Karen Kimmel, an in-demand installation artist and designer, is the owner/designer of Kimmel Kids (www.kimmelkids.com), a very unique (seriously—we haven't seen anything like this before) line of art and educational tools for kids. Here's what this Los Angeles mother of two has to say:

“Having your own company is no joke and because my work space is also where I take meetings with clients, I have to keep my act together. Spring cleaning is more like seasonal cleaning, monthly cleaning, dare I say, daily cleaning. Clearing out, getting rid, making space has become a maintenance mantra. I have to say when you are able to let things go, it is so surprising what comes in to fill the space. In the studio, I make room for new ideas by taking down old images, drawings and inspirational imagery. I find surrounding myself with blank walls provides a kind of visual starting over, a new place to begin.

Going through and cleaning out all my art supplies is key. I sort through pencils, pens and markers to get rid of all the broken, dried-up ones and arrange by color in clear glass jars or boxes. It already looks like art and you haven't even made anything yet! I love using jam jars and simple wooden boxes to stack and order art supplies. I am always more inspired by things that have a sort of visual order to them.

I love inspiration boards and find they are a great place to change up ideas and put together disparate thoughts that may spark an idea or set something in motion. You can create your own art board by going to your local hardware or lumber supply store and asking them for pre-cut paper board (it comes in 4'-by-8' sheets); have them cut to size and then you can wrap it with any color fabric. Staple-gun to the back side and ta-da, you have your very own custom fabric-covered bulletin board to showcase your own and/or your children's masterpieces!”

Melinda Marinack (right) and Dominique MacPherson (left) are the co-founders of The Mini Social (www.theminisocial.com), a members-only online boutique that offers up to 60 percent off designer clothing for moms, babies and kids. Is that a good idea or what? The Los Angeles–based super-stylish duo, both with two kids each, know a thing or two about acquiring great stuff—at an even better price. Here's what Melinda has to say about creating abundance by eliminating excess:

“This morning I spent 10 minutes digging through my closet to find a pair of black leggings. After tearing apart drawers, pulling down hangers and dragging everything out of the laundry, I decided it was time for a massive closet cleanout. Like everyone else, I probably wear 25 percent of the items contained in my closet; the other 75 percent is just filler. It’s time for a ruthless edit. Time to say goodbye to the maternity clothes, the jeans that are too small, the sweaters that have been washed too many times. I clean out my kids’ drawers every six months—time to institute the same routine in my life. The less time I waste digging around in my closet, the more time I can spend sitting with my cup of coffee watching my two gorgeous girls have their breakfast.”

Allison Dayton, of Allison Dayton Jewelry Designs (www.allisondayton.com), makes expressive and distinctive bracelets, earrings, rings and necklaces for women and children, using natural elements in a very earthy-chic way. Here's what this Salt Lake City mother of three has to say:

“The idea of an all-at-once spring clean overwhelms me. My mom tells me stories of pulling every stick of furniture out on the front lawn, beating rugs, and washing curtains and on. Ahh, I would much rather take that time and go on spring break with my kids than do a massive spring clean—okay, I know, who wouldn't? But there is something about the snow melting and the new blossoms on the fruit trees that makes me want to have a clean new start and gets me energized to simplify. I am a constant organizer. If I have to be on the phone with someone for more than a few minutes, you can bet there is a tidy drawer or penholder somewhere near me. I attack every cleanout with the same idea—if I haven't used it in a year, it's gone! I know there is that lingering thought of ‘what if I need it later?’ but I always say to myself, ‘I can go get a new one’ (I do love to shop)—and, truthfully, I never have had to.  

The closet is the best place for this kind of organizational brutality. If I didn't wear it last year, I am not going to wear it this year—bye-bye! Another tactic was imposed on me by my home. We live in a home that's almost 100 years old, and it has limited storage space. So I know that if I bring something home—say, the newest and greatest cocoa latte machine—something in that cupboard is on its way out. After I have cut through all the excess and gotten it out of the closet cupboard or drawer, I look in at the clean, crisp organizations and I get a little thrill. Then with my trunk full of gently used items,

I’m off to the Goodwill for a donation. And then I'm back to sneak a peek into that closet for another little burst of spring in my heart…”

Michele Grant is the manager of e-marketing for Teutonia (www.teutoniausa.com), maker of luxury crossover and custom strollers that are absolutely fabulous! Here's what this Atlanta mother of two has to say:

“Spring is the time of year when we throw open all the windows and let the fresh air and sunshine pour into the house. I find myself in a frenzy of sorting, organizing and labeling. (I LOVE to label things! All of my cabinets are labeled with the names of the things that belong in that spot.) As I sort and organize, I come across things that we don't need anymore or haven't used in forever (forever equals at least 12 months). Sometimes these things get saved as keepsakes and tucked away in the girls' memory totes, and sometimes things we don't need anymore get donated. Either way, it's a chance to reflect on the best things about the previous year, sniffle a little about how fast the girls are growing up, and get rid of the things that drag me down or make me cringe (skinny ankle jeans…too many back issues of Fast Company). My youngest isn't a baby anymore (sniff, sniff), and we aren't planning to have more kids, so this year entails getting all the baby gear out of the house. Some of it, like my beautiful stroller, I plan to donate to a local charity. Our infant car seat we will need to throw away, but it really served us well while we needed it. (Did you know car seats have expiration dates? Look near the model number to see if yours has reached its life span. And just a note—we at Teutonia recommend that you cut through the harness straps to prevent anyone from trying to use a car seat that has been thrown away.) I will feel so light and free as I watch my husband drive away with bags of clothes and baby gear for donation. The girls will run giggling through the warm afternoon sun and I will sit on the front step of my fresh, clean home, thankful for the year gone by, the end of winter, and excited about the year ahead!”