Every April, we start to feel the urge to spend some time “spring cleaning” our homes. For that reason, for the past six years we have designated April as “Clutter Challenge” month.

That’s a wrap! Thank you for joining us for our 6th annual clutter challenge. Every April for the past six years we have dedicated the entire month to addressing the clutter in your home.

At CMFTO, we’re often asked, “What should I do with my family members’ toys and collectibles?”

This is an area with a lot of nuance, so no single answer applies. However, there are certain criteria that typically have to be met before a toy or collectible is considered valuable, including:

• The item’s condition (How worn is it?)

If you’re like us, you probably have a drawer filled with miscellaneous paper goods that will be just right to use…some day. But with Facebook birthday wishes being the new norm, we’re sending less “snail mail” every year.

This week we’re focusing on the kitchen counter, along with that one catch-all drawer we all have. (Spoiler alert: It can be your secret weapon!)

The kitchen is the nerve center of the home, where we gather, make meals, do homework, pay bills, and more — especially these days.