Mini moves to help you declutter

Spring cleaning can be intimidating. Here's how you can start strong and get it done.

Schedule time

Commit to the process by blocking out 30 to 45 minutes for three consecutive days. A Friday-Saturday-Sunday schedule works for many people, but the ideal time might be weekdays immediately after dinner or first thing in the morning.

Recruit help — or don't

The choice of working alone or with a helper (or several) is personal. Work with a friend who is known for their honesty and objectivity.

Promote your plan

Tell the household ahead of time when you'll be busy (so they don't interrupt). If they're helping, encourage them to work on their assignments during this time too.

Gather supplies

Have the following items ready for each decluttering session.

• Markers, index cards, sticky notes and clear packing tape to make quick labels
• Cardboard boxes and plastic bags to sort and store items to donate
• Trash bags for items you want to throw out
• Scissors or a utility knife

Dress the part

Wear comfy clothes and shoes. If you need to try on clothing as part of your decluttering project, wear a tank or fitted T-shirt so you can change quickly.

Set the stage

Put on a podcast or some music you enjoy. Have a favorite beverage or snack close by.

Work the clock

Set a timer (or play a specific number of songs) to keep sessions focused. Complete as much as you can in the allotted time and finish the task you're working on. Take a 5-minute break to clear your head. If you have more to go and feel up to it, do another timed session. If you're tired, wrap it up.

Touch once; decide once

The core decluttering decision is to keep or to let go. Simply picking up or touching an item and asking, "Should I keep this?" will often yield your answer. Follow your gut.

Know four final options

While decluttering, don't fret about what to do with stuff you're not keeping. You can either sell it, give it away, donate it or recycle/dispose of it.

Work like a machine

Go through any space you're decluttering methodically — left to right, high to low, front to back — whatever makes sense for the project. Don't jump around.

Focus on quality and function

Asking the right questions during a decluttering session can help to quickly and confidently make decisions. Most questions will lead to setting high standards for what to keep. Hold on to the best; let go of the rest!

Break emotional ties

Have a neutral person hold up items with emotional connections (collectibles, handmade stuff, books) and ask whether they're keepers. Without a physical connection, you can make a clearheaded decision.

Keep moving

When you don't quickly know whether to keep or get rid of an item, place it in a pile and keep working. Save the last 5 to 10 minutes of the session to deal with your questionable items.

Remember rewards

Do something positive at the end of each session. Enjoying something as simple as a piece of candy, a fresh glass of ice water or an actual pat on your back (or someone else's) reinforces your efforts.