How To Tackle Your Spring Cleaning

For many of us, spring cleaning is that one time of year we finally take on all of those cleaning and reorganizing projects we’ve been putting off. But for Adina Forouzan, professional organizer, it’s all about sustainability. “When you let something go, you let something in. You allow for a new opportunity to come,” she says. Forouzan gives us three no-nonsense tips to remake your space.

Manage Your Time
We all get that sudden urge to reorganize at times, but it’s crucial to give yourself the time to do a thorough job. Setting realistic expectations is crucial, otherwise you could end up feeling burned out halfway through and giving up on a project. “People really miscalculate how long something takes,” says Forouzan. “Look, it took you three years to do this, we’re not magicians.” 

Ask The Tough Questions
With any kind of deep cleaning, there are often sentimental decisions that come with it. When navigating emotional attachment to clutter, Forouzan recommends asking yourself: Where is this coming from? Does this have sentimental value? After that, give yourself a deadline. “I suggest giving yourself an expiration date. Let’s say six months from now, if this hasn’t been taken care of, then you have to let go because you’re not going to do it a year from now,” she says.

Divide And Conquer
Ambitious spring cleaners might want to attack their house all at once. Forouzan advises clients to instead take it one step at a time by going room to room and creating different categorized stacks. “[Make piles] if you need to put away something that belongs to a different person, trash, donate, sell or keep,” she says. “Get a Post-it note and write it down and just use that file every single time.”