Spring Decluttering is Better than Spring Cleaning, S2E9

Magazine Moments with The JJs for March

Spring 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.
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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 Cleaning
This 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 now

Stay in your OWN lane — you can only declutter YOUR stuff unless someone gives you the green light!

💡 Julie & Janis's Reminders
Never 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 Mentioned
Forbes 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 Becker
https://www.becomingminimalist.com/spring-decluttering/

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Keep it simple. Keep it intentional. And as always… keep decluttering! 🎉

Keep it Simple, Keep it Intentional, and - as always - Keep Decluttering!!