The sun is blazing, the air is thick, and the last thing you probably want to do is anything remotely strenuous. But hear me out! Summer, despite its sweltering reputation, can actually be a surprisingly effective time to tackle that ever-growing mountain of “stuff” lurking in your closets, garage, and that one mysterious corner of the basement.
Think about it. The kids are (hopefully!) occupied with summer activities, you might have a few extra hours on the weekend, and let’s be honest, being cooped up inside with all that clutter can feel even more suffocating when it’s scorching outside. So, grab a cold drink, put on some breezy tunes, and let’s dive into how to conquer the junk pile when the mercury is rising.
Embrace the Early Bird (or Late Owl): The midday sun is your enemy. Instead of tackling the attic at 2 PM, aim for those cooler morning hours or the lingering light of the early evening. You’ll be amazed at how much more you can accomplish when you’re not battling heatstroke.
Hydration is Your Weapon: This cannot be stressed enough. Keep a water bottle glued to your hand. Every time you finish sorting a box or hauling a bag, take a generous swig. Dehydration will zap your energy faster than you can say “dust bunny.”
One Area at a Time (and Keep it Contained): Don’t try to tackle the entire house in one go. Choose a small, manageable area – a single closet, a few shelves, one corner of the garage. Focus your energy there, get it done, and then reward yourself with a popsicle (you’ve earned it!). Keep your “to donate,” “to sell,” and “to trash” piles contained to avoid creating even more chaos.
Ventilation is Your Friend: Open windows and doors to create a cross breeze whenever possible. If you have fans, strategically place them to keep the air circulating. A little bit of airflow can make a huge difference in comfort levels.
Don’t Be Afraid to Take Breaks (Indoors!): Overheating is no joke. If you start feeling dizzy, lightheaded, or overly tired, step away from the task immediately. Retreat to an air-conditioned space, cool down, and rehydrate. The junk will still be there later.
Make it a Family Affair (with Incentives!): If you have older kids, enlist their help! Offer rewards for their efforts, whether it’s extra screen time, a trip to the ice cream shop, or a small allowance. Turning it into a team effort can make the task feel less daunting.
The “Maybe” Box is Okay (For Now): When the heat is getting to you, making tough decisions about sentimental items can feel impossible. Create a “maybe” box. If, after a week or two (when you’re cooler and more objective), you still haven’t missed those items, it’s probably time to let them go.
Plan Your Escape Route (for the Junk!): Don’t let those piles of unwanted items linger in your house any longer than necessary. Research local donation centers, schedule a bulk trash pickup, or plan a garage sale for a cooler weekend. The sooner it’s gone, the sooner you can enjoy your decluttered, more breathable space.
Reward Yourself! You braved the heat and conquered the clutter! Treat yourself to something refreshing – a dip in the pool, a cold lemonade on the porch, or a movie in your newly organized living room. You deserve it!
Getting rid of junk is never the most glamorous task, but tackling it in the summer can be surprisingly liberating. Let Golden State Junk Removal help you with your junk. You’ll be amazed at how much lighter and more spacious your home (and your mind!) will feel. Now, go forth and conquer that clutter – one sweaty but satisfying step at a time!