Well, I have given up the idea of someone else spring cleaning my home, (I offered on facebook to trade hair/nail/waxing services in exchange for a spring clean, and it was met with little interest-I guess no one else wants to spring clean, either!!:)) Kathy, my mother-in-law, encouraged me to do a little at a time and enjoy the good feeling it will bring as I get it done. I like that advice and I’m going to take it! For some reason when it comes to spring cleaning, I want it all done at once, which paralyzes me!! I have a pretty clear calendar this week, so I will do a bit at a time and let you know how it goes!
I found this awesome ebook “Spring Cleaning for Normal People“ at Simple Mom, and bought it for $7.00. It was worth every penny! She has a way of breaking spring cleaning down into manageable steps, and gives great tips which makes it much less overwhelming. Last week she had a spring cleaning series on her blog that was very inspirational, you can click here to check it out.
1st Step: Decluttering
From Tsh @ Simple Mom:
Does every item in your home make your family happy? Does the item add to your home, your life, your family? Of if you were truly honest, would you say it’s more of a burden?
If it’s a burden in any way, get rid of it. It’s not worth the valuable real estate between your four walls.
“Have nothing in your home that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.”-19th century architect William Morris
This is what I will do today. I will start this spring cleaning week by going from room to room and getting rid of anything that does not fit in the above quote. (and sneaking it to the Goodwill before my girls get home!!:))
I plan on using my mornings this week to spring clean, then in the afternoons, do something I enjoy (gardening, cooking, reading). If I set aside a full days to clean, I will get bored, burn out, and give up. I can handle the mornings knowing I will get to do something more enjoyable in the afternoon! Here goes..wish me luck!
*do you spring clean each year? is motivation as hard for you as it is for me? do you have a system? got any tips for me??
Julie
April 19, 2010 at 11:10 pmJust thought I’d let you see the word verification that I had to type out in order to post this comment. I think it’s the longest one I’ve seen. I must really like you! 😉
lminudtesinitusz
Julie
April 19, 2010 at 11:09 pmI do hate it. So I usually don’t do it. But I’m really going to try this year. I’ll have to check out the e-book.
Our Lives
April 19, 2010 at 10:04 pmHeed up your mother-in-law’s sage advice, Amy. 🙂 any little cleaning/organizing is a step toward a good house keeping. Sensible routines also helps to keep us on track. I will be praying for you as you “spring clean”. 🙂
kati
April 19, 2010 at 5:50 pmWell I am up for house exchange… I love cleaning other peoples homes… but I hate cleaning my own… unfortunatly my house is a disaster right now due to our move and back surgery… so whoever gets my house will get the short end of the cleaning stick!
http://dragonflyfeathers.blogspot.com/
thingsyoudidntdo
April 19, 2010 at 7:27 pmI can’t say that I have real “Spring Cleaning” routine or anything, but I always find that I am totally ready to purge and tidy as the first few warm days of the year start to arrive here in Northern Canada. Something about finally being able to open windows and turn off the heat that makes me want to dig into corners and get rid of stuff, I guess! Of course, this year I’m sure it helps that I’m 8 months preggo and totally nesting! LOL
Good Luck this week!
Aimee
April 19, 2010 at 6:44 pmI can’t find motivation for cleaning, let alone Spring Cleaning, easily. Just being honest! I hate it. BUT, it’s gotten to the point that I am just so sick of stuff. The excess! It’s just too much. I love the quotes above, especially what Tsh said. I’ve been going through my house since January trying to declutter and get rid of the excess. Can’t wait to check out the blog and the e-book. Thanks for sharing!
Angie
April 19, 2010 at 4:03 pmYES I hate spring cleaning just as much! My motivation comes in waves so I don’t force it till it’s there. Once it’s there, LOOK OUT! I can tackle quite a bit when I want to. However, if i’m not feeling it- it’s NOT happening! I like your idea of spending the morning dedicated to it and then the afternoon on something you like. Maybe i’ll give that a try…