Spring Cleaning Tips (and how to make it FUN!)

Feb 27th 2018

tidy living room

If you’re like most people, you probably don’t find the idea of spring cleaning to be very exciting. That said, there’s no denying the many benefits that come from having a cleaner and less cluttered home. If you know you have some work to do but are dreading it, you’re not alone. That’s why we put together this list of tips that can make the process much more tolerable and maybe even fun!

Channel Your Inner Marie Kondo

We read The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up (add nofollow link) (and highly recommend it!) which inspired us to tackle the subject of spring cleaning. Author and professional organizing consultant Marie Kondo is taking the world by storm with her simple yet effective approach to tidying your home. The premise of her method boils down to one important question: “does this spark joy?”. Hold an object in your hands. If the item gives you a spark of excitement, keep it. If it gives you a heavy sinking feeling in your gut, then it’s time to let go. In the end, you are left with a tidy and vibrant space you can’t wait to come back to day after day.

Enlist Your Brutally Honest Friend

Sometimes the best way to get out of a rut is to have a little outside perspective mixed with a healthy dose of tough love. Whether it be a friend or family member, pick someone who will tell it like it is and let them know you need them to be extra harsh (it’s for your own good). Got an old tattered sweater with holes in it you keep tucked in the back of your closet? A jar of spices that expired three years ago? Makeup you bought last year but never wear because it’s an unflattering shade? They will tell you, and they will make you throw it out. Sometimes all you need is a little extra push to get rid of things you’ve been holding onto.

Get Your Groove On

Music makes everything better! Create an upbeat playlist to boost your energy while you clean (songs about new beginnings are a big plus). The right music will put you in a good mood and help keep the motivation going. And, if you want to use a hairbrush as a microphone, we won’t judge you.

Put on a Podcast

If you want an auditory distraction but aren’t in the mood for music, put on an interesting podcast. Many episodes are about an hour long, and they tend to fly by when the topic is captivating. Plus, some people actually find it easier to listen and learn new things when their hands are engaged!

Go Digital

Anything that can be converted to a digital file is one less thing to have around the house. Old cassette tapes, CDs, physical copies of paperwork, instruction manuals, photographs, even VHS tapes… all of these things can be made digital to save space. In fact, properly storing these items on your computer (or a reliable cloud service) is even safer than having them around the house where they can get lost or damaged!

Get Competitive

Could everybody in the house stand to get rid of a few things? Turn it into a game! Whoever gets rid of the most stuff the soonest wins a fun prize or gets taken out fancy dinner. Or, for brave souls who want an even bigger challenge, check out the 30-Day Minimalism Game (add nofollow link). Whoever can go the longest is the winner, and will be entitled to some serious bragging rights.

Remember, Our Memories Are In Us

Many of us hold onto old keepsakes and things given to us by people we love, even if we don’t personally find value in the item. We often hold onto such items because of the memories we attach to them, but it’s important to remember that our memories are not embedded within the item, they are within us. Give yourself permission to let go of keepsakes that no longer serve their purpose or bring you joy. If you cherish the memory more than the object, take a picture of the item so you can look back on it anytime you want, then donate it so it can bring joy to somebody else.

Think of What You’ll Have Room For

We don’t mean in terms of more stuff, but rather the more important things in life. New hobbies, a new exercise routine, a new health regimen, more time spent with friends and family, etc. With fewer things, there’s less to clean, organize, and keep track of. Best of all, without all of the clutter getting in the way and draining your energy, you may find yourself feeling lighter, happier, and calmer. Focus on all the great things you will be able to pursue once you rejuvenate your home, and it will help you shed anything that doesn’t fit your vision or bring you joy.