Decluttering Your Phone

Ah, Spring is in the air. If you’ve been around for a while, you know I adore Spring and everything involved in it - yes, even the rainy days! You also might know that I love a good declutter. I’ve talked about decluttering on the blog before and have even created an awesome decluttering/Spring Cleaning checklist that a lot of you have downloaded and used! Today, I thought I’d go one step further and talk about digital cleaning - starting with likely my most-used electronic device: my smart phone.

I got my first cell phone when I was 17, after getting my license. I really had no need for one up until then, since my parents pretty much drove me everywhere. If I was out and about, they either lent me an extra phone they had, or made sure I had quarters for the pay phone. That first phone, though not super smart, was great and did everything I needed it to. It called, and I could even send up to 50 text messages for free!! What a thought!

Now that I do pretty much everything on this little phone that fits in my pocket, I almost want to go back to the days where all my phone did was call and text. It isn’t a reality I’ve seriously considered going back to, but I have definitely tried to scale back on what I keep on my phone. Let’s look at a few areas you can start decluttering on your phone.

Contacts

I don’t know about you, but over the years I have accumulated so many contacts. As I was going through my phone once, I didn’t even recognize some of the names and I realized that my phone had synced all of the contacts in my university email one year - thousands of names and email addresses I would never use or recognize! I started by getting rid of all of those, and was left with a list that was much more manageable to go through. Chances are there are names of people you had to contact once (and will never contact again), and some incomplete names as well. I even found contact names like, “No Name” and 1-800 numbers! I know going through contacts can be pretty rough and can make you feel guilty if you choose to get rid of numbers, but trust me, it will be well worth your time when you are done.

Some easy steps:

• Go through each name, deleting names you don’t recognize or don’t need anymore

• Verify the correctness of the contact information of the names you choose to keep

Applications

For me, apps usually fall into one of three categories: The ones I use almost every day (ex. Instagram, weather, fitness apps, etc.), the ones I use from time to time when needed (store rewards apps, calculator, etc.), and the ones I downloaded that one time and never used again. Determine what apps fall under those categories and delete accordingly.

Some app tips:

• If you aren’t sure exactly what apps you use frequently and use an iPhone, check your settings under “General” followed by “iPhone Storage” for a list of the most used (and unused) apps on your phone.

• If possible, get rid of email on your phone. I got rid of mine over a year ago and have never, ever, once looked back! As a bonus, I now do not have to organize emails on my phone in addition! 

Photos

“WHY DO I HAVE OVER 400 PHOTOS OF MY CAT ON MY PHONE?!” was a real question I asked my husband thousands of miles above ground level. I had run out of things to do, so I figured I’d go through my photos and clean them out. Whoa, was I in for a surprise.

Some photos you may want to consider deleting:

• Those photos you took to reference later (first off, if you really did reference them later, I’m so proud. But consider getting rid of them hehe)

• Those photos you took of something ruhl quick to send in a text message

• Those photos that automatically downloaded when you opened up that group chat in WhatsApp (First off, turn that setting off!!! Second off, delete those babies)

• Those photos of your dog/cat/child (You have enough. Trust me. Choose your favorites, put ‘em in a photobook or upload to Instagram and send the rest into cyber abyss. Okay, fine. Keep one or two to show the stranger on the train who also has a dog/cat/child.)
  
  

If you like, you can keep a zero photo camera roll by creating a folder on Google Drive or the like to keep your precious moments on. You’d be amazed at how sane and satisfied you feel once your count goes from 4,252 pictures to zero.

Your physical phone

Of course I wouldn’t write about decluttering without adding some cleaning! Your phone is a breeding ground for nastiness. Trust me, it’s gross. If you don’t believe me, I give you permission to leave this website and Google it. Just type in “Is my phone gross?” and you’ll get plenty of good reads (Like this article from Reader’s Digest). 

Depending on your device, specific instructions for cleaning may vary. I use an Apple device and Apple advises the following for its products:

• Use only a soft, lint-free cloth.

• Avoid excessive wiping.

• Unplug all power sources, devices, and cables.

• Keep liquids away from your device.

• Don’t allow moisture to get into any openings.

• Avoid aerosol sprays, bleaches, and abrasives.

• Avoid spraying cleaners directly onto your device.

