If you missed my CBC BC Almanac radio segment, here are some tips I shared on how to begin spring cleaning or, as I prefer to call it, “Spring Clearing.”

1. Determine Your Spring Cleaning Goal

Decide why you want to clear before you begin your task. You will be more successful if you organize for your own reasons. Do you want to get your car in the garage or actually have dinner at the dinner table? Have a family meeting and create goals together.

2. Follow C.L.E.A.R

My path to spring cleaning is C.L.E.A.R. Categorize: sort your items into relevant groupings. Limit: reduce your items to make space in your home. Evaluate: decide if it is important to have this item in your space. Is it more emotional or useful? Keep your goal in mind. Allocate: assign a room and a container to house items you’ll keep. Remove: dispose of your unwanted belongings.

3. Maintain Your Goal by Changing Your Habits

Getting organized is one thing, but how do you stay there? Maybe you need to set aside five minutes a day to clear items, or perhaps you should purchase and label some containers. Determine what is necessary to maintain your cleared space.

Thank you to everyone who called in and tweeted with questions regarding china, books, and shredding documents. Listener tips also included suggestions on what to do with leftover fabric and rare books.

I particularly liked the story from David, who gave everything in his storage locker to charity — without even looking inside it! He’s now saving thousands of dollars and doesn’t miss a thing.

Check out the full podcast here. (Note: Spring Cleaning segment starts at 23:29.)