HOME + GARDEN
FIONA DRURY
BARRIERS TO SPRING CLEANING
Spring cleaning can be emotional. Letting go of belongings often brings up guilt, uncertainty or attachment. As a professional organiser, I provide non-judgemental guidance and support throughout the process. The goal is never to create a minimalist home, unless that’ s what you want, it’ s to create a space that feels comfortable, functional and reflective of you.
My favourite part of spring cleaning is the shift that happens once the clutter is gone. Clients often tell me they feel lighter, calmer and have a huge sense of relief. Their homes feel spacious and daily tasks take less effort. That’ s what I love helping people create- spaces that support them instead of draining them.
FORGET THE SPRING CLEANING STEREOTYPE
When people hear‘ spring cleaning’, I think most of us picture a massive to-do list, full weekends and a lot of stress. Honestly, though, that’ s not what spring cleaning looks like to me. As a professional home organiser, I see it as a chance to reset both your home and mind in a way that actually makes everyday life easier, giving clarity and calm back.
Most of the people I work with don’ t have messy homes, they have busy lives. Stuff builds up slowly. Things get shoved into drawers, cupboards and spare rooms with the intention of‘ dealing with it later’. Then one day, you look around and feel overwhelmed, frustrated or stuck. Spring just happens to be the season when that feeling really shows up.
START WITH A DECLUTTER
When I work with clients, we always start by decluttering, or what is sometimes called detoxing. This is more of a holistic approach, and no, it does not mean throwing everything out. Just taking an honest look at what’ s in your space and what you’ re actually using is a great start. I work alongside you to help you make decisions without the pressure and guilt that often comes with it. You don’ t need to explain why you’ re keeping something and you don’ t need to get rid of things you love either; the intent is simply to clear out what no longer has a purpose.
GET ORGANISED
I’ m big on organisation that feels realistic, the sort out that works on busy mornings, not right after it’ s been created.
Being more realistic about organising is important because the reality is once you’ ve decluttered, you create plenty of space to organise what has been left over. The space made always comes as such a surprise to clients and the joy it brings them knowing they can see and find everything they own once again is a powerful thing. Our lives and routines change even more if you have a young family and what worked five years ago might not work now.
Finally, focus on systems, not just tidying. Use clear containers, labels and designated‘ homes’ for everyday items to make staying organised easier long term. Spring cleaning isn’ t just about a onetime reset, it is the perfect time to adjust, reset and start afresh, without doing everything at once.
FIONA’ S TOP SPRING CLEANING TIPS
Start small: Find the most annoying area and get going with it. It will give you so much motivation and spur you on for the next area.
Remove what no longer serves: Be realistic about what you keep and remember why you are doing this in the first place.
Think about what comes in: This is often the problem, so think twice about everything that is offered; secondhand toys or clothes can be politely declined.
Reset: Daily 10-minute resets are incredibly powerful. Clear that dumping ground, such as the kitchen island or dining table, and make your home feel lighter instantly.
Labels: Love them or hate them, labels instantly create a feeling of order and ease, particularly for helping children tidy away.
Spring cleaning doesn’ t have to be exhausting or overwhelming. With the right support, it can actually feel really good. At Professionally Sorted, I believe that an organised home contributes to reducing stress, leaves you feeling lighter and helps boost your productivity in both your home and at work.
If you’ re ready for a home that feels calmer, more organised and easier to live in, I’ d love to help you get there.
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