Spring Cleaning!

Happy Spring! After the winter most of us have had it is certainly hard to believe that spring has officially arrived. The changing seasons are always a great reminder to me that I need to go through my home and clean everything out. I always take advantage of this time to get rid of the things that I no longer use or need instead of finding a spot for them in my storage areas. Spring cleaning is a very commonly used term in households, but I think that we should all do a better job of doing some seasonal cleaning, not just limiting it to spring cleaning.




My definition of spring cleaning is not just switching out the winter clothes and house wares with the spring clothes and other seasonal items. To me, spring cleaning is all about going through your home and doing a huge deep clean, de-clutter, re-organization; and the minor detail is bringing out your spring clothes and switching out the snow blower for the lawn mower.

I've never been one to accumulate too many senseless things, probably because of the number of times I've moved in my life. I can certainly understand how easy it must be to accumulate 10, 20, 30, even 60 years worth of belongings in a home that you've lived in for your entire life. This spring can be your chance to let go and get rid of some old papers, files, clothes, magazines, decor, tools, antiques and even appliances, and live in a more organized, clutter-free home.

The least stressful way to go about this, if you ask me, is to dissect your home room by room. Start with a fairly orderly room and work towards the worst areas of your home. If you start with the worst of the worst you may give up hope because it is so bad, but be reassured because it will just get easier. Spend much of one day each weekend for as long as it takes you to complete each room and when you're done do something great to reward yourself.

• Use the changing seasons to remind you that it's time to go through your belongings. Donate clothing you haven't worn in six months.

• Make a task list that will help you to outline what you need to accomplish. Prioritize it and even make a timeline. Allot a certain amount of time for each project every weekend.

• Take this time to attack the piles around your house. Go through papers, file them if they need to be saved, or recycle them if they are just collecting dust for no reason.

• Use plastic bins to keep out-of-season materials, such as clothing, decorations or miscellaneous items.

• Transition in-season home and lawn maintenance or other outdoor equipment to a more accessible place in your garage or shed. Move the out-of-season equipment to a safe spot that is out of the way.

• Tackle that bottomless pit in your house, whether it's a storage room, closet, or a corner of the basement. Go through the contents of the area and get rid of what isn't in use. Find a permanent spot for what you really do use.

• Go through your children's toys and belongings. Every last thing. Seriously. Kids grow fast - if it doesn't fit and can't be recycled to a younger sibling, donate it. If the kids' toys are broken, get out the trash can or the tool belt. If you notice toys being pushed further and further back on the shelf, or things they haven't touched in six months, donate them to charity.

• Throw a garage sale! Who doesn't need to make a few extra bucks in these tough times? That can be your incentive to get rid of more stuff.