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So there you have it! It’s not so hard to declutter your phone. Do it all at once, or break it up and do it over a week. Are you planning on Spring Cleaning your phone this season?

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Spring into Health this Spring!

As I write this, I am watching the snow tumble and twist through the air. I thought Winter was starting to leave! The longer hours of sunshine, and the return of bright flowers have deceived me, but it doesn't matter. Spring has begun - snow or not. It begins in my heart. This is truly one of my favourite times of the year and always brings motivation for a fresh start and new beginnings.

We have talked about cleaning our homes, but today, I want to give you eight simple things to consider when cleaning up your health habits this Spring.

Eat fresh, nourishing food

Make sure the food you eat is full of the nutrients you need. Fresh fruit and vegetables are becoming more readily available at this time of the year so take advantage of it (and can and freeze some for winter months too!). Add more whole grains and legumes to your diet, and reduce the amount of meat, dairy and sugar you consume.

Be physically active

Exercise is good for you! Don’t worry, I will not prescribe burpees and planks - yet. Start by taking a brisk walk or stroll through your neighbourhood every day, and watch your energy increase and feel better! Just being aware of your activity levels will help increase them. 

Drink more water

Our bodies are made up of 70% water. It is important we replenish what our body uses on a daily basis. Water is needed to support our body’s systems to keep us healthy. Keep a reusable water bottle with you so you don't forget to hydrate!

Spend time in the sunshine

Sunlight is critical for the growth and support of plants and animals and is important for our bodies as well; helping with the maintenance of our hormonal and metabolic balance. Make the intentional effort to have moderate time in the sunshine.

Avoid harmful substances and practice temperance

Staying away from the things that harm us and being moderate in the things that are good for us is important - yet sometimes easier said than done. Practicing self-control in all things is key to ensuring we stay healthy.

Get fresh air

When you think about it, air is more important to our bodies than food or water! We cannot survive long at all when our air supply is cut off. Be sure to breathe in fresh, clean air (travel out of polluted cities to find the best air!) - and breathe it in deep!

Get plenty of rest

There are many different ways to get rest. Sleep helps our bodies restore themselves, so be sure to get plenty of rest each night. Make sure you give your body time to recover from a long week by taking a day of rest each week!

Have peace of mind

Trusting in Divine Power is also directly linked to our health. High levels of stress affect our physical being, but God gives us the "peace that passeth all understanding." (Philippians 4:7)

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."
- Proverbs 3:5-6

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Will you be springing into health this season?

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Why Living with Less is the Worst

Great news! Spring is here! If you are not one for spring cleaning or spring decluttering, that is okay. Living with less is the worst. Here is why:

Finding your way around in the dark is too easy

Seriously, it’s no fun having no obstacles with which you might at any moment stub your toe with. Middle of the night water runs to the kitchen are no longer fun because they no longer require superhuman ninja skills.

You only own what you love

Sometimes you just want to hate most of the items you have on display, #amirite?

Possessions last longer, which is boring

Wouldn’t you rather keep buying cheap, ugly things that you don’t care about enough to take extra good care of? Spending more money on disposable items is much better than buying good quality ones that are better for the environment and your wallet.

You have less cleaning and dusting to do

There is nothing better than spending your precious time on dusting that clay gnome you made in the second grade. Also, it’s a great work-out moving the piles of paper from one end of the house to the other, just so you can vacuum. Taking 500 items off of surfaces to dust is truly exciting.

Your junk drawer is nonexistent

It’s so boring and predictable to know exactly what is in each one of your drawers. Being able to see every item for quick retrieval is lame.  

Everything has a home

You should not need to know exactly where everything is at any given time. It's just not natural. Scrambling for keys and the like is essential to the human experience.

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Great arguments for living with more if I do say so myself. If, however, you do not share this sentiment, be sure to check out our ultimate spring simplifying guide! We have upgraded our guide and you can now find an expanded Spring Cleaning guide and printable booklet there!

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The Ultimate Decluttering & Deep Cleaning Guide for your Home!

A few days ago, I wrote up three points to help prep for simplifying and decluttering your home in time for a good Spring cleaning! Today, as promised, we will go more into the actual process itself. I love a good declutter! 

