A decluttering guide to refreshing your spaces

(NC) Spring is often a time to open the windows, put winter behind us and reset our routines. It’s also a good opportunity to clear out clutter. Even small changes can reduce your stress and help spaces feel easier to live and work in. Here are some ways to get started:

At home

• Start small by decluttering one area at a time, focusing on surfaces you see every day like counters, tables and couches.
• Gather items you rarely use into a box and revisit it after a few months to decide what to keep, donate or sell.
• Reduce paper clutter by switching to paperless billing where possible.
• Improve air quality by changing furnace or air conditioning filters as needed and keeping indoor humidity below 50 per cent.

In your car

• Keep a small garbage bag handy to prevent clutter from building up.
• Vacuum seasonally and remove salt or gravel from floor mats.
• Clean dashboards and doors with a cloth and warm water instead of chemical cleaners.
• Avoid air fresheners or deodorizing products that can irritate your airways.

At work

• Keep only the items you use every day on your desk.
• Clear papers and unnecessary items at the end of each day and keep a recycling bin nearby.
• Organize documents into folders and store them in a drawer close to your workspace.
• Adjust your setup for comfort by keeping your monitor at eye level and your keyboard properly positioned.

Small changes can help you refresh your spaces. Find more tips and resources at cooperators.ca.

Attention editors: here’s an alternate evergreen introduction for after April

(NC) If you’re looking to de-stress, reclaiming your personal space can be a great way to reset your routine and make a fresh start. It’s also a good opportunity to clear out clutter. Even small changes can reduce your stress and help spaces feel easier to live and work in. Here are some ways to get started: