Ahhhh, spring! There’s just something about the brightening of the outdoor world that makes you want to brighten your indoor space too- to clean up those windows so the sunshine can stream in and get those winter clothes out of your sight for a while!
Let’s face it- if you’re a cleaning and organizing expert, you’re probably already done with spring cleaning…or didn’t need to do it in the first place. If you’re like the rest of us, and you need a little direction, you’ve probably procrastinated until now. If you have, you’re in luck because today we’re going to talk about a no-tears method of spring cleaning!
1. Set Realistic Expectations
The first thing you’re going to do is decide on the date you’d like to be done with spring cleaning. You can decide how long you’re going to give yourself…a weekend, a whole week, a month. Whatever works with your schedule and how long you think you’ll need for the things you’d like to get done. A goal on the calendar will help keep you motivated.
Next, make a list of tasks you’d like to finish in that time period. It’s important to have realistic expectations, or you’re going to get discouraged and give up. An especially low-stress way to tackle spring cleaning is to make a prioritized list of tasks. For each block of time, you’re devoting to cleaning, set a timer for the amount of time you’d like to spend on that specific thing. When the timer goes off, either move to the next thing or reevaluate if your expected time is realistic. If it isn’t, set a new goal. And if you’re done for the day, give yourself a little treat. (More on that below!) You’ll be surprised how quickly you’ll start clicking down your list. Sometimes the hardest part is getting started!
2. Make It Fun
Think of ways to have a little fun during spring cleaning.
- Listen to some new music you’ve been wanting or a playlist of your favorite movie soundtracks
- Put on an audiobook or podcast to help the time go faster
- Invite a friend to help you work on a project
- Turn on a TV show or movie (if you can keep from getting too distracted!)
There are many ways to make cleaning more enjoyable, just get creative and get cleaning!
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3. Reward Yourself
Decide ahead of time on ways to reward yourself when you hit certain milestones. For instance, you could give yourself a small reward for each task you finish on your list, or you could divide your tasks and give yourself a treat when you’re ¼, ½, and ¾ of the way done. It doesn’t have to be anything expensive or extravagant…just something to look forward to. Write down each of your reward ideas:
- Bubble bath
- Candy bar
- 30-minute nap
- 20 minutes of TV
- Coffee from your favorite shop
- Buy a new book
- Get a new plant
Put the slips of paper in a jar to draw from at each appointed time. The added excitement of not knowing which reward you’ll get will keep you moving!
Even though the idea of spring cleaning might make you want to move away and start over, these ideas will help you reframe it into something fun you might even look forward to! In what ways do you make tasks you don’t want to do more manageable?
