Buzz
Photo: Anilakkus/Getty ImagesAlthough February is the shortest month of the year, it can still be incredibly productive for home organization. Apart from Valentine’s Day and Presidents' Day, we often don’t have too many commitments. So why not take advantage of this time to tidy up your home, clear out the clutter, and get it spring-ready? Here are five items to part with this February.
Seasonal Decorations
Any leftover holiday decorations should be taken down right away. After all, how else will you prepare for Valentine’s Day? Then, it’s time to go through everything and figure out what you no longer need.
Shantae Duckworth, a professional organizer and founder of Shantaeize Your Space, recommends getting rid of anything that’s beyond repair or no longer fits your holiday aesthetic. This will also help reduce the clutter for next holiday season.
Kitchen Tools You Don't Use
Whether it’s a non-stick pan that’s lost its coating or those chipped dessert plates, many of the items we use for entertaining don’t last forever. “Anything that wasn’t used this holiday season or takes up unnecessary space should be removed and donated,” says Duckworth. “This includes any rotisserie pans or bulky items used during the holidays that may need to be replaced for the next season.”
If you’re dealing with a small kitchen or limited storage, you may have to part with that tree-shaped cookie platter. But hey, at least you’ll have the chance to shop for new items next year.
Outdated Winter Apparel
February is the perfect time to declutter your closet in preparation for spring. Dispose of anything that’s stained, torn, or beyond repair. “This is also an excellent opportunity to clear out any sweaters, pants, or thermal wear from the past winter that no longer fit or suit your style,” Duckworth suggests. “Doing so will create more space for fresh items in your closet.”
Rose Pulver, a professional organizer and co-founder of The Thoughtful Home, shares that February is a great moment to check your raincoats, boots, light jackets, and sweaters. “Anything that’s outgrown, damaged, or hasn’t been worn in the last two years can be donated or discarded.”
School Supplies
Children can contribute significantly to household clutter. As per Katrina Green, founder of Badass Homelife, ADHD organizing specialist, and coach, February is the ideal month to go through and eliminate items that you won’t keep long-term. “As an organizer, I’ve noticed that kids often bring home heaps of papers. Most parents are unsure what to keep as keepsakes or discard as trash,” she explains. “This would be a great opportunity to focus on creating a system to manage the clutter and reduce the overwhelm it causes every year.”
Assorted Papers
Most of us have at least one pile of old mail gathering dust. Lindsey Mahanna, a professional organizer and founder of Clutter to Clarity Home Organizing, suggests that February is a perfect time to tackle those unopened letters and miscellaneous papers. “Sort your documents into four categories: shred, discard, take action (such as bills or tax forms), and file. Ideally, you can sort through it all in one go, but if not, keep working through the piles until you’ve finished,” she advises.