If you didn't get a chance, hop on over to the previous post so you can be all caught up! Preparation and intentionality are key to making this work :)

 I think I could write separate, detailed posts about each of these, but I spared you and condensed everything in a few points per room. I so do love lists, don't you? Of course, everyone is different and has different decluttering needs. This is meant to be a guide to help you with your decluttering and simplifying.

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First, let's tackle some excuses we might come up with for items. Ideally, you want to only touch each item once in this process (do you have your boxes/bags ready?):

Sentimental Items. These are probably the hardest thing to deal with. If someone special gave you an item, or a certain item holds a fond memory, it may be hard to let go! This was actually the biggest thing that kept me from making radical decisions when it came to decluttering. I had boxes of cards that people had given, and items that collected dust on shelves. Before I knew it, I was overwhelmed - but I still couldn't give them up. It took a while before I realized that a lot of these things were just clutter in my life. I finally went through everything and managed to decide on a few items to keep in a memory box. Everything else I took pictures of (if I deemed it worthy) and donated/sold/threw out the rest.

Items you think you might need in the future. Honestly, if you haven't used it by now, you likely won't. Accept that it is just taking up space, and it needs to go. I should probably let go of the ice cream maker I have hiding in my cupboard now that I think about it...

Items that were expensive. Yeah, that happens - we don't always make the best purchase decisions. Everyone makes mistakes. But if you're not using it, why are you holding on to it? Think about other purchases you likely don't make too wisely, like the phone plan you spend way too much on or all those fast food stops. Though not material, a lot of money goes into these things for some people. Is it any different? Something to chew on anyway (no pun intended). 

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• Be honest about your clothing - Oh man, I think I could write a complete separate post about this one. Get rid of everything that doesn't fit, is worn out or beyond repair, things that you don't love wearing, and items that you haven't worn for a year (if you didn't wear it last summer, you probably won't wear it this summer either). I like to use thredUP to send my great condition clothing to and make a little money (Send your used clothes there to sell! And buy great second hand items there too! Here’s a link for $10 for you to use to find something you actually love!)

• Accessories, shoes and scarves too! - Say goodbye to the accessories and scarves you don't wear anymore or don't fit your style. Trust me, you'll feel better once you do!

• Critique your sock drawer - it's time to let go of the socks that have no partner and the underwear with, gasp, holes! Anything with worn out elastics probably should be purged as well.

• Remove things that shouldn't be in your bedroom at all! - Your bedroom is for sleeping and dressing and escape. Why is there a toothbrush in your closet and a rubber duck under your bed?

• Reduce items on surfaces - Clear the top of your dresser and your side tables, and limit items to 3-5. It's soothing to see clear surfaces.

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• Get rid of unnecessary duplicates - Do you really need 5 whisks and 9 sauce pans? Chances are that your burner can't handle that many pots at a time anyway...

• Spices and canned food that are outdated or you never use - Don't forget to check your fridge and freezer! I like to use bins in my cupboards and fridge to keep things organized :)

• Extra dishes you never use - Also the ones that are broken/or chipped.

• Small appliances you don't use - Remember that ice cream maker I mentioned earlier.....?

• Containers with no lids - If you have a giant drawer full of Tupperware with mismatching lids and pieces that are no longer useable, I urge you to please, please get rid of them. Limit and organize!

• Linens - That one ratty dishcloth needs to go. You know the one I'm talking about.

Related: DIY All-Purpose Cleaner

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• Throw away soaps, lotions, cosmetics, etc., that you haven't used in a year - or don't plan on using (think of all of those Christmas sets you received last year). You also probably don't need six tubes of lipstick...

• Expired medication - Medication should not be kept in the bathroom due to moisture anyway. Take expired goods to a pharmacy to be disposed of properly.

• Duplicates - The four boxes of bandaids under the counter are probably not necessary. Weed through and consolidate.

• Linens - Get rid of completely worn out towels and those with holes in them. Five towels per person in the household is also a bit excessive...decrease to two and add one or two for a guest.

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• DVDs, CDs and Video Tapes - In this digital age, do you really need or use these? Digitalize what you can and get rid of the rest.

• Magazines/Newspapers - Get rid of editions you don't read or need anymore unless you're planning on making a collage TODAY. Otherwise, say goodbye. I agree, there's nothing like flipping through a magazine, but digital copies do help keep clutter down if you would consider...

