During the spring, I always think of downsizing, decluttering, and enjoying a fresh new start. Isn’t it beautiful how all the trees so easily drop their old leaves in the fall and then, after a barren season, new life awakens just slowly bit by bit until the tree is full of big beautiful green leaves again.  I love seeing the trees take on this beautiful fresh vibrancy.  These are the thoughts that encourage me through my decluttering.  The more and more I let go of the old things, that I used to love but have served their purpose, the more I prepare myself to experience new growth and new vibrancy as I make space for new and wonderful opportunities in my life.

I hope you feel this beautiful, fresh, hopeful spirit this spring.

I am EXCITED that my SPRING FLING decluttering / Downsizing challenge starts today.

You are invited to join me!

Each week the person who makes the most progress with downsizing will win a $20.00 Dutch Brothers gift card.

Often when people come to me thinking about selling their first step is to start preparing the house to look GREAT in the photos and this can seem overwhelming, but with tiny projects daily it can be done quickly and without too much heartache.

Even if you are not moving a little downsizing can help transform each home into the most comfortable version.

To join the challenge simply take a before and after photo and post them here in the comments – or you can just drop it by my office to enter.

DAY ONE:   The Entry Way:

As the first thing guests see when they stop by your house the entry way is an excellent place to start decluttering. Nobody wants to trip over shoes, bags, or random things when coming to visit. A few minutes spent here goes a long way.

Every entry way is different, lets see how inviting yours can become…

Set a timer for 15 minutes…  you may be amazed the difference you can make in a focused 15 minutes!

Grab a trash can and a “give-away” box and get started.

1. Is there any “stuff” on the floor or piled on top of a table or bench? If so, throw the trash away.
   1. After the obvious trash you may search to find other things you are ready to get rid of, if you really look you may find:
   2. Random shoes or gloves without pairs
   3. Old or damaged shoes, slippers, or clothing.
   4. Broken umbrellas or damaged rainboots.
2. After the trash is gone is there anything you do not need anymore?… things you may be ready to let go of in an entry way include:
   1. Coats you have not worn in over a year
   2. Old hats you don’t wear any more
   3. Decorations that are not worth storing
3. As you come across things that do not belong in the entry just take a quick minute to put them where they really go… If you are unclear ask yourself “If I was looking for this where is the first place I would look?” go put it there.

Work quickly and after the 15 minutes make sure to bring the trash out and the give-away box to your car so it is ready for a quick trip to donate.

I hope you feel good about what you accomplished!!  For a great article with more tips on how to declutter an entry way check out https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/small-entryway-ideas/

If you want a chance to win a $20.00 Dutch Brothers gift card don’t forget to post a before and after photo here in the comments.  * OR you could post on my Facebook page instead   https://www.facebook.com/AnastasiaHendrickRealEstate/

** If you feel shy to post photos here you can bring your before and after photos by my office at 858NW 6th Street in Grants Pass Oregon.