Spring may be taking its sweet time to arrive in many parts of the country and many corners of the world, but signs of it are popping up all over. One of those signs is the itch to clear out and renew our spaces after a long winter.

I don't do as much spring cleaning as I perhaps should, but I do like to take time this season to take a close look at the stuff in my home and my life to decide what gets to stay and what's ready to move on. This year, to make that process a bit more fun, I'm using it as an opportunity to plan a swap party with my friends so that we can share our "treasures" and make sure the things we're done with move on to good homes.

This week's article features a recommendation for a guide to getting rid of unwanted and unneeded things--50 of them, to be exact--and guidelines on hosting your own swap party once you've decluttered.

Get Organized with Spring Weeding and Swapping
This season of renewal and regrowth is the perfect time to clear out what's weighing you down and crowding your life. It's also a great opportunity to reconnect with friends. Here's how to combine both of those pursuits in a fun and rewarding way.
Click here to read the article now, or cut and paste this link: http://www.bellaonline.com/art61694.asp

As you're decluttering, keep a careful eye out for any organizing supplies and gadgets that may have crept into your life over the years: bins, boxes, folders, cartons, shelves, drawers, containers.... This stuff is often so full of promise, but it can quickly become clutter in its own right. Here's the truth about organizing supplies, and how to make sure you use them to their fullest advantage (without letting them take over):

Organizing Gadgets Don't Equal Organization
Boxes, bins, office supplies, and other organizing gadgets can be great additions to organizing systems, but supplies alone will never get us organized. Here's why, and how to use organizing gadgets to your advantage.
Click here to read the article now, or cut and paste this link: http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art61548.asp

Want more organizing insights? Visit the BellaOnline Organization site, www.bellaonline.com/site/organization, for tips and ideas on saving time, money, and stress while making the most of your life every day.

Here's to a spring full of renewal!

My best to you,
Emily Wilska
Organization Editor
www.bellaonline.com/site/organization