Spring Decluttering is Better than Spring Cleaning, S2E9

Send us Fan MailMagazine Moments with The JJs for MarchSpring cleaning season is HERE ~ and while 8 out of 10 Americans plan to participate, 67% feel stressed or overwhelmed before they even pick up a sponge. Sound familiar? In this Magazine Moments episode, Julie and Janis dig into two articles that are packed with stats, cleaning tips, and ~ most importantly ~ the case for why decluttering first is the real secret to a cleaner, calmer home all year long.🌸The stats are both encouraging AND a little hilarious. Did you know 81% of people struggle to stay motivated during spring cleaning? You're not lazy ~ you're in excellent company! Julie and Janis break down:The top areas Americans tackle (floors, baseboards, behind furniture, storage spaces, and windows)Why 60% of people say a clean space boosts their mood ~ motivation to keep going!From BecomingMinimalist.com by Joshua Becker: Spring Decluttering is Better Than Spring CleaningThis is the one phrase we want you to walk away with today! Joshua makes the case ~ and we wholeheartedly agree ~ that decluttering before you clean makes EVERYTHING easier. Key takeaways:Declutter your living spaces FIRST — then clean. There's zero reason to dust around things you're about to donate!Start with your easiest wins: living room, bedroom, or even your car. Skip the attic and the sentimental deep-dive for nowStay in your OWN lane — you can only declutter YOUR stuff unless someone gives you the green light!💡 Julie & Janis's RemindersNever buy storage containers until AFTER you've finished decluttering ~ you likely already have what you need!Label everything. You will be very grateful later that you did.Don't mix cleaning products  (baking soda and dish soap = fine; bleach and ammonia = NOT fine)Ask for help! Nobody said you have to do all of this alone.Use the Keep or LETS-GO system as you sort: Keep (stays in place), LE (Lives Elsewhere), T (Trash/recycle), S (Sentimental ~ set aside), GO (Goes Out ~ donate, sell, or return to owner)📎 Articles MentionedForbes Spring Cleaning  (March 2024)https://www.forbes.com/sites/terriwilliams/2025/03/30/spring-cleaning-2025-myths-misconceptions-and-cleaning-tips/ Spring Decluttering is Better Than Spring Cleaning ~ BecomingMinimalist.com by Joshua Beckerhttps://www.becomingminimalist.com/spring-decluttering/ Join Us! YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@abcdeclutterwithjjFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/abcdecluttercommunityInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/abcdeclutterwithjjWebsite: https://www.abcDEclutter.comPodcast website: https://www.TheJJsDeclutterPodcast.comeMail: [email protected] Keep it simple. Keep it intentional. And as always… keep decluttering! 🎉Keep it Simple, Keep it Intentional, and - as always - Keep Decluttering!!