FROM THE EDITOR

My son Sebastian, who turns 12 this month, has been spoiled for toys over the years. These have ranged from large items such as bicycles, cricket sets and an XBox to a seemingly infinite assortment of small plastic objects from various sources … and don’t get me started on Lego, which has infiltrated every corner of the house and garden. (Where on Earth, literally, do all these little bits of plastic end up? Considering the amount of plastic generated by a single family, it’s not surprising that there’ll soon be more plastic in the oceans than fish.)

As he was growing up, once a year or so, to stem the clutter, Sebastian’s room was subjected to a thorough overhaul. Containers of accumulated playthings and bits of playthings were emptied onto the floor, and anything that was broken, served no useful purpose or had been outgrown was either chucked out or earmarked for our charity shop up the road. It was an effort, but the end result was satisfying, and Sebastian’s attention would be diverted to toys he’d forgotten he had.

Your finances need the same treatment. It’s laborious and may seem overwhelming, but it’s necessary to re-establish your financial position. Ideally, if you maintain a budget, it’s done so regularly that it’s routine.

Dust off those insurance policies; scrutinise your bank statements, checking on debit orders; relook your medical expenses in relation to your medical cover; check that you are on track with your retirement savings; review your will. The satisfaction of having your house in order will add to your enjoyment of the spring.

Martin Hesse

Spring cleaning doesn't have to be a dreaded list of chores. It can be a rewarding experience that helps provide some structure and organisation in your life.

PETER WALSH professional organizer and media personality