As the lingering winter chill fades from the air and the days begin to grow warmer and longer, the feeling of new beginnings surrounds us. Spring is officially here, along with the idea of a fresh start. Spring cleaning is a tradition that has withstood the test of time, where we welcome the sunshine, shake off the winter dust, and transform our surroundings into a space of peace.
In this blog, East Ohio College (EOC) shares six spring cleaning tips to help you organize and turn your space into your personal sanctuary. Keep reading for our suggestions on how to make your spring cleaning process smoother, more efficient, and enjoyable!
Tip #1: Start With A Small Area
When starting the spring cleaning process, it’s easy to envision the finished product and want to tackle the entire task at once. However, it is important to start in small increments so you don’t end up feeling overwhelmed. Start by cleaning and organizing one space at a time. For example, start by cleaning and organizing a closet, working from top to bottom, before moving on to the next space.
This method will help you avoid feeling overwhelmed, especially if multiple spaces need to be cleaned. It can also be helpful if you need to break up the process into multiple days, and you won’t have to spend time tidying up several unorganized rooms.
Tip #2: Declutter With Purpose
As you organize, declutter, and clean your space, it’s crucial to be mindful of your possessions and your intentions. Creating four categories– “Keep,” “Donate,” “Sell,” and “Trash” – can provide a more structured approach.
Parting with things, especially those that hold sentimental value or evoke cherished memories, can be a challenging experience. Professional organizer and author Marie Kondo believes that “The space in which we live should be for the person we are becoming now, not for the person we were in the past.” Following this philosophy can help you determine which items bring you the most joy in your current lifestyle and which can be passed on to a new home.
Tip #3: Use The 20/10 Method
Developed by professional organizer and author Rachel Hoffman, the 20/10 method is a way to help you stay focused and motivated while tackling large, overwhelming tasks. The method is simple: for every twenty minutes spent cleaning, you get ten minutes of free time as a reward. Not only does this help you stay motivated, but it also provides a time limit for focused work. Think to yourself: “I can handle doing this task I’ve been putting off for twenty minutes.”
Set a timer for 20 minutes and knock one larger task or several smaller ones off your to-do list. Then, when the timer goes off, decide if you want to take a 10-minute break or restart the process. You’d be surprised how much you can accomplish in a short time frame!
Tip #4: Don’t Rush The Process
Spring cleaning is about making your space feel more comfortable, so it’s essential to remember that there is no hard deadline. Organizing your home is a marathon, not a sprint; it does not have to be done immediately. The urge to rush through and discard items without thorough consideration can lead to having to repurchase them later on.
Instead, spend time thinking about the items that bring you joy and which ones you can part ways with. The ideals behind spring cleaning are new beginnings, not just getting rid of things in the name of doing it.
Tip #5: Implement A Cleaning Schedule (And Stick To It!)
Once your space is organized and thoroughly cleaned, it’s time to develop a cleaning schedule that works for you to maintain it that way. There are several cleaning methods that you can adapt to your lifestyle. You can do a deep clean once a week or split up the chores over multiple days, but it’s essential to maintain a regular cleaning and organization routine so that your hard work during spring cleaning isn’t wasted.
There are many online templates available for those who prefer a visual schedule, or you can create your own using a design tool like Canva.
Tip #6: Embrace The Change
The final piece of our spring cleaning tips is to simply embrace the changes that come with a new season of life. Stepping outside your comfort zone can be challenging, but it is an essential aspect of personal growth. The spring season is a poignant reminder that periods of growth often follow periods of stillness.
Remember, it’s never too late to change an aspect of your life that you’re unhappy with. Whether it’s decluttering your home, attending college, starting a new career, or something else, prioritizing your growth will help you live a happier life.
If earning a college degree is on your bucket list, East Ohio College is here to help you! In two years or less, you could be working in a career in nursing, medical assisting, medical coding, dental assisting, medical office administration, cybersecurity, or business administration.
Change your life by requesting information from East Ohio College today!