Make space for revived energy

Celebs excel at clearing their homes writes Somava Stockenstroom

THE best way to start off the year is by being more organised. Start afresh by decluttering your home space and give to charity. But just where to start? Rapper Solo says he makes it a habit to do this chore at the beginning of each year and throughout.

“I believe in maintaining my space all year round into the new year. I do not necessarily spring clean. Sometimes cleaning requires more effort than other days. On those days, I clean a little more than normal,” he says.

He starts with his wardrobe.

“I separate T-shirts and jerseys from pants. If I no longer wear it, I give it away. If it ’ s damaged, I throw it away. Most of the time, the gardener at my parents ’ home is the benefactor of my old but wearable items.”

Something he does struggle with is his 20-plus pairs of sneakers.

“It ’ s hard to part with them because they are expensive, but one runs out of space,” he says. He advises that we should throw away unnecessary things as often as we can. “It clears the mind and spirit, ” says Solo.

Singer Mariechan Luiters says after reading Kate Emmerson ’ s book called Clear Your Clutter, she realises how clutter can diminish creativity.

Taking tips from the book, she makes spring cleaning a ritual.

“The first thing I do is identify who I can give unwanted things to. Secondly, I clean places I rarely check; those areas often build negative energy. So, my goal is to release positive energy,” she says.

A woman never has enough clothing and often tends to buy more than she needs – and then struggles with packing space.

Mariechan says she is getting better with her decluttering mission.

“The main thing is that I am growing, and things that represent me that I have outgrown are first to go. My clothes go to my many fans as well as my nieces.

“My shoes are divided into two sections. Performance and singing shoes represent 80%. The other 20%, which is probably 40 pairs, are sneakers, sandals and others,” she laughs.

Mariechans says if you want to reap the benefits of good energy, you should look at the areas you spend the most and least time in.

“I have realised that even in small homes we neglect some areas and frequent others more often. So split the areas in high-go zones and no-go zones and then begin addressing no-go zones first. The surprises and shock you ’ ll learn about the no-go zones will inspire you to keep going,” she says.

MTV Base VJ Sandile Ntshingila says he makes it a habit to chuck out old clothes that no longer fit or are tattered.

He does so at the beginning of the year so the rest of the year can run smoothly. “I do believe in decluttering my home and wardrobe at the beginning of the year because it helps me know the gear I have

The first thing I do is to identify who I can give unwanted things to

and also what I have not worn and also what still fits me. As for my home, I spring clean because it ’ s a habit I have adopted from growing up at home and watching and helping my mommy clean up,” he says.

To make the task seem less tedious he switches on his sound system and turns up the volume to house and hip-hop music.

“It feels like my first day moving in. It ’ s amazing what the music does, it makes the task fun. Its also a great work-out,” he says.

He packs his T-shirts by colour-coding and brands. “I hang my shirts and jackets and fold my jeans.

“My family normally takes my gear. I hardly give away clothing because they come and ask for that particular item they saw and take it.

(Please can malume T …. bring back my Puma jacket), ” he says jokingly.

Not only women have a fetish for shoes. Sandile has so many he has lost count and guesses that his sneakers alone amount to 185 pairs.

“I collect a lot of shoes. Old pairs I normally give away to my family but the funny part is that I am the only size 10 in the house... so the older members, take my kicks,” he laughs.

He also doesn ’ t separate winter from summer clothing.

“You can always wear a summer item in winter, but with another layer of clothing on top.

Make sure you give away things that don ’ t fit you anymore and by that you are making space for new stuff...a new you,” he says.

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