4 Not-So-Terrible Ways to Jumpstart Spring Cleaning
It's almost time for spring cleaning - what are some of the best tips and tricks for getting a jumpstart on this must-do home maintenance activity?

A timely post, as we are spring cleaning this week. Cleaning is not a favorite pastime of ours, so we needed some motivation to get moving. Fortunately, we've been reading up on FengShui and how clutter disrupts the energy flow. Here are our four not-so-terrible ways to jumpstart spring cleaning.
1. Commit to a garage sale or donation event - This drastic measure works for us because once we commit, we're accountable and have a deadline. Working around a theme, say clothes or household items used to raise money, is helpful as well. Producing particular bits requires cleaning only one section of the house, but it does engage cleaning mode.
2. Phone a friend for moral support - For whatever reason, spring cleaning isn't as horrendous for when friends are around to talk to while we tackle stacks. The distraction of chatting while sorting might be part of it. Whatever it is, having moral support helps. Catch up on your friend's comings and goings and by the end of her beach vacation nightmare story, you have a clean pantry/closet/bookshelf/carpet. It's like magic.
3. Get inspired with upcycling - Upcycling is one of our favorite home trends just because of the sheer innovation that accompanies this recycling niche. Look around, see what you don't use, and get on the upcycle bandwagon. You'll save money, time, and the landfills by reconstituting a household item that has fallen by the wayside.
If upcycling is not your thing, sell stuff on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. Take nice photos of the item you are selling and price it a few dollars under the average for similar items. You'll sell things quickly and the best part, the buyers will come pick it up from you - one less thing to worry about taking to Goodwill or the dump.
4. Extend your New Year's Resolutions to your home - 'Tis the season for quitting this, losing that, and all-around improvement. Even though we are almost into the second quarter of 2022, re-visit your new year's resolutions. You were in the mindset of trimming, cutting, removing, things from your life. Apply this to your spring cleaning. Take this opportunity to look around and see what you can eliminate from your surroundings.
True story: Britt and her husband have been remodeling their home over the last couple years. As if that weren't enough, they decided to have another baby smack in the middle of the renovation. (don't recommend BTW). During this time, the garage became the "catch-all" for extra construction materials and random things they (Britt) would shove in there before guests would visit.
Once the remodel was done, the disaster state of the garage was anxiety inducing. For the better part of a year Britt and her husband would complain and stress about not being able to find things or park the cars in the garage. Finally, they bit the bullet and spent a month worth of weekends organizing, purging, donating, etc. Once the garage was back to functioning the way it was intended, both of them, especially Jordan, experienced a mental relief they weren't expecting.
The moral of the story is, when our surroundings are cluttered, often times, so are our minds. Although spring cleaning is not the most exciting activity, it will do more for you and your life than just having a clean home.









