Spring Cleaning: Tough Love Edition

It’s been a long winter, and even the most diehard snow-lovers are looking forward to things warming up. Spring has nearly sprung, and what better way to kick it off than with a bit of spring cleaning?

Now, we’re not talking about the light work. This isn’t just about mopping the floors for the first time in months or swapping your bedsheets from flannel to cotton. We mean a serious spring cleaning – the kind of cleaning that’ll actually leave you feeling good about having less clutter, more space, and a fresh start to the season.

So let’s dive into a few spring cleaning ideas that go beyond a quick tidy.

Wardrobe purge.

Let’s start with a big one: a full wardrobe purge. How many pieces of clothing sit tucked away in the far corners of your closet or the very back of the very bottom drawer in your dresser? More importantly: when was the last time you actually wore any of them?

It’s time for a full wardrobe purge. You can go one drawer or shelf at a time if that makes it easier to digest – but pick a drawer, dump everything onto your bed, and start sorting. Make two or three piles: things you definitely want to keep, things you can throw away or donate, and things that might need a second pass while you mull it over. Be prepared to try things on as you go if you’re not sure whether they still fit!

Once you’ve finished your sorting, put away the things you’re keeping and designate a garbage bag to gather what you’re getting rid of. Tomorrow, start on the next drawer!

By the time you’re finished, you’ll have more closet space, fewer clothes to sort through when you’re getting dressed, and a bag of donations for your local thrift store or shelter. Win-win-win!

Next up: the kitchen.

Yes, even that cabinet you can barely reach. It’s time to dig through your fridge, freezer, pantry, and anywhere else you’re keeping food and get tidying.

Start with the easy stuff: go through your fridge one shelf at a time and find out what’s expired. You can even make a grocery list as you go for essentials that need replacing! But don’t stop at printed dates: get rid of those leftovers from last week, that half of an onion you swore you were going to use, and that defrosted hamburger that’s been waiting a little too long.

Next, hit the dry goods. Again, check for expiry dates and use your best judgement. The goal is to get rid of things you’re never going to use (or are past the point of being useful). On the way, you can declutter and take note of what’s missing to make sure you’re stocked and ready – minus the junk that’s just getting in your way.

It’s time for a surface tidy.

How about something a little more lightweight? Pick a room and give every surface a once-over. We’re talking tables, counters, the tops of bookshelves, anything that can accumulate clutter (yes, that includes the designated clothes chair). If you find something that doesn’t belong, put it back in its place!

Remember: the more stuff that piles up on household surfaces, the harder it is to keep things tidy. We promise your odds and ends will still exist if you tuck them into a drawer, and you’ll thank us once it’s time to dust.

How about a workspace makeover?

Whether you work from home or just like having a workspace for yourself, it’s important to keep that space tidy and clutter-free!

Just like cleaning your household surfaces, the most important thing here is to get rid of things that don’t belong. Focus on returning misplaced odds and ends to their proper spots, tucking away sticky notes or loose papers, and only keeping what absolutely needs to be handy. If you’ve got shelves or drawers at your desk, use them!

The clearer you can keep your actual workspace, the better. It even helps keep you focused and on task when you’re working.

Last, but not least: don’t forget to reward yourself when you’re finished.

Cleaning can be tough, especially if you’ve got a lot to catch up on. It’s a big job, but remember to be kind to yourself throughout and especially when you’re finished.

You don’t have to tackle this alone, either! Recruit help from family, friends, or your partner if you think it’ll make things easier. Throw on a bit of music, order some takeout so you don’t need to think about cooking, and just enjoy the process. What’s more cathartic than a proper deep clean of your home?

And trust us – the work will be worth it when you step into spring feeling like a whole new person.