It’s Time to Clear the Clutter: A Fresh Start
As the school year winds down in North Texas, it feels like busy families are nearing the finish line. Summer is just around the corner, bringing a chance to hit the reset button. But let’s be honest—over the last four years, many of us have accumulated stuff. Emotional purchases, impulse buys, and attempts to fill empty spaces in our lives have left our homes cluttered and our minds overwhelmed. At Simplicity Professional Organizing, we believe now is the perfect time to clear the clutter and reclaim your space. Here’s a practical guide to help you simplify your home as summer approaches.
Why Clutter Piles Up (And Why It’s Okay)
The past few years have been a whirlwind. Between remote work, virtual schooling, and navigating uncertainty, many of us turned to retail therapy. That extra set of throw pillows, the kitchen gadgets we swore we’d use, or the toys we bought to keep the kids entertained—they all added up. Emotional purchases often stem from a desire for comfort or control, and there’s no shame in that. But as school ends and summer looms, it’s time to let go of what’s no longer serving you.
Clutter doesn’t just take up physical space; it weighs on your mental energy. A chaotic home can make busy parents feel like they’re drowning in to-do lists. The good news? You don’t have to tackle it alone, and you don’t need to do it all at once. Let’s break it down into manageable steps.
5 Practical Steps to Clear the Clutter Before Summer
With school almost out, now’s the time to create a calm, organized home for your family to enjoy. Here’s how to get started:
1. Reflect on Your “Why”
Before diving in, take a moment to think about why you want to declutter. Maybe you’re tired of stepping over toys in your living room. Perhaps you want a peaceful kitchen for summer meal prep. Or you’re craving a space where your family can relax without the stress of mess. Write down your goal—it could be as simple as “I want to feel less overwhelmed” or “I want my kids to enjoy a tidy playroom.” This “why” will keep you motivated.
Pro Tip: Share your goal with your family. Kids as young as 5 can help sort their toys, and spouses can pitch in too. Make it a team effort!
2. Start Small with the 3-Box Method
Decluttering an entire home can feel daunting, so start with one area—a closet, a pantry, or even a single drawer. Grab three boxes or bags labeled:
• Keep: Items you use and love.
• Donate: Things in good condition that someone else could use.
• Trash: Broken or unusable items.
Set a timer for 15 minutes and sort. For example, tackle your home’s entryway, where backpacks and shoes pile up. Be honest about what you need. That extra water bottle from an emotional Amazon spree? If it’s collecting dust, let it go.
Pro Tip: Donate items to local charities, host a garage sale or consign your items. Knowing your stuff can help others makes parting with it easier.
3. Let Go of Emotional Purchases
The last four years have taught us that “stuff” doesn’t fill emotional voids. That decorative vase you bought during a tough week? The craft supplies you ordered for a project you never started? It’s okay to release them. Ask yourself:
• Does this item bring me joy or stress?
• Have I used it in the past year?
• Would I buy it again today?
If the answer leans toward stress or “no,” it’s time to say goodbye. This step is especially freeing for overwhelmed moms who feel guilty about letting go. You’re not failing—you’re making space for what truly matters.
Pro Tip: Take a photo of sentimental items before purging them. You’ll keep the memory without the clutter.
4. Create Simple Storage Solutions
Once you’ve decluttered, organize what’s left in a way that works for your busy family. In homes, where space might be tight, try:
• Clear bins for kids’ toys, labeled with words or pictures for easy cleanup.
• Over-the-door organizers for pantry snacks or bathroom supplies.
• A basket by the door for shoes and keys to keep your entryway tidy.
Avoid buying fancy storage until you’ve decluttered—those Pinterest-worthy systems can backfire if you’re still holding onto too much. Keep it simple and functional.
Pro Tip: Shop local at stores like Target or Walmart for affordable organizers that fit your space.
5. Set a Summer Maintenance Plan
Summer in Texas means more time at home, so keep clutter at bay with small habits:
• One-In, One-Out Rule: For every new item brought into your home (like summer camp gear), remove an old one.
• Daily 10-Minute Tidy: Before bed, have everyone spend 10 minutes putting things away. Play music to make it fun!
• Weekly Declutter Check: Pick one area (e.g., the fridge or kids’ backpacks) to sort through each week.
These habits prevent the overwhelm from creeping back, leaving you free to enjoy summer barbecues or pool days.
Why Now Is the Perfect Time
With school almost out, your family’s schedule is about to shift. Summer offers a unique window to declutter before the chaos of camps, vacations, and back-to-school prep begins. Clearing the clutter now means:
• More Time for Fun: Spend less time cleaning and more time making memories with your kids.
• A Calmer Home: A tidy space reduces stress for everyone, from toddlers to teens.
• A Fresh Start: Letting go of emotional purchases from the past four years feels like shedding baggage, setting the stage for a joyful summer.
Final Thoughts
The last four years may have filled your home with stuff, but they’ve also shown you what matters most—your family, your peace, and your time. As school wraps up and summer begins, take this opportunity to clear the clutter and create a home that feels like a sanctuary. You don’t need to do it all today, but every small step counts.
Overwhelmed by clutter? Contact Simplicity Professional Organizing today for a free consultation and start your decluttering journey!
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Hey there! I am Lisa, and I love my job—I’m a professional home organizer in the North Texas area. I travel all around the Grayson and Collin Counties and beyond, clearing clutter from people’s homes. No matter how big or small your task may be, I can help you. We can declutter, organize, and give you systems to help make your life just a little bit easier.
Click HERE to schedule a complimentary consultation with me to talk about how you can feel peace and joy and no stress in your home!