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Spring is nearly here, and it's time to give your home a makeover! Instead of throwing yourself headfirst into the joyous season, let's tackle some decluttering tasks first. After all, who needs a pile of old magazines or worn-out furniture taking up valuable space?
Enter the Lent Decluttering Challenge! This 40-day spring clean can help you let go of unwanted items and revamp your living spaces. Lent, a religious period of reflection and simplicity, serves as the perfect backdrop for this decluttering journey.
Renovation Editor, Faiza Saqib, shares her thoughts on the challenge: "Lent is a time when many commit to letting go of things. Through the Lent Decluttering Challenge, you can clear out items you no longer need, making room for what truly matters." Whether you're prepping for Easter or simply ready to declutter your space, dive into the challenge and conquer your home!
Here's a room-by-room guide to help you sort through your belongings:
Living Room
- Frayed Cushions and Throws: Opposing the cosy charm they once offered, these items can ruin your living room's aesthetic. Upgrade to this stylish Tufted Cotton Cushion Cover from H&M for an instant spruce up!
- Cracked Vinyl and Scratched CDs: Your music collection should be a source of joy, not frustration. Get rid of any damaged tunes!
- Old Magazines and Newspapers: Remember that mountain of magazines I mentioned earlier? Time to clear that modern-day landfill and regain your space!
- Wilting Houseplants: Houseplants aren't meant to wither away. Throw away any dead or dying plants and breathe fresh life into your living room.
- Damaged or Dated Furniture: That coffee table with a chipped leg or that ill-matched sofa wouldn't fit into any well-curated, Pinterest-worthy home. Consider donating or recycling your unwanted furniture.
Kitchen
- Expired Food: It seems obvious, but we all forget about those long-forgotten items lurking in the depths of our cabinets. Check expiration dates and say goodbye to spoiled goods.
- Lidless Containers: You might trick yourself into believing those containers will come in handy at some point, but they likely won't. Let 'em go!
- Cracked Cookware: Cooking is meant to be enjoyable, not a hassle. If your pots and pans are cracking or worn-down, it's time to upgrade.
- Bulky Pantry Packaging: A minimalist kitchen is a happy kitchen. Ditch excessive packaging, and opt for clever storage solutions like these Small Robbed Glass Storage Jars from M&S.
- Torn Cloths and Mitts: Treat your kitchen to the same care and attention you do your clothing wardrobe. Getting rid of torn linens will keep your kitchen looking fresh.
Dining Room
- Outdated Table Linens: Your dining table deserves to shine, not be weighed down by outdated linens. If you can't repurpose or donate them, add them to the trash pile.
- Mismatched Cutlery: A random salad spoon or butter knife ruins the aesthetic elegance of a beautifully set table. Take this opportunity to straighten out your cutlery sets.
- Last Season's Centerpiece: Spring is here, so it's time to wave goodbye to last year's centerpiece and welcome in new decor for the season.
- Excess Table Dressing: Occasionally, less is more. If your dining table looks cluttered, simplify it; take a break from the layered napkins and multiple placemats.
- Misplaced Randoms: Dining rooms serve multiple purposes, so keep it tidy to ensure it's a comfortable space for all of those roles.
These room-by-room tips will help you declutter and get your home ready for lush Spring celebrations! Note that they are merely suggestions tailored to common problem areas in most homes. Complete this decluttering challenge to your personal preferences, and don't forget to enjoy the refreshing change in your living spaces!
Enrichment Data:
The Lent Decluttering Challenge gains popularity during the 40-day period of Lent which originates from Christian traditions. However, it doesn't necessarily have to be tied to this religious holiday. The challenge aims to help participants declutter their lives (physical, digital, or mental), focusing on getting rid of unnecessary items. It encourages individuals to simplify their living spaces, reduce stress, and embrace a clutter-free lifestyle. The challenge is often promoted through social media platforms, where participants share their progress and offer support to each other.
References:[1] Johnson, B. (2021, May 29) 40 Day Lent Declutter Challenge. Retrieved from https://bottomlineinc.com/resources/blog/40-day-lent-declutter-challenge[2] Rieger, H. (2020, February 19) What Is the Lenten Declutter Movement and How Can I Participate? Retrieved from https://blog.savvyhomemade.com/lenten-declutter-movement/[3] (n.d.) 40 Days, 40 Blessings: Lenten Resources. Retrieved from https://www.pcusa.org/resource/40-days-40-blessings-lenten-resources/[4] Richards, M. (2021, March 14) Lent: What Is It, Why Do Some People Decide to Give Something Up, and What's Its Connection to Easter?. Retrieved from https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2021/03/14/978727923/lent-what-is-it-why-do-some-people-decide-to-give-something-up-and-whats-its-conn[5] Shannon, J. (n.d.) The Secret Benefits of a Lenten Decluttering Challenge. Retrieved from https://mymove.com/blog/grand-rapids-movers-blog/secret-benefits-lenten-decluttering-challenge
- In the living room, updating the aging tufted cotton cushion cover from H&M can help replace frayed cushions and improve the decor.
- The kitchen can be refreshed by discarding expired food items, cracked cookware, lidless containers, and torn cloths and mitts.
- The dining room can benefit from replacing outdated table linens, mismatched cutlery, and last season's centerpiece with fresh and contemporary alternatives.
- The lush Spring celebrations can be enhanced by simplifying excess table dressing and misplaced randoms in the dining room to create a more comfortable space.
- In an effort to declutter digitally and mentally, one might find it helpful to participate in the Lent Decluttering Challenge, which can be unconnected from Christian traditions.
- Education-and-self-development resources, such as articles on the benefits of a Lenten Decluttering Challenge, can provide valuable insights and support for those embarking on this 40-day decluttering journey.