The Art of Spring Clearing with a Tidy Mind by Caroline Cahit
At our April meeting, Caroline gave an interesting talk on a subject which we try to avoid: spring clearing. She is a member of the Association of Professional Declutterers and Organisers. This group have a code of conduct which aims to promote high standards of advice and ethics, with confidentiality being very important.
Spring clearing is the reduction of clutter which accumulates with time. Typically, this is done in spring, although autumn is also a suitable time. Most people accumulate possessions. The result is clutter which sooner or later must be confronted. Clutter interferes with cleaning. A tidy mind refers to having an organised and clear way of thinking. The phrase suggests maintaining a tidy environment which in turn can positively influence our wellbeing.Caroline started her business in 2024. She had previously worked for the Nationwide Building Society, where she had seen the problems faced when moving house. She recommends starting to declutter well in advance of a move. The best way to start is with a series of small tasks. There is satisfaction achieving small wins, and this encourages you to do more. Each item removed creates space and becomes an act of self-care.
Caroline recommended that each category, such as paperwork, is done on a house-wide basis. In the first instance deal with mail promptly. Immediately discard junk mail. Most business paperwork is not required after around 6 years. Books can be divided into fiction and nonfiction. Ask yourself how much you read in a year. Reduce the number of books by discarding those you are unlikely to read again. Clothing mounts up and we end up wearingonly about a quarter of our wardrobe. Do not be tempted to pile clothes onto a bed when you are sorting through them. It is overwhelming. The rule for clothes is one in, one out. Aim to have surplus space in storage places. Leave sentimental items to the end. They are the most difficult to deal with.
Surplus items can be disposed of in various ways. This aspect promoted the most questions after the talk. There are websites for books. Problems arise when assessing value and help may be needed. It is not easy to know where to get it. Local charity shops welcome saleable items. Stuart Cummings thanked Caroline for her lively and interesting talk.
Our next meeting is on Monday, 11th May at 7 30 in the Village Hall. Brian Pile will talk about the History of the Midland Mart – the journey of an auctioneer. Visitors are welcome.
Eric Darvell, Secretary
