Spring Cleaning

​We all have those things we dread doing each year. Paying our taxes, getting our cars inspected, annual checkups at the doctor and somewhere on that list falls the daunting task of spring cleaning. It is amazing how much stuff we can accumulate in such a short period of time – and how much of it we really don’t need. Though the thought of committing to such a challenging task may seem overwhelming, you might find motivation in knowing that cleaning and de-cluttering actually relieve stress. Additionally, taking note of things you bought but never used, finding items you’ve lost, or freeing up kitchen space can help you save money. Undoubtedly, one person didn’t make the entire mess, so cleaning should be a team effort as well. Here are a few ideas for getting the whole family involved with spring cleaning – and maybe even have fun while doing it.

1. Assign tasks to the kids: Have them asses the state of the play room or toy box and pick out a handful of toys they no longer play with to donate to the charity of your choosing. Explain that many children their age are not as fortunate and do not have toys and games to play with. Remind them that it would be much better for someone to enjoy them, rather than just letting them sit in the room for another year. This will 1.) give the kids some responsibility by assigning them a task they must complete, 2.) help them realize how much they have to be thankful for, and 3.) give them an opportunity to be a blessing to others. They can also help with simple tasks like sorting laundry, dusting, or sweeping.
2. Pick up on trends: No, not fashion trends. That was what got you in this mess in the first place. Rather, pay attention to what you are getting rid of. Are you getting rid of multiple pairs of shoes that you only wore once or twice then forgot about when they went out of style? Are you on the verge of being a video game hoarder? Are you constantly throwing away food from the pantry that you forgot about and let expire? Take note of reoccurring wasteful habits and remember them the next time you’re making your grocery list or shopping at the mall. This will lead to less clutter and less money wasted.
3. Take it outside: Sometimes it is simply too nice outside to spend the whole day in the house. If you want to take advantage of the beautiful spring weather, but still make progress on your cleaning, think about what you can spruce up outdoors. Organize the garage, wash the cars, pull weeds and plant new flowers in the garden, or mow the grass. The whole family can get involved and after you finish, you can reward yourself with ice cream or a snow cone. You will get to enjoy the day while still being productive and you might even get a little workout from it!

See, spring cleaning doesn’t have to be so bad! When you make it a family affair, it can turn into a day of memorable moments. We’re  still working on the perfect way to de-clutter your calendar, but organizing your stuff can help you feel less stressed and can give you a sense of pride and accomplishment to boost you through a busy week.