In the second part of our Spring Refresh series, we consulted experts on the best way to declutter...

Shannon Sheedy – fair trade campaigner and owner of The Dharma Door – advises you on ethical de-cluttering...
Spring is the perfect time for de-cluttering. Consider it an opportunity for a fresh start with the new season. Letting go of the things in your space that are no longer useful creates physical and emotional renewal. Remember that the life of your objects doesn't end because you've finished with them. Charity shops welcome donations of clean and functional goods (tip: it's a good idea to call the shop before you deliver the goods). And with electronic waste growing three times faster than any other type of waste in Australia, responsible disposal options are becoming readily available in most communities. Once you have pared down your treasures, storage is the key to keeping your things organised and accessible. Baskets in many beautiful forms offer a practical solution. On the floor as a stand alone piece or placed on a shelf, they are perfect for storing an array of "stuff" - toys, toiletries, craft projects, gadgets, shoes and more - throughout the different rooms in your home.



Wendy Hanes - professional organiser at Skeletons in the Closet - advises you to bring out your best...
As part of my work I often help clients downsize.  Time and time again I am asked to dispose of unused linen and table ware that has been "saved for good". Recently I uncovered an entire chest of beautiful gifts a client had received for her 21^st birthday. Following her birthday she had carefully re-wrapped the gifts and packed them in the chest to be used when she got married.  At the age of 82 and with no prospects of marriage on the horizon most of the items were sent to an auction house. My challenge to everyone this Spring is to declutter your cupboards of the tatty towels, stained table clothes and chipped crockery.  The time to enjoy your best stuff is now!


Styling by Tina Hellberg via Pinterest.

Karen McCartney - T&W Editorial Director and occasional declutterer - advises you take it one step at a time...
Before you take advice from me, you need to know I am not a de-cluttering expert – in fact I am quite partial to a bit of creative clutter – but I do know when clutter crosses the line and strays into messy, out-of-control and NOT aesthetically pleasing (unless you are a compulsive hoarder).

So these are tips from the coalface of a person who like 'stuff' but doesn't want to be chin deep in it.

1. Set a date:  Several months ago we did a garage sale under the banner of Megan Morton's The School. Oh the pressure to fill a stand with reasonably desirable bits and pieces that people would want to buy. We pulled everything out of cupboards and started badly – both defending the merits of items rarely (i.e. never) used. Push through this stage and soon you reach a point of enthusiasm where the dog is lucky to stay out of the sale.

2. Trick yourself: Commit to 20 minutes of cleaning (e.g. recent example - the laundry) and before you know it hours have passed and you are pretty pleased with your efforts. If your partner says something witty like "Oh, there is a washing machine under there after all', you have succeeded.

3. Weed Regularly. And I don't mean the garden. Kids grow out of things – clothes and toys – and I have always enjoyed passing items on to friends with younger children. I judge carefully what goes to whom: the fake leather motorbike jacket went to Elodie who rocked the look admirably and the black net tutu to Evie who wore it to school during book week channelling Mona the Vampire.