I got to admit: I love a good spring cleaning. It makes me feel revitalized, excited and hopeful. All things that most of us could use a bit more of these days. How does a spring cleaning do this? Well, I have always subscribed to the notion that if you want to attract a new anything into your life whether it be energy, a partner, a job, a home or a new style, you have to make room for it. And one of the simplest ways to do this is by getting rid of crap.
I realize that spring cleaning may be a bit easier for me than it is for most because I love organizing stuff. I mean, the Container Store is on par with Neiman Marcus for me. However, if you are someone who gets so overwhelmed by the idea of organizing that you curl into a useless ball or who just doesn’t have the time then hire a professional. There are a lot of good ones out there. They even have a national organization where you can search for members in your area.
Whether you choose to go it alone or hire help, here are a few of my tips for an awesome spring cleaning:
Love It or Toss It
Now, I’m not as crazy as Marie Kondo (whose last name has now become a verb), but I do think that there is something to be said for only keeping things that make you happy. As someone who’s struggled with her weight, I can not tell you how often I’ve held on to a piece of clothing because it will “look good when I lose those 10 pounds” when the reality is that I may never lose that weight and if I do, I am going to want sometime new to celebrate. Bottom line: If something doesn’t make you feel good now, toss it.
No Yacht Clothes
The other trick that my mind plays when I am trying to decide what to do with a piece that I haven’t worn in years, especially if it was expensive, is the “Well, it’s perfect if I am ever invited on a yacht cruise in the south of France in July”… Again, unless you’re someone who yachts frequently, the chances of this happening are slim to none. And if it does, you are going to want a new frock. I promise.
Donate. Sell. Give to a Friend.
Getting rid of crap can make many of us feel guilty. Maybe we spent a lot of money on something or it was a gift. First of all, guilt is a useless emotion. I say this as someone who has wasted way too much of her life feeling it. Second, you are not getting rid of stuff with your spring cleaning. You are recycling it by either donating it to an institution like Goodwill or Dress for Success (which provides interview and work clothes for women who can’t afford it), selling it on Ebay or ThredUp (which will buy your slightly used clothes outright) or giving it to a friend. Those jeans may not work for you, but they might look great on your friend Julia. Just think of spring cleaning is a gift that keeps on giving.
Check Labels
Spring cleaning is the perfect time to try on things that you don’t wear all the time like coats and evening wear and see if they need a clean. Just make sure to check the labels. Items such as your Chic Puffer Jacket may be machine washable, but others might need a visit to the dry cleaner. Now is the time to fix things, before you store them, like holes (moths do love a good winter coat), stains and tears. That way, next fall when you pull that Puffer out, it will look as good as new. The other labels to check are expiration dates on items such as sunscreen, condiments in your fridge, pantry items and anything that you might have stored for a rainy day and/or emergency.
Trays + Bowls = Easy Spring Cleaning
One of the easiest way to organize is to group like things together. Trays from places like the Container Store or Bed, Bath & Beyond (another favorite) are great for this. Here’s one of my favorites:
Sock boxes are the ideal storage tool for socks, underwear, and bras, but also makeup, bottles of vinegar and your baking supplies. But don’t feel as if you have to buy a lot of new stuff to organize. Pretty serving bowls ( you probably have one or two just sitting around gathering dust) are a nice way to store things like extra cotton balls and Q-tips, your prized collection of paper clips or your hair products. Give yourself free reign to get creative with your spring cleaning. Who knows… you might even have fun.
