How do you know when it’s time to get the spring cleaning underway again? Is it when the daffs are out, the birds are doing their thing, and the big yellow ball in the sky seems to be producing a bit of warmth? Or is it – like us – when #springcleaning starts threatening to trend on Twitter?

Whatever the reason, a large part of spring cleaning is about decluttering. Remember that old saying, ‘out with the old, in with the new’? Well, that’s essentially the theme of today’s post, only we recognise that it’s not always that simple. Whether it’s because of sentiment, indecision, duty or any number of other reasons, some stuff just isn’t so easy to chuck away. Here at the Box Room, we like to think there’s a halfway house. Here are our top tips.

1. Get inspired

Part of the problem with cluttered living is that you lose sight of the potential in the space you have. With packed furniture, bowing shelves and piles of paper everywhere, it’s difficult to imagine the room as a blank canvas. At this time of year, people tend to start thinking about minimalist living and how having fewer objects around can significantly contribute to a calmer, healthier life. Pinterest‘s the place to go for some interior inspiration and the motivation you need to declutter your home and create something better.

2. Go through your stuff room by room

Clearing out and refreshing your home is a big old undertaking. Don’t be like this kid and try and do it all at the last minute! To avoid feeling overwhelmed, focus on one room per week – or per month if you’re really pushed for time. Either allocate a Sunday to sorting through your things, or just do a little every day. The task will seem more achievable if it’s broken up into sections.

3. Have a ‘maybe’ pile

Indecision can be a killer, can’t it? But remember, this isn’t about punishing yourself – you’re bound to find a few of the throwing-out decisions tricky. Put your ‘maybe’ items, whether they’re clothes, books or kitchen utensils, into a box; if you don’t use something within a couple of months, it’s time to say goodbye. If you do use it, then great – keep it.

But there will always be things you can’t bear to part with, whether the reasons are sentimental, practical (‘I might use this soon…’) or downright inexplicable. If you’re still not sure after one or two months, Boxman can help. We’ll keep your stuff safe, dry and out of your way until you decide what you want to do with it.

4. Do a good deed

Getting rid of your stuff isn’t about just chucking it out – sites like Freecycle, MySkip and Freegle allow you to advertise your things for free to those who might really need them. People will come and collect from you, so there’s minimal effort required from your side – plus you get to make someone happy with a new juicer.

Charity shops are obviously a great place for your unwanted items, too. Because as much as you think that, at some point over the next 10 years, you’ll use that Victorian chess set, there might be someone out there who desperately wants it now. What? That could happen…

5. Make some cash

For fully functioning or even new items, selling them could be the answer. Either advertise on your building or workplace noticeboard, do a Facebook shout-out or get your eBay on. You might make more than you think and money’s always a good motivator for regular clear-outs.

6. Don’t feel guilty

The most important thing to bear in mind is that a tidier home leads to a tidier mind. Clearing out your stuff is about providing yourself with a positive environment in which to live – not about feeling bad for throwing away objects with sentimental value that you don’t have space for.

You don’t have to keep entire newspapers, books, magazines or photo albums that have meaning to you – just keep clippings or select snaps in a small box. That way, you’ll have more storage space and you’re less likely to lose these important items. When it comes to more sizeable family heirlooms – furniture, crockery, rugs, paintings, etc – pop them into storage with Boxman until you’ve got the space you need to showcase them with pride.