Decluttering This One Unexpected Area Makes the Biggest Difference in Your Home

Now that the weather is warming up and May is just around the corner, many of us are ready to begin spring cleaning. And I don't know about you, but when I look around my home, the first thing I wonder is, "Where do I even begin?!"

Fortunately, Ría Safford , Command brand ambassador , celebrity home organizer with over 313k followers on Instagram and author of The Organized Home for New Parents , is here to share the unexpected location she recommends starting with when embarking on spring cleaning, and gives some practical tips and suggestions for how to better declutter your space —indoors and out.

Related: This One Common Spring Cleaning Tip Actually Does More Harm Than Good—Here's Why

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The First Area To Declutter While Spring Cleaning

"One of the spaces I recommend focusing on first (especially with the beautiful weather) is the backyard!" Safford reveals. "This is a space that has been greatly neglected during the off-season and could use some love and attention."

If this answer overwhelms you and you were hoping for a smaller space to tackle right from the get-go, know that you're not alone.

"Outside spaces can be intimidating," Safford says. "But they don't need to be! The better you feel about your spaces, the more you will want to enjoy them."

Plus, she has some practical tips on how to make this spring cleaning project a success—especially since "lots of different items make their way to this space, from toys to gardening to grilling to pool towels." Safford shares:

• "If your pool towels are always ending up on furniture or the floor, add a towel rack to designate a home and keep towels fresher, longer."
• "To avoid the neverending search for your kid's goggles, I like to hang our goggles on the wall of our back patio with Command Outdoor Stainless Steel Wire Hooks . These could also be great for hanging some fun lights in the space, as they are weather-resistant and hold strongly."

Related: The Home Edit’s Clea & Joanna Share the #1 Key To Getting Organized (And Staying That Way)

It's all about utilizing your space for effective storage. Even if you don't have an in-ground or inflatable pool, hooks, racks, and outdoor tables that open with storage space can all be helpful with decluttering other summer toys or sports equipment (or grilling tools, as Safford already mentioned).

Then, once your outdoor area is feeling manageable (dare we say, beautiful ?) you can more easily relax and enjoy your time soaking up the nice weather.

But what about when your porch and patio are decluttered and you go back inside? What's next?

Related: 'I'm a Professional Housekeeper and These Are the Only 2 Spring Cleaning Supplies You'll Need This Year'

Products That Will Make the Biggest Difference in Your Home

These are a few organizational products that Safford swears by and recommends for anyone planning to declutter this spring.

• Collapsible Laundry Basket : "Not only does it help with the collecting, sorting and putting away of laundry, but it also collapses to take up far less space," Safford tells Parade . "I like to hang mine on the wall with a hook to free up my floor and counter space!"
• Air-Tight Food Canisters : "These have been a tried and true product for me for nearly a decade. Not only are they space-saving and keep food fresher, longer, but they also allow you to see your inventory making restocking a breeze," Safford says.
• Command Folding Clothes Hanger : "This will make preplanning outfits that much easier—especially for kids' school clothes," she explains. "Also a great addition to a laundry room that is space-saving and allows for easing hanging of items."
• Drawer Organizers : "A must for any drawer in any space containing a variety of categories," stresses Safford. "Creating a home for your inventory is crucial for maintaining an organized space."
• Command Adhesive Caddy : "These have become a favorite over the last few years to add storage on walls and the interior of cabinets for items like hair accessories, snacks, spices, cleaning supplies and more," she shares.

Next: Here's Exactly What Professional Housekeepers Use To Make Homes Smell So Good

Source

• Ría Safford, Command brand ambassador , celebrity home organizer with over 313k followers on Instagram and author of The Organized Home for New Parents