Assess your mess first and set a goal, say Susan Borax and Heather Knittel, creators of Good Riddance Professional Organizing Solutions in Vancouver. They identify clients' goals and pinpoint their greatest hurdels. Hint: Trouble often lurks in storage areas, where lesser-used items tend to hide.

Declutter tip: Perform a clutter-scene investigation

<p>The Editorial Team of Chatelaine magazine.</p>

spring cleaning

Living

Looking to get spring started with a clean slate in your home? We've got helpful tips for doing an effective spring clean — and for keeping things fresh throughout the year

Declutter your life!

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Seasonal

Spring

Staying organized starts with finding permanent homes for everything, say Borax and Knittel. And watch out for black holes, "the spaces into which objects disappear and aren't seen again." Think pockets, purses and backs of cupboards.

Declutter tip: Ditch the junk drawer

Be ruthless when it comes to what you keep or bring into your home in the first place. Try adopting the mantra "Keep only what you love and use."


spring clean

Declutter tip: Perform a scene investigation

Spring cleaning guide: Tips to freshen your house top to bottom

Declutter tip: Ditch the junk drawer

Declutter tip: Discriminate to eliminate