Winter is almost over, and we’re beginning to see a light at the end of the tunnel! As we head toward warmer weather and sunnier days, one of the things many us do to get ready for spring is cleaning.
Spring is the perfect time not only to get rid of what we don’t need but also organize your life in general. Over the past year, you’ve probably accumulated a lot of stuff. I know I have.
As I try to be more conscious of what I buy, I also strive to do more with what I already have. This spring, I’m definitely trying to do more with less, by getting rid of stuff that just takes up space but also finding a purpose for the rest.
If you’re getting ready to tackle spring cleaning like I am, here are 5 tips to conquer it by doing one task each day.
Day 1: Choose One Room at a Time
Spring cleaning can seem very overwhelming. Where do you start? Instead of trying to do too much at once, break it down into multiple days. Choose one room to start with, and move on to different rooms once you’re done.
It helps to start with the bigger spaces first and work your way to the smaller ones (so you don’t lose your motivation to keep going). Focusing your effort on one space will keep everything organized and allow you to finish faster.
Also, if you have roommates or live with family, get everyone involved. The more hands helping, the quicker it’ll get done!
Day 2: Focus on the Closets
Your biggest hurdle will most likely be the closets. After the winter, you’ll need to spend some time refreshing your clothing for spring, and switching out all the seasonal items.
It’ll probably take awhile, so spend this day prioritizing your closets, and give them a little extra TLC. As a general rule of thumb, if you haven’t worn a piece of clothing in a year or so, it’s time to let go of it.
Day 3: Sell What You Don’t Need
As you go through your things and start getting rid of what you don’t want, think about what you can sell. After all, one’s man trash is another man’s treasure, and this is particularly applies to name-brand clothing.
Use sites like eBay, Craigslist, and ThredUp to make a little extra cash from things you don’t need anymore but that are still in good shape. Consider holding a yard sale to sell larger items that may be difficult to ship online.
Day 4: Start a Donation Pile
For the items that you don’t want, and aren’t able to sell, start a donation pile. There are many charities and organizations in every neighborhood that are happy to accept donations.
Items like clothing, toiletries, pet items, and canned goods are always in need. Contact your local organization to find out more.
Day 5: Repurpose and Organize
Spring is like a new awakening, so use this time to repurpose what you already have. Even something simple like putting a few things away and rearranging your furniture can help you feel refreshed and ready for the season.
Take a good look at your furniture layout, or inside your cabinets and drawers. What can you repurpose or change to give it a fresh look? Can you buy some new paint and do a mini room makeover? Can you organize your kitchen cupboards for better efficiency?
Spring is a great time to refocus and you can do that with a simple cleaning. It’s a fun and frugal activity that will help you rediscover all the great things already sitting in your home.
And by tackling a new task each day, your spring cleaning organization will be done in less than one week!
How do you conquer your spring cleaning chores? What’s another way to get rid of clutter and save time?
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