Open the windows

Don't you love this time of year? Days are longer. The weather is hotter. I instantly want to shed the layers of clothing and feel the warmth of the sun on my skin. I think that my home feels that way too. 

It is time to open the windows, air out the closets and shed the layers of winter clutter. For some, this is not an easy task. The bedrooms feel full and the closets are stuffed to the brim.

Here are some of my quick easy tips:

1. If you have kids, go through their clothes and pull out all the clothes that are now too small and put them in a bag for donation. 

2. Sort through all the books your kids read over the year and decide which ones can now be donated to your library. Have your kids participate. They may surprise you and say they are ready to donate their books. Your attachment to a favorite book and their attachment may be very different. I also suggest while you are at the library for everyone to get a library card. 

3. Get a couple clear bins and sort through all of your holiday decorations by category - Christmas, Hanukkah, Halloween. Any ornaments you didn't use, put them in a bag for donation.

4. Go through your winter clothing and any clothes you didn't wear, it is time now to take them out of your closet and donate them. Think of it like you are pruning a tree of its dead leaves. You are creating space for new leaves to bloom.

5. Tackle that pile of clothes that need a button or stitch. If you don't have time, take them to your local dry cleaner. You may be surprised that its not that expensive and the task gets done! 

6. Get a vacuum/mop and thoroughly clean the closets.

7. Take the bags to a donation shop and collect your tax deductible receipt.

Sometimes just doing these simple steps will motivate you to tackle other cluttered areas of the home. 

Now go ahead an open the bedroom windows and open the closet doors and enjoy the cool breeze. 

Happy Summer.