Five Tips for Spring Cleaning

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Five Tips for Spring Cleaning

Tomorrow is the first day of Spring, which means warm weather, vacations and summer holidays are around the corner.  Like you, I am busy…working, mom-ing and blogging. Keeping things streamlined and organized is key to staying sane.  I grew up in St. Louis where space was never an issue, but have spent most of my adult life in Florida. Alas, there are no basements in Florida, which means you have to get savvy really quickly because storage is minimal. We live in a condominium so space is even more limited. However, I like the challenge of trying to be minimal (shoes are not included in this minimality). It is amazing how many things you can truly live without.  If you are not naturally organized, we are here to help. Here are my Five Tips for Spring Cleaning. I like to do a major cleaning for Spring and Fall and then a smaller cleaning for Summer and Winter…since I have a good foundation of organization, it really only requires some touching up and cleaning of containers and cabinets. 

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1. SORT AND SEPARATE

As demonstrated above, keep things separate so you can see them. Previously, I kept all of my pasta in various bags and locations. I would constantly buy the same things over and over, forgetting I already had some. After sorting out what I had, it allows me to only buy what I need. 

2. MAKE IT VISIBLE

If you have something, make sure you can see it. If you need to pack things away in a storage unit, then clearly label and organize them, so you can easily identify them when you need them. If you cannot see it or find it, it is probably best to trash it because you will forget you have it.  

My kitchen cabinets are filled with the OXO Pop Up containers above and my refrigerator is filled with these Glasslock containers so that I can see exactly what is inside.  

OXO Containers available at www.containerstore.com

Glasslock Containers available at www.amazon.com

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3. LABEL

I am certain my husband thinks I am 100% OCD when I get out the label maker, but he is glad when is is looking for something in our utility closet and instead of opening up all of the drawers, he can just go to “screwdrivers” or “batteries” to find whatever he needs quickly. For me, I might mix up “steel cut oats” with “quinoa” if I am in a rush and cooking. Labeling my containers saves time so that I can avoid mistakes.  

Available at www.amazon.com.

4. DONATE 

A good rule of thumb for cleaning your closet is if you have not worn it in a year, it should go. Find a reputable charity and donate your unused things…there may be someone in need who could use something that is just collecting dust in your home.

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5. STAY ON TOP OF IT

Now that everything has a place and is easy to find, all you need to do is maintain. When you are finished using something, return it to the proper place. It only takes a few extra seconds but saves minutes when you need to find it. 

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Spend some time cleaning and organizing your home, I promise it will be worth it. We are all too busy to waste time! Best of luck.

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Bisous,

Rebecca