Spring. It’s synonymous with blooming flowers, warm weather, and a return to our favorite outdoor activities. It’s also synonymous with cleaning. Spring cleaning is a tradition that dates way back; even before TV screens were flooded with colorful ads hawking self-running vacuum cleaners and convenient wet wipes for “tackling life’s everyday messes.” While many of us dread the big cleaning projects we’ve brushed aside for months, there are simple ways to make the process less overwhelming. We sat down with a leading NYC organizer to get tips on how to approach spring cleaning and remain zen doing it! Leah Fisch has been in the organizing business for over 12 years and is the founder of Joumor, a site dedicated to teaching others how to de-clutter emotionally and physically to improve productivity and tap into one’s potential for joy and humour.
In addition to working with clients and appearing on shows like TLC’s Hoarding: Buried Alive, she teaches courses that help people build strong organizational skills for life.
Bracha New York: What are some common problem areas for the clients you work with when it comes to getting organized? Leah: There are a couple main areas of trouble for people, both tangible and intangible. For starters, paper is a big one. People often resist setting up systems to deal with it, like getting file cabinets. Everyone wants to go paperless, but there’s a certain level of acceptance about the actual reality of doing so.
“Not having the right type of storage can really hold you back.”
The second issue is storage. People often think the problem is clothes—they have too many—when really they haven’t designed storage properly. Drawers too deep, furniture too big or small, or not the right type of storage can hold you back.
Finally, from a philosophical standpoint, self-judgment and a harsh view of necessary changes can hinder progress. People think if something isn’t working, they should get rid of it—but that’s wrong. Deal with it, but be gentle on yourself. Productivity increases with a gentler approach.
Bracha New York: Can you share a few favorite tips for getting started on a big cleaning project? Leah: Of course!
- Tip #1 – Preparation is key. Make a clear space outside the area you are organizing to sort and remove items from the main space.
- Tip #2 – Start smaller than you think. More decisions are required than you might expect. Work on small things at a time to create sustainable infrastructure.
- Tip #3 – Set a timer for anything under 10 minutes, usually 5-9 minutes. It’s amazing what you can accomplish in a short period!
- Tip #4 – Ask for help from someone who won’t offer advice. Prepare them by saying, “I don’t want advice, I just need someone to sit with me.”
- Tip #5 – Be kind to yourself. Don’t beat yourself up for the mess before you start. A negative perspective makes the task harder.
For more advice on organizing and de-cluttering, check out Leah’s “Reorganize Yourself” starter kit available on her site, and follow Leah on Twitter and Facebook.
Got any amazing spring cleaning and organizing tips you live by? Share them in the comments below!
