Spring Clean Clutter

Photo Credit:  Carolyn Anderson-Fermann

As a result of our long Michigan winters, the rebirth of spring seems so much sweeter. It's a fresh start. If you have been reading this blog or my newsletter for any length of time, you know that I love fresh starts.

Spring is a great time to give ourselves a fresh start when it comes to clutter. The thought of a traditional spring cleaning can be really overwhelming. These quick tips are intended to get you moving in the right direction without a major overhaul. 

Do you have "stuff" that is blocking your way both physically and mentally? Perhaps it is clutter on your bathroom counter that makes it difficult to clean? Or maybe those papers everywhere draining your energy? 

If you have clutter stopping you in your tracks, try these quick tips to help you spring clean your clutter:

1) Pick One Flat Surface

Select one flat surface in your home or office that really bothers you when cluttered. Now schedule time in your calendar to clear this clutter. Once you have a clear surface, declare this sacred space and set aside 5 to 10 minutes daily to maintain clarity.  

2) Shred the Old

If piles of old papers are bogging you down, do a little spring cleaning and sort out everything that needs to be shredded. From Saturday, April 13, 2013 Recycle Ann Arbor will once again be offering shredding services. The charge is $6 per banker box or $4 per grocery bag. Readers outside of the Ann Arbor area can check with their local recycling authority, credit union or bank to look for shredding events in their area.  

3) Dispose of Medicine Properly

Saturday, April 27, 2013 is National Take Back Drugs Day. Through the Drug Take Back Network, you can properly dispose of medicine on April 27th and on most days in many communities throughout the United States. Search (top left) the Simply Organized Life blog for more tips on organizing and disposing of medicine.

If you need a little extra help decluttering your home or office, please contact Carolyn to schedule a complementary telephone consultation and be your best in 2013. I work throughout Washtenaw County in person and also offer virtual services over the telephone, Skype or Facetime.

Carolyn Anderson-Fermann is a public speaker, organizing expert and founder of Simply Organized Life. To receive a free copy of Carolyn's "Secrets of a Simply Organized Life" and a monthly subscription to the e-newsletter "Your Simply Organized Life" sign up here. 

Super Simple Spring Cleaning

First sign of spring:  forsythia in bloom.

The last few weeks here in Michigan we have had winter, spring and summer...not necessarily in that order. 

If the thought of spring cleaning overwhelms you, relax, here are some super simple spring cleaning projects:

1) Refrigerator Clear Out

Before you shop for groceries, take about 15 minutes to clear out your refrigerator. Check to make sure you do not have any science projects growing in the back and plan a meal around something that needs to be used up. Remove everything that is left, one shelf at a time, to wipe down the inside of the refrigerator. I like to use a vinegar and water mixture for non-toxic cleaning near the food. 

2) Shredding Be Gone

Do you have piles of papers that need to be shredded? Recycle Ann Arbor is offering secure document shredding the second Saturday morning (9 a.m. to 12 noon) of each month from April to October. There is a $10 minimum charge per car with a 20 box maximum.  

3) Dispose of Medicine Properly

Saturday, April 28, 2012 is National Take Back Drugs Day. Through the Drug Take Back Network, you can properly dispose of medicine on April 28th and on most days in many communities throughout the United States. Take about 15 minutes to sort through your medicine cabinet this month.

Carolyn Anderson-Fermann is a public speaker, organizing expert and founder of Simply Organized Life. For more spring cleaning and organizing tips sign up for "Spring Clean Your Clutter" to be held at Ann Arbor Rec & Ed on Friday, April 27, 2012. 

Free Shredding on October 2, 2010

De-clutter with Recycle Ann Arbor this Saturday

Citizens and businesses are invited to bring up to 100 pounds (three banker boxes) of papers per vehicle to shred at no charge at the Recycle Ann Arbor Drop Off Station, 2950 E. Ellsworth Road on Saturday, October 2nd, between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.

All papers will be recycled. Consumers are encouraged to bring their sensitive information to be shredded, including confidential documents, check stubs, bank statements, credit card offers, and old tax records.

The event is hosted by Washtenaw County and made possible by the generous donation of staffing and mobile shredding trucks from Allshred, a Toledo-based recycling company.

There will be a $3 charge for additional boxes of papers; however large quantities of papers will not be able to be handled at this public event. For more information, read the press release on Recycle Ann Arbor's website.

To learn about recycling and shredding events in your community, click on Earth911.