Winter Cleaning: Reclaiming Space and Energy in Your Home

Winter brings with it the perfect opportunity to do a deep cleaning at home. It is that moment when, with each folded garment, each stored toy and each reorganized drawer, we realize how many things we have accumulated without noticing before.

Take out everything you no longer use, someone else can take advantage of it and it only takes away space from you

This year, for example, I was surprised by the amount of things we had stored for my little kid that we no longer used: baby clothes, toys that were left behind, baby bottles and even some furniture that took up space without purpose. It was a process of letting go, of saying goodbye to things that were once essential but that no longer had a place in our day to day.

If you are thinking of doing your own winter cleaning, here are some tips to free yourself from the unnecessary and recover spaces at home:

1. Do it by areas

Don't try to clean the whole house in a single day. Go by parts: start with the closets, then the kitchen, then the living room... This will allow you to focus and make better decisions about what to keep and what to let go.

2. Question: Have I used it in the last year?

If a garment, kitchen utensil or object has not been used for more than a year, it is a clear sign that you do not need it. If you also don't remember the last time you used it, then it's definitely time to say goodbye.

3. Keep the sentimental, but with measure

Not everything has to go. Some objects have sentimental value, and it's okay to keep them, but try not to keep too many. A pair of baby clothes can bring beautiful memories without having to keep a whole box full of clothes that are no longer used.

4. Donate, give away or sell

Things that are still in good condition can have a second life in the hands of someone else. Donate clothes and toys to organizations, give them to someone you know who can use them or sell them if you think they can be useful for another family.

5. Enjoy the recovered space

Here comes the best part: when we finish cleaning, we realize how much space all those things took up. Suddenly, the house feels lighter, more illuminated. And with those free corners, we have the opportunity to create something new for us. I, for example, discovered that I had enough space to create a small corner to paint and work on my projects. Before, I didn't even realize that that space could exist for me. And that's the wonderful thing about cleaning: not only do we free up physical space, but we also give ourselves a mental and emotional break.

6.Have all kinds of boxes and containers on hand to store and organize

Whenever I find a box, basket or container with a lid that I can use to organize stuff around the house, I keep it. I have to admit that I already have a huge collection but, when it comes to organizing, it has helped me a lot. From small things like beads, crayons or small toys to larger boxes to store books or plushies, all those organizing containers end up having a good use. Don't get rid of them!

Have all kinds of boxes and containers on hand to store and organize

7.To motivate you, accompany the cleaning with your favorite music or podcast or even an audiobook, and even reward yourself every time you make some advance in clearing space, for example, when you organize a closet or a complete room, give yourself a treat like as a couple of episodes of your favorite tv series, a delicious dessert or snack or a spa session at home. Also have your favorite drink on hand while you do your cleaning to stay hydrated while you work.

Sometimes it takes a lot of work to start or even think about organizing and cleaning your home. It almost always seems to us a tedious and boring task, but it has to be done. I promise you that it's worth it because in the end you recover not only the space of your house, but even mentally, you will feel lighter. It doesn't matter if it's winter, summer or spring, any time of the year is good to do it. So, go ahead and do that deep cleaning. Not only will you clear your home, but you could be opening the door to new ideas, projects and moments and more space for yourself. Who knows what you will find in that corner that is now free!