Recently I’ve had spring cleaning on my mind…but more than anything, it is the spring organizing that I love. (Though I’m still excited to clean the windows really well, inside and out, in some upcoming warm weekend.) This past weekend I decluttered the garage—taking toys, a too small bike, and unused sports gear out of my space and off to Goodwill. Here’s a tip from that session: Don’t clean out the garage on a windy day when the maple tree in your front yard is dropping whirly bird seeds faster than you can count. It was an uphill battle sweeping that floor. Every time I’d turn around, more seeds would blow in. But in the end, the effort was well worth it. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of a freshly organized garage and the knowing that this task is done for yet another year. It’s an annual event…that crazily enough, I look forward to. Next up was my daughter’s closet and dresser. Last night we lightened her load of one bag of too small clothes and made a list of items to buy. Tonight, we purchased the items on her list in a record 45 minute shopping spree. (How cool is that?) On this week’s spring organizing and decluttering to-do list:
- Put away winter coats, hats, gloves, etc. (I think we’re officially past that point!)
- Stock-up on sun screen and bug spray.
- Declutter Collin’s clothes and make a to buy list for spring and summer.
- Plan summer schedule for the kids and sign up for some camps.
- Plant herbs. (OK, technically that’s gardening…but it’s also a form of summer meal planning. Right?)
This to do list makes me happy. It reminds me that BBQs, margaritas, fresh herbs growing on the patio, family walks at night and bike rides are just around the corner. What’s on your spring organizing to-do list? And what warm weather fun are you looking forward to?
I love your ideas so far.
We are (kind of) considering a move into a larger house. Our current project is to pull down/remove the 14 yo wallpaper in the 2 bathrooms and the kitchen, and then sand/prime/paint. Then it’s a “refloor the house” project. Also, most of the rooms in the house will need a repaint (I chose very fun colors for the kids’ room, and they have to go neutral).
This really WILL be spring cleaning, as part of this whole deal involves decluttering and paring down!
Hi Aby – this past weekend, I went through my 8 YO’s clothes and we also put together a trash bag of clothes to donate – he was a big help – I was SO proud. I think he mostly needs bathing suits, so an online trip to Lands End is in order. His hats are my next ordeal. . .
The garage is also on my list this spring. . .
I am looking forward to finding time to relax and enjoy my kids playing outside – before it’s too hot and too buggy.
Hillary
Great tips. I too have been spring cleaning. The garage is on my to do list next but I’m waiting for a perfect weather day.
Here is some more motivation and planning tips – http://www.examiner.com/x-9125-Baltimore-Organized-Living-Examiner~y2009m4d24-Plan-your-spring-cleaning-and-clear-out-the-clutter
I love how your to do list includes items in preparation for fun!
I love that you are excited to clean your window panes-finally someone who is as crazy about cleaning as I am .:smiles:. I have been cleaning out my scrapbooking space and getting things ready for my friends garage sale.
For the last few days I have been scouring the house for things to sell in a rummage sale I do twice a year with a friend. I got the kids in on it this year by going through their own closets and dressers and books and movies. I forget each time I do this how freeing it feels to know that the stuff I am getting rid of won’t be coming back into the house. What I don’t sell will be going to the Salvation Army. And the money from the garage sale will be used for a weekend trip to Chicago to see the Harry Potter Exhibit.
I love spring organizing, too! It’s truly the time of the year to look forward to for some home organization tasks. And when I start sorting out my kid’s stuff, I usually find things that are no longer usable—most of them are clothes! What I do is donate them to local charities, that way I have successfully decluttered my home and helped the community in my own little way.