Spring has finally arrived, so use those rainy spring days to get your “spring cleaning” started.
For some people, this is nothing more than a deep clean, but to others, this means decluttering.
Giving a refresh of your home by getting rid of things you do not use or enjoy anymore is a great way to help keep your house cleaner throughout the year.
The definition of clutter is a collection of things lying about in an untidy mess. Having too much clutter makes it hard to keep a home clean and tidy, which triggers allergies and asthma, leads to pest problems, mental health complications, and can also increase the risk of falling.
If you are anything like me, clutter can sneak up on you fast! Mississippi State University employees partnered with the University of Georgia to develop a program to help clients deal with sentimental clutter and make a plan to sort it out. The program is called “Right-Sizing: Dealing with Sentimental Clutter.”
If you are unable to use rooms in your home as you would like because of clutter, it is time to begin removing some of the clutter.
Letting go of things can be very difficult for some and letting go of things that hold sentimental value is even tougher. Parting with sentimental clutter can also be difficult because of its emotional value, so ensure it is the right time to part with items.
Use the following steps when sorting sentimental clutter:
1. Determine the space you want to allocate for these items.
2. Create that space in your home.
3. Select representatives. A simple method is to choose key items from collections and retain one or two favorites instead of the entire set.
4. Execute your plan.
Making goals of how many sentimental items to keep that remind you of a certain time or person makes letting go of other things easier. Goals help us to stay focused on decluttering and not get distracted.
Creating a goal of what you want your space to look like and achieve is another way to help you stay on track.
Things that are not going to be kept can be given to family and friends, donated or sold.
Going through this process can be stressful and acknowledging that is important. Do not be afraid to ask for help if you need it!
If you are interested in this new program, contact our Extension office in Charleston at 662-647-8746 to let us know.
