Five tips to declutter your home (and help others in the process)

Whether you dread or look forward to deep-cleaning your home this time of year, the rewards can be as refreshing as a spring breeze – especially when donations are involved.

From a piece of clothing that never saw the sun, to a book you’ve already read, to cookware and toys that are collecting dust, don’t just jettison your surplus stuff – give it a fresh start!

When you’re ready to purge excess belongings, make sure they’re going to an organization that gives back to the community. Personally, I’m a big fan of Goodwill Industries of Central Florida, where gently used donations fund crucial job-placement programs and other career services for more than 42,000 people each year.

Regardless of the destination, the goal is to better organize not only individual rooms, but also your life. Here are some decluttering tips that can help you do just that.

1. Set a realistic schedule. Although I, too, am guilty of hoping to complete all my spring-cleaning projects in one sitting, that’s not always realistic. Break tasks into a schedule, and stick to it. I like cleaning room by room, but you can also schedule by task – mopping, dusting, etc. – and complete them through your entire home. Spread your chores through the course of a week or month, depending on how busy you are.

2. Reverse your hangers. How often do you actually wear that outfit? Studies show Americans only wear about 25-30 percent of the clothes they own. Reverse all the hangers in your closet (so the open hook is facing you), and turn them back only after a piece of clothing is worn and returned from the wash. Articles on hangers left unturned after a set time get donated. Keep a box in your closet to collect clothes you no longer need. This will free up a tremendous amount of closet space.

3. Turn it into a game. Marie Kondo, a well-known organizer from Japan, advises people to select one type of item and collect it within a certain time limit. For example, you have 30 minutes to gather all the books you want to keep. Any that remain outside the pile will be donated or removed. The thought is: perhaps it’s not truly a valued item if you can’t find it.

4. Reorganize your kitchen. Unload everything from your cabinets and fridge – both could use a wipe down. Donate those mugs, glasses and bowls you never use, and throw away expired food. While loading your cooking tools back into the cabinets, consider reorganizing a little. Placing labels to identify the new locations of moved items will help your family adjust.

5. Reward yourself: Once you’ve donated your items, give yourself that pat on the back you deserve by going out to lunch or buying something you really want. Your house will be clean and you’ll have an excuse to treat yourself. It’s a win-win!

Winter Garden resident Savanna Westwood is a professional organizer who offers a variety of home- and office-based services. For more, visit TheSavvyOrganizer.org.