We may have been *blessed* with six more weeks of winter (I’d like to have a word with Punxsutawney Phil), but now is a better time than ever to kickstart that spring cleaning. Here’s a quick guide to help you get started.
1. Have a game plan.
First and foremost, know where you want to start. (It helps to start with what you feel is the easiest.) Start with small projects and work your way up.
2. Declutter one room at a time.
You absolutely do not need to purge your entire house in one day, but if that’s your style, then go for it! Create boxes or bags to separate trash, donations, and storage. Old books, toys, dusty décor, and clothing are good places to start. Many towns have a “Buy Nothing” site that is a great option for gifting your items rather than donating them to a resale store.
3. Tackle that closet.
Make yourself a rule of thumb. For me, if I haven’t touched it in over a year, it’s time to go. It takes a lot of mental toughness to convince yourself that no, you will not, in fact, wear this at some point, but you can do it. Be strong, sister. You do not need that top that you wore in college.
4. Get your kids involved.
Especially with the overflowing toys, letting the kids lead the way with what they think can be tossed or donated is a great lesson in passing things on that we no longer need on to someone else to enjoy. Once they think that it may mean more room for new toys, they will be the best helpers, trust me.
5. Double-check your skincare and cosmetics.
Clean out your makeup bag. Many products have a shelf life of only six months to a year.
6. Give your kitchen some love.
As moms, we probably spend more than half of our time in our kitchens. In my house, it’s where we gather, eat, party, etc. Schedule a time to empty and deep clean your refrigerator, scrub that oven, and clear out old snacks (that your kids bullied you into buying in bulk and then realized they hate) from your pantry or cabinets.
Remember, take it one spring cleaning project at a time. Think of it like self-care: make time to purge just like you make time for that mani/pedi. Getting rid of clutter will give you the refresh that you need after the dreary winter months. Little changes can go a long way. You never know; you may just find a hidden treasure somewhere along the way. (Like those American Eagle flares from 2006.)
Now take that trip to Home Goods, girl; you deserve it.
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