Spring brings new growth and a chance at a fresh start. I always find the best way to celebrate spring is to do a little cleaning around the house - that is, some much needed purging!

Here are some tips for your own spring purge:

- Tackle the job room by room, one step at a time: start with one closet, then move on. It is too overwhelming to try and do things all at once and the worst thing you can do is have the whole house in chaos when quitting time comes;

- Put out bins, and label them, for easy sorting: keep, donate, sell, garbage;

- Force yourself to take stock of what you have as you go along and be brutal: If you haven't used or worn the item in several months maybe it is time to let it go;

-  Set aside time for purging, don't try to fit it into baby's naptime: Maybe you even need to book a babysitter. If your mind is focused on listening for that little cry, you will have a harder time committing to the task;

- For big jobs, think of using a junk removal company: Ya, it costs money but it also saves you a lot of time and work;

- DONATE!: There are many families out there that need your gently used clothing and gear. Consider contacting a local women's shelter, food and clothing bank or your local Goodwill or Value Village store. Have this plan in place before you start sorting so you can load the goods and deliver them as soon as possible.

- Try to implement spring purging strategies year round:  Ask older kids to set aside one old toy each time a new toy is brought into the house. Explain to them that other children need toys to play with and encourage them to give up that old item to a new home. This helps them to understand the basics of charity, but it also means you keep toy jumble to a minimum. Other tips for spring purging year round: keep a bin handy for items to donate and when you come across an item you know you don't need, toss it in the bin. Schedule regular trips to your clothing or gear recylcing centre.

Good lucky and happy purging!

Karen Bannister is Content Editor for Wee Welcome but also the founder of Baby Hamper, a baby clothing and gear recycling company located in the Niagara region. For more information on Baby Hamper, click here.