• Games that are missing pieces or games you don't play - replace pieces if you really like a game, but get rid of games or toys that aren't played with! You really don't need them.

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• Papers! - Unless you've gone paperless (we'll tackle digital clutter next), you have likely collected quite the amount of paper! Go through old papers and shred what you no longer need, and file what you do. If you are not completely sure about something, I would vote scanning and still shredding it. Just don't shred your birth certificate. Not a good idea.

• Clear off your desk - Keep what you leave on your desk to a minimum. It's much easier to get work done that way anyhow.

• Junk Drawer? - I will admit I had one of those in my desk - until I decluttered. It is now an orderly collection of materials I need. I had some random things in there - like key chains and old batteries...it was a scary sight. You don't need these things either! It's such relief when I can go in there and find the essentials I'm looking for right away.

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• Emails - this is a large undertaking indeed. Delete all time sensitive emails (expired coupons, deals, etc.) and emails you no longer need. Archive important emails.

• Contacts - there are probably a lot of contacts you no longer need to have - like your brother's best friend's sister's cat's previous owner, with the email, fuzzyfeline@catlover.com.

• Pictures - I feel as though I'm constantly cleaning my photos because I neglect to do it right away. You don't need blurry pictures that are impossible to decipher...and that one photo you took 50 times to get a perfect shot? Just keep the one perfect one.

• Create a filing system and stick to it - Create a system that works for you. Folders can be your best friend! Go through old documents and get rid of ones that are no longer relevant or useful. Digital clutter is a real thing!

• Clear your desktop - Having a clear desktop is amazing. Clear it off after every project to avoid having to search through it, wasting time and energy.

• Feeling ambitious? - Back up all of your files and reset your computer to the factory settings! It feels great - like getting a brand new computer! I do this on my devices once a year.

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• Go through boxes of stuff - you know the ones I'm talking about. You probably haven't looked through these boxes in years - do you really need to keep what's in them?

• Throw out old paint, oil, cleaning supplies, boxes, newspapers, etc. - do it responsibly though and recycle what you can :)

• Get rid of tools you never use - if you haven't used that electric saw or wood detailer ever, you might just want to sell them...

• Exercise equipment - commit to using it, or say goodbye.

• Holiday Decor - Do you still use that wreath from 1978? No? Toss it. Consider minimizing your decor in general - less is more!

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• Go through the glove compartments - There might be more trash in there than useful items! Organize or throw away receipts and other papers (important papers fall under the 'organize' category, okay?).

• Check the trunk - The less weight you have in your car, the better! At one point, I had a few half-filled bottles of antifreeze in my trunk... Consolidate what you can and store everything else away properly. You should keep that extra blanket in the trunk though.

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Phew. I think that's enough for now. Did I miss anything? If you've ever decluttered before, you likely know what a difference it makes in your life. 

Do you plan on decluttering and simplifying your home this Spring? I hope so! In this case, I wish you a happy decluttering and a wonderful weekend! 

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Preparing to Declutter and Deep Clean

I love Spring. Even more than Spring itself, I love Spring Cleaning. Call me strange, but I do. It has been a long Winter, and things have been accumulating, but over the last couple of weeks, I have successfully managed to declutter even more to make way for my spring cleaning day. 

Spring is just around the corner, and I thought it would be appropriate to share some decluttering tips to help you get ready for your Spring cleaning! There are no rules when it comes to decluttering, in my opinion. I do, however, believe in guidelines. I've outlined three ways to begin preparing for your simplifying process below. Later this week, we'll get to the actual decluttering.

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Set Goals

Decide what you want to accomplish for each area. This is completely up to you. It helps if you write down your goals and share them with someone else to keep you accountable. 

Commit & Be Thorough 

This will take time. Decide on how much time you will commit to each project/room. Follow through and don't continue or move on until you have finished.

Create a System

Decide whether you will sell, donate, or throw away the things you collect. Be sure to have garbage bags or boxes handy for each category. Some categories you could use are:

• Keep

• Donate/Give Away

• Sell

• Throw Away

• Sentimental Value

• Put Away

• Repurpose

Feel free to pin the image below!

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Later this week, once you complete these steps, I will be back with more practical tips for decluttering every room in your house! Don't you just love simplifying?

Update: You can now find the Ultimate Guide for Your Springtime Simplifying HERE!

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