Part One of a Three-Part Series on Spring Cleaning

Spring CleanIt’s that time of year when the feather dusters come out, the floor behind the refrigerator gets transformed back to its original wood or linoleum self, and lilacs delight us with their beauty. For those of us who’ve been cooped up inside all winter, the first sights of spring beckon us to frolic in nearby parks or explore new hiking paths instead of overhauling our bathroom cabinets. Following are five easy ways to prepare for spring cleaning so that you can maximize your outdoor enjoyments this spring.

1. Identify the areas of your home that need some freshening up, and then plan accordingly. What places in your home aren’t cleaned as part of your regular chores routine? Vacuuming under the television cabinet or dusting the tops of your bookcases are perfect spring cleaning activities.

2. Schedule your spring cleaning adventures, and then act accordingly. There’s no reason why a spring cleaning to do item has to hover over you, constantly weighing on your thought. A little advance planning goes a long way. Your spring cleaning to do list allows you to easily identify the work that needs to be done so you can schedule time to do it when it works well for you. Remember, being organized isn’t about being perfect, it’s about being peaceful.

3. Before you begin your spring cleaning, be sure that you have all the necessary supplies. This could involve work gloves, cleaning solutions, a mop, a feather duster, garbage bags, plastic storage bins, and some great tunes that will keep you hopping.

4. Spring cleaning is all about renewal. From a literal perspective, this is the perfect time to revitalize your home library, DVD collection, and clothing selections. Renew these areas of your life by weeding out that which you don’t use and can easily share with a family member, friend, colleague, or local social service agency.

5. Freshen things up, one decoration at a time. When was the last time you changed out the photos in the frames on your desk? How long has that silk flower bouquet perched atop your bookshelf? Can you recall when you last filled a vase with fresh cut flowers? Making small changes throughout your home will freshen things up beautifully for spring, putting a spring in your step as you enjoy the season.

Wishing you much peace as you embark on the spring cleaning adventures that resonate with your version of organizational bliss.

* Photo by Jonathan Eggers

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