The Curated Edit

It’s that dreaded time again… two words that make you cringe at the thought. Some of you love it and dream of this season of purging all physical things weighing you (aka your house) down.

But why is this necessary? Well, unused stuff only bogs you down. It takes up space that could be used for more important, frequently used items. It may even bring up negative thoughts if the story behind why you still have an item causes emotions to “spring” up. Let’s just not do that to ourselves, shall we?

But how do we start?

First, take a deep breath. This doesn’t have to be overwhelming! Start small—one drawer, one closet, one category at a time. Set a timer for 20 minutes and tackle whatever you can in that window. Sorting into “keep,” “donate,” and “trash” piles makes decisions easier (and keeps you from shoving things back into their hiding spots).

Here’s a simple game plan to make spring cleaning easier:

✔ Start small – Choose one area at a time (a drawer, a closet, or just one category like shoes).
✔ Sort smart – Create three piles: keep, donate, and toss. Be honest with yourself!
✔ Declutter with intention – If you haven’t used it in a year, it’s time to say goodbye.
✔ Digitize when possible – Sentimental items like old cards or t-shirts? Take a photo before letting them go.
✔ Clean as you go – Wipe down shelves, vacuum, and freshen up the space before putting things back.
✔ Organize with purpose – Store frequently used items in easy-to-reach places and use bins or dividers to keep things neat.
✔ Make it fun – Blast your favorite playlist, light a candle, or reward yourself when you finish a section.

And let’s talk about that fresh feeling afterward—because there is something magical about walking into a clutter-free space. Your mind feels lighter, your home feels calmer, and suddenly, you’re wondering why you didn’t do this sooner.

So grab a trash bag, put on your favorite playlist, and get to it. Future you will thank you!

xoxo,

Mal