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The first day of spring brings excitement for its budding branches, chirping birds, and, if you're a neat freak, the beginning of an organizing extravaganza. Peek into most people's homes on a Saturday in April and you'll see clothes being sorted into what to keep and what to donate or the pantry being meticulously rearranged. But Fay Wolf, author of New Order: A Decluttering Handbook For Creative Folks (And Everyone Else) and a celebrity organizer (Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Emily Deschanel have sung her praises), says there are other areas that desperately need our attention—and they're often forgotten. Read on to discover the neglected spots you need to declutter now.
Your stationery drawer "If you’re a stationery or greeting card lover, it may be time for a purge," says Wolf. "Choose a specific place to store—and easily access—these items. If you require a large inventory, create labels for different types of correspondence (thank you, sympathy, etcetera). And don’t be afraid to use pens or sharpies for quick labeling—function over form will get the job done quicker."
The back of your car "Warm weather means road trips and beach time. Use cardboard boxes in the trunk (sans lids) to create a simple division for items like blankets and emergency supplies," says Wolf. "Decluttering your car never takes as long as you think. Set a timer for 30 minutes, and conjure up some trunk magic."
Your money "Spring equals new beginnings, which equals the perfect time to get your dollar bills in order. YNAB is my favorite tool to, as they put it, 'gain total control of your money.' While it takes a bit of time to set up, you’ll be rewarded thousandfold. Case in point: Since using YNAB last fall, I’ve personally saved thousands of dollars that I would have otherwise spent frivolously or mismanaged. No joke."
Your kitchen utensils "What if, for an hour, you only focused on decluttering kitchen utensils—and nothing else. We’ve all been guilty of having two—or three, or four—can openers or sets of measuring cups. Now is the time. Also cut down on regular forks and knives, and only keep what you need and adore."
