Spring and cleaning go hand-in-hand. There’s nothing better than throwing open all the windows, turning on your favorite music, and spending an afternoon (or two!) refreshing your home. Below you’ll find three tips for making the most out of spring cleaning.
1. Get Organized
Cleaning and organization go hand-in-hand. Before you begin to clean or declutter any part of your space, sit down and make a list of the things you want to accomplish. You can categorize by task difficulty level and how soon it should get done. Setting your intentions before beginning the projects will help you stay on track and minimize feelings of not knowing where to start.
2. Shift Your Perspective
Yes, “spring cleaning” involves the unfortunate task of actually cleaning. But by shifting your mindset about cleaning tasks, you can make it much more enjoyable. For example, make cleaning a time for you to blast your favorite music or listen to an audiobook. Another way to make your chores more fun is to pick a treat to reward yourself with. Personally, I work much faster when I know there’s a baked good waiting for me. And don’t forget to open the windows for fresh air—you won’t believe the difference this makes in your mood. Plus, it helps air out the smell of cleaning products! Win-win.
3. If It Wrinkles Your Nose, Out It Goes
Decluttering can be overwhelming at times, but it doesn’t have to be complicated! You know that Marie Kondo rule of only keeping things that “spark joy”? This is kind of the opposite approach, paying more attention to the negative reactions you have to your stuff. If you find yourself confused about why you even own something, grossed out by the state the item is in, or cringe at the idea of using it ever again, toss it. You’re not going to miss it, I promise. And the space you’ll gain back is well worth the few minutes it takes to declutter.
While technically spring cleaning is a chore, it doesn’t necessarily mean you have to be bored or stressed out while doing it. By finding ways to enjoy the process and stay organized, spring cleaning can be a wonderful opportunity to welcome the new season with a fresh-feeling home.
