Organizing Checklist for March

Spring arrives this month, at least on the calendar. For those living in 4 season zones, it may be too cold to think about outdoor activities, but when the warm weather does arrive you want to be ready.
• This is the time to get indoor tasks finished so you can enjoy the outdoors as soon as the warm weather is here. Whatever the project, do not let it drag on or remain unfinished until next winter.  You may want and wait on cleaning windows until after the spring pollen has subsided.
• Review the attic space and determine if any items can be removed to sell, donate or pass on to family or friends. The rush to clean up after the holidays is usually not a good time to purge that space but you should do it before the summer sun makes it impossible.
It is best to store items in air tight containers in order to discourage pests from getting into them. Do not store photographs, candles and some plastic items as the attic heat will ruin them
• Clean out the garage. Hopefully you have made room for probably your most expensive investment other than your children or house—the automobile. If not, consider a renovation that includes space to park it there.

Create zones for the items you store in the garage and keep as many off the floor as you can. Separate sporting equipment, gardening items, cleaning supplies, tools and other hobby equipment.
• Get your summer furniture clean and ready to use. As soon as warm weather arrives, you want to be able to enjoy it. If you do not have a covered deck or porch, cover it after cleaning in the event an early spring storm should arrive.
• This is a good time to consider the possibility of having a yard or tag sale. It is never too early to plan and prepare for one. As you clean these areas and move out winter items later on, you have the opportunity to sort and price items that would be good to sell. Any items that remain after the sale can be donated to a local charity or thrift store.
• As the the month comes to an end and days are longer and warmer, remove the heaviest clothing, bedding, etc. for summer storage. This may mean to the back of the closet, to another closet or storage area, or out of the house permanently. If they will be part of a future yard sale, store them in the area set aside for that.