Spring Decluttering

I publish this blog post one day after Passover. Passover is a prime marker of the year for me, the unofficial beginning of spring, even though it’s -20°C with the wind chill this morning. Passover is a Jewish celebration centered on liberation from slavery. This winter, some  Montrealers have felt as if they were imprisoned; it's been a tough slog for many—more difficult for some than for others—with long periods of extreme cold, icy road conditions, and a darkness exacerbated by a frozen wasteland of impassable streets and sidewalks. This winter began early and is ending late.

I can handle snow, cold and an extra hour of darkness or two, but icy sidewalks and winter driving can be a deterrent when it comes to optional outings. In the winter, I bundle up when venturing outdoors and wear cozy sweaters and slippers at home. When out in the evening, I enjoy looking through house windows to see how others decorate and live.

In spite of the weather sometimes keeping me indoors, what helps me get through winter is planning pleasurable activities to look forward to: shows, lectures, dinner parties, fireworks at the Old Port, dances, movies, and cozy time indoors reading, cooking, writing, organizing and decluttering my own home.

So back to Passover. I like to transpose the Passover story to a modern key, reflecting on what we ourselves would like to be liberated from. It could be a less-than-healthy relationship, dysfunctional eating habits, or perhaps an addiction to cigarettes, drugs, or gambling. Some people just need to be able to take a step back from their stuff. They feel suffocated, choked, unhappy, hemmed in, and would like to be liberated!

Any time of year is a great time to get started, but, for many people, spring conjures up the idea of “spring cleaning” and “spring decluttering.” That’s where a professional organizer like me can be helpful.

A happy spring to all! Enjoy the warmth when it finally arrives.