I have been at it for a couple weeks now – spring cleaning. Where I live, we ordinarily have a snow-covered ground well into April but this winter we didn’t get much snow, so when the weather crept above freezing I was thrilled to see bare ground and very little mud (as a result of very little snow). We’ve had lots of sunny days in a row and it just feels wonderful. Mind you – what I consider spring is probably not what you consider spring. It’s been in the 40s here and it is wonderful! It makes me want to get moving and clean!
Are you feeling a little sluggish about spring? Let me share some of my momentum with you!
1. Spring Cleaning Is Good Exercise
I have felt GREAT for the past couple weeks, being outside and busy doing things all day keeps my body moving. The winter is so sedentary (for me) that I welcome the movement that comes with the change in season.
If you’re at work all day, don’t immediately flop on the couch when you get home. Do a little sprucing and then flop on the couch. Get your body moving a little – it’ll feel good, I promise.
2. Spring Cleaning Puts Your Energy To Good Use
Feeling antsy? When I feel antsy, like I want to do something but I don’t know what, I go shopping. It’s a bad habit and believe me, I’m much better now but it still lures me.
Putting my energy toward something productive gives me that feel-good boost I’m looking for without having to shell out any money. It keeps me home and it keeps me busy – good things.
3. Spring Cleaning Makes Your Home Feel New Again
This is my favorite part. I pack away the snowman things and swap them with things that are light colored and airy. I change a room around, organize a little and just like that my home feels new and fresh – without costing a cent. It feels so good to come home to. One of my favorite feelings is to walk in my front door and be greeted by a clean home that smells fresh. I feel like that hasn’t happened since last summer – sprucing was long overdue.
4. Spring Cleaning Helps You Know What You Actually Need
I can’t believe how much I’ve been throwing out and how many times I’ve said out loud – Why do we even have this? I constantly have to fight my consumerist mentality that wants more things – and I have no idea why because I am finding I already have WAY TOO MANY THINGS.
5. Clutter Is Contagious
I talk a lot on this blog about being money-conscious, spending less, living frugal and doing things intentionally. Here’s the thing – all of that requires discipline and organization. As soon as you let one area slip, you’ll notice that the others follow. Has your home become cluttered? Do you have mail, bills and receipts all over the place? The clutter likes to spread. Spring clean your home – and you’ll find yourself wanting to clean off your desk, organize the stuff on your dresser, redo your budget and clean out your cupboards. It’s motivating.
Many times the reason we don’t do things is because we can’t muster the resolve (or the energy) to take the first step. Once you get going, you’re fine, it’s just the beginning that gets you (not just you – me too). Sometimes we just need a little nudge to get started. So here it is – I challenge you to begin. Start today – do something extra today. Mopping the kitchen doesn’t count. Clean out a drawer that’s been bugging you – just start.
Why I do what I do ~ Our furnace died last night so our house was very cold this morning while waiting for it to be regular business hours to call the repairman. Chloe wanted answers – Why is it cold in here? Why doesn’t the heat work? Can I fix it? OK Mom, just go get Daddy’s tools and fix the heat so it can be warm. Sorry honey, Mama doesn’t know how to fix the furnace. She laughs. Yes you do Mom. Clearly if my kisses can heal boo-boos then a broken furnace should be a cinch!
window photo credit: Ana_Cotta | clothesline photo credit: Dan..Have you liked Domestic Cents on Facebook yet?
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{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Spring! It’s been great! Spring cleaning is a great idea. I should get to it!
Andrea´s last blog ..Walk a mile in their shoes
Thanks, Nicki, this is just the inspiration I need to get cleaning. It’s true, I do feel so much better when I come home to a clean and de-cluttered house.
I also loved the story about Chloe. The last time one of my 4 year olds asked me something and I said, “I don’t know,” she said, “Yes you do, Mommy, you have to tell the truth.” I wish I knew as much as they think I do.
Great post. I have been spring cleaning for about 2 weeks following a challenge on another site. Your reasoning about knowing what we need is right on the money! I have a zillion pens, pencils, tweezers x 4 etc. etc. etc. . . . . . . lol Now I will know what is in my house and not waste money buying something I have already bought before.
Love the pictures of your sheets blowing in the breeze.
Elisa | blissfulE´s last blog ..homemade baby wipes
Great post! I was thinking along similar lines myself today!
ugggghhhh!!! Thank you, I’ve been struggling with it this year. You have motivated to step away from the computer, open my windows, crank the music and get busy with it. The end result and the joy along the way are worth taking the first few tough steps!