself if the item in question is still useful to you. If it is, then keep it and find a way to organize it neatly. If it’s not, then ask yourself if it is something that could be useful to anyone else. If it is, then place it in a “give away/sell” box.

Having a garage sale is a great way to come up with the extra cash for plastic crates, baskets, bottles, chests, and other tools that will help you keep your rooms organized and attractive. Another option is to donate unneeded items to a family in need, or a Christian charity. Our church has a “free table” where everyone brings items from home that have worn out their welcome, but that may still  be useful to others.

If you determine that the item in question is useful to absolutely no one, chuck it! Don’t get sucked into thinking “I’ll need this someday.” I have a saying when I’m getting rid of clutter, “Off with it’s head!” Say it often and mean it!

Find a “clutter buddy” who can help you make the decision to get rid of that broken lamp you’ve been “meaning to fix” for six years. You can do it! But you may need some emotional support!

I have found it to be of the utmost importance to be brave—very brave—before one can properly do a big clean. If you’re afraid to throw anything away, you’ll end up with a room where all the “junk” is simply rearranged. My husband does not possess this type of bravery. Although my husband is a true knight and would, if necessary, fight a fire-breathing dragon to the death on my behalf, I mustn’t ask him to part with that broken watch or the goofy looking ball cap in the corner of the closet.

Since we need to keep everything within a biblical perspective, we must always “treat others the way we want to be treated.” Remember to be sensitive to the nostalgic pleas of a husband and children who are attached to the strangest things. I know, I know, “Why would anyone want to save that?” My sympathies are with you.

Before You Begin

First, categorize your “stuff.” Remember it is easier to sort and make decisions on how to organize things if you pre-categorize what you have (as well as what you’re getting rid of). Use clearly labeled cardboard boxes or laundry baskets. Here are some ideas for categories (you may think of more):

Kids Treasure Box – I usually warn my children at least one day in advance, so they can do their own purging first. This helps to insure that I don’t accidentally throw out a treasured half-written novel or an artistic masterpiece in the making or a rock that looked just like all the other rocks in the backyard but was very special to a certain five-year-old boy (don’t ask!).

Give each child their own box. Warn them that you will be cleaning with a garbage bag in one hand, so if they have any “treasures” they want to save, they will need to put them into their “treasure box” for you to sort through and approve later. Don’t give them a box that is too big. This might encourage some children to save EVERYTHING! A shoe box is a good size to teach children to be discerning about the things they choose to keep. Sometimes exceptions need to be made.

Mom’s Keepsake Box – This one is for you! Make sure you save those drawings, stories, special art projects etc. One day, these will be very precious and you’ll be glad you rescued them from the clutter pile.

As you sort through old craft projects, you’ll be reminded of what an artist Johnny has become, or how much Suzy’s handwriting has improved. You may find a note to grandma that was never sent – or  a note from grandma that was almost lost.

This is a good time to save a few “keepsake” items for posterity. One of my favorite “finds” was a drawing from my son, Caleb (who is now almost fourteen). He drew a picture of the castle he was going to build for me to live in (with him) when he grows up. These truly are treasures to keep and a real breath of fresh air.

Garage Sale Box – Anything worth keeping, but no longer useful to you, should go in this (large) box. Ask yourself if you’ve used this item in the last year. Remember, someone else could really be using it. “One mom’s junk is another mom’s treasure!”

Give Away Box – Same criteria as the Garage Sale Box (if you have one), but there may be things you would prefer to give away, rather than sell. Also, have a few grocery sacks ready for items you have tagged for specific friends (this is especially true when going through clothes). It may be difficult to give up that “cute little dress” your daughter outgrew until you realize your good friend’s daughter will look “just darling” in it!

Large Garbage Bag(s) – Don’t use a clear one. Little eyes will surely find something that most certainly should never have been thrown away—like that gum wrapper Melissa was saving for her grandchildren (no joke!)!

Remember, cluttered surroundings often contribute to cluttered thinking. It saves so much time and it is much less stressful when we know where everything is when we need it!

A Place for Everything and Everything in its Place

• Discard torn flashcard boxes or game boxes and bind or contain them anew using ziploc bags or rubber bands. A more long term option is a recipe file box or stackable plastic shoe boxes or drawers.

• Baskets, crates, plastic cups, boxes, buckets, flower pots, cigar boxes, large match boxes—have these handy as you begin your organizational extravaganza. Old baskets can be found at garage sales and clearance shelves.Old picnic baskets are a great choice since they have lids and can be left out while hiding the clutter. This is a great place to stash boxed flash cards or small toddler toys for easy access any time! If desired, baskets can be spray painted to match your room.
• A wicker laundry hamper, small wastebasket or vegetable bin is useful for organizing larger, clumsy objects. This works great for blocks, play food or Legos®.
• Mason jars, plastic cups, shoe boxes, plastic bowls are ideal for storing pencils, markers, crayons, math manipulatives, rulers, calculators, cassette tapes, erasers etc. Involve your children in decorating them. Supply them with old wallpaper squares, wrapping paper, paint, lace etc. This will give them something constructive to do while you’re organizing and will help them feel involved.
• An empty drawer from an old or broken dresser can be painted or covered with pretty wallpaper and used to store books, glue, videos and all sorts of school supplies. Show children that one way to be a good steward is to take broken items and make them useful.
• Cereal boxes can be useful tools. Cut, at an angle, the top 1/3 section off a cereal box and cover with wrapping paper (another decorating opportunity for the kids). This is a good place to store workbooks, coloring books, answer keys, thin study guides or anything else that is flimsy and hard to store.
• Use empty metal bandage containers to store thumb tacks, paper clips and other tiny items.

Have fun and remember, “Off with its head!”