Well, this is embarrassing. But I have to say, spring cleaning is basically self care 101. I totally skipped it for a year or two. Don’t get me wrong. I’d hit spaces here and there but it’s been a while since I’ve really done the entire house in one fell swoop because I’m dramatic like that. ::Fetches fainting sofa:: One million tiny little decisions can take a lot out of a person, but we’ll be moving bedrooms soon {we’re currently building our primary addition and it feels like we’re adding on a whole lot of house} and I realized much to my dismay, that we’d all given up. Like, the kids couldn’t see the floor of their closet… given up. It was bad.
Since we’re finally on the home stretch, everyone was living in chaos. I knew it made more sense to clean up before hand, AND that I’m more likely to be a lot more patient with our in-the-meantime phase, now that I’ve tackled it a little. Life is crazy. When it rains it pours, because I found a leak in the kitchen last week which damaged the hardwoods and I’m fine it’s fine everything’s fine. And covered in construction dust. I need to remind myself that we’re really just grateful to be here. I can’t tell you how good it feels, now that I’ve traveled through all the emotions – from rage cleaning, to bereaved planking, and of course, Cadbury eating denial. There is no method to my coping madness, but three trips to the donation center and an entirely purged house later, I even gave the cabana a good once-over so the kids can entertain this weekend.
When it comes to spring cleaning, I realized that I do hold certain truths to be totally self-evident. Tried and true, here are a few of my favorite spring cleaning tips. And a little reminder that I’m totally in your corner, if you just so happen to find yourself in a similar boat these days.
1. Our Favorite Spring Cleaning Tips: Pull Everything Out.
Everything. We’re in a season of transition here, and the kids have also grown out of American girl dolls and Kinex, so it’s definitely time to say bye so that we can enjoy valuable real estate. We’d procrastinated too long. It helps to pull everything out for a real fresh start. Don’t leave that basket in the corner. Don’t assume you’ve gotten to that other thing. Pull it out. Everything. It gives you a fresh perspective, and though it can feel overwhelming at first, helps hold you accountable to making a decision.
2. Our Favorite Spring Cleaning Tips: Have Containers So You Can Sort and Put Away.
Whether it’s baskets, clear bins, and musical boxes for a while, have a set of containers to help keep things actually contained. Having containers you can use may be one of the biggest space savers. We’ve found this to be true time and time again. It’s also the fun part when it comes to organization.
2. Our Favorite Spring Cleaning Tips: Up and Off of the Floor
I love/hate this rule with every inch of my being. Sometimes you have to have a few things on the floor, but make it temporary. And if it’s not, at least use a basket. But holding yourself accountable helps you get it done and keep it that way. I’d lost control to tile samples and shipments that came here to wait it out on my office floor. When my youngest walked in the day I was finished {the basement alone took me about four days} he said “WOW you can see the floor in here! Your office is actually kinda big.” And then: “I’m proud of you!” Adorably ridiculous but oh so true. And I was proud of myself.
4. Our Favorite Spring Cleaning Tips: Photograph It
Be ruthless. But still Torn about tossing? It can get a little tough when you’re considering the sentimental. Take photos of items like children’s doodles – you can’t hold onto everything. Designate a container (and limit it) for really cherished things. Then take photos of the sentimental stuff, before parting with it. For instance, I had entire sketchbooks I was saving, because my daughter left little doodles on the inside. It was time to let go.
Also, how can I part with a slime collection without documenting their well-selected names, first? See: sap explosion, unicorn barf, and bumble bee cave, to name a few. Magic.
5. Our Favorite Spring Cleaning Tips: Divide and Conquer {Trash + Recycle, Donate, Sell}
Have different containers as you go, so it makes those split decisions quick, and you aren’t confused later. For instance, I used the big linen laundry hampers from our cabana for donations, black garbage bags for trash, and laundry baskets for sell items {which were few and far in between because I can’t be bothered and would rather it go to a good home for someone who needs it}. Time is money when you work, and this helps make it go faster.
6. Our Favorite Spring Cleaning Tips: Dedicated Areas.
My job is multifaceted and that makes spaces around the home tricky when I don’t have a real live studio office other than a space in the basement. Between generating content {printables, project ideas, painting, and more}, brand partnerships, client work and my own creative endeavors, all those spaces can mix together fast. So I divided them into dedicated areas. Those cabinets in the basement are now put to good use. Make sure your sections make sense and it makes things easy to find after the fact.
Side note: I dedicated this armoire {previously filled with dog treats, rogue light bulbs and paper plates, to name a few} to the two things I currently do the most: stained glass + painting. Nothing makes me happier than having an easy-to-access area right next to my makeshift studio for creative room. It also makes for quick clean up when not in use.
Speaking of easy to find…
7. Our Favorite Spring Cleaning Tips: Label!
Those fabulous containers to hold stuff will mean nothing, without a name. So if you can’t see what’s inside, label. I have grand plans to go back and do something cute with my Cricut. But for now, it’s FrogTape and sharpie. My point? Whatever works. Get it done.
8. Our Favorite Spring Cleaning Tips: Combat Overwhelmption
No it’s not a word. Roll with me here. Those bigger spaces {see: me taking on the entire basement at once} can get to you fast. Set smaller goals within the big ones. For example: When I wanted to have a lie down and eat my feelings in mini Cadbury eggs, I decided, “Today I will finish the cabinets & my tile section.” and I just had those two goals. Before I knew it, I was tackling even more.
But only after I ate the Cadbury eggs. Because purging your house burns calories.
9. Our Favorite Spring Cleaning Tips: Stay Motivated!
I don’t know about you, but guilt gets me every time. I think enneagram 4’s might be the worst at purging, because we are probably emotionally attached and perpetually distracted and want to create with everything. Just me? Which leads to that overwhelmed feeling. Which leads to bereaved planking. So, let go of guilt. Drink coffee. Listen to a podcast. {Nothing motivates me like true crime and a little murder – anyone else?} Do whatever it takes — it can be exhausting because it’s a million different decisions. But if you do a little self-care mixed in with motivational fun, it helps.
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