Spring Renewal
We finally made it - spring is here!
While it’s certainly too soon to shout from the rooftops that COVID is over, there is definitely a more positive vibe in the air about the future. The change in weather, an extra hour of daylight, and increasing vaccination numbers are very concrete indicators of improvement. People are starting to feel more comfortable and safe seeing their vaccinated friends and family again - and more businesses and venues are beginning to reopen or increase capacity. The shift is palpable, although, we must still be vigilant about maintaining proper preventative measures and ensuring protection of our vulnerable populations.
For many, spring brings a refreshing sense of change. It is a time where people like to open their windows, vacuum out their cars, and donate old clothes. This year, it feels even more special - and it should! We have been through a hell of a year and it’s time to truly embrace the spirit of springtime. Refresh, renew, and rejuvenate!
Here are some organizational and cleaning tips to dust off your year of COVID and embrace the vernal equinox!
Organize your entryways - invest in a good bin or storage system in your entryway so everything has a place. A nicely organized entryway will be a pleasing vision to start and end your day with a positive vibe. Suggestions: key rack, mask bin, shoe stand, coat hooks, mirror, or a cabinet to hide all of the stuff.
If you have little ones, keep a “parent bin” in your trunk. Stock it with diapers, wipes, a change of clothes, a potty, books, non perishable snacks, water, toys, blankets, paper towels, trash bags, etc. You will still have your diaper bag to grab on your way out the door, but having backups in your car already will reduce a significant amount of stress.
Use a shared online calendar with your partner and others who need it. You can invite people to events or set it up so that it syncs automatically. Then nobody can say they didn’t know about that appointment!
Use a written monthly calendar in your home and place it in a prominent place. Copy the events from your online calendar. This may feel redundant - but the bonus is that there are multiple places to search and record info and this helps with commitment and memory.
Make your bed every day - a recent research study showed that 74% of people who make their beds report feeling “accomplished” at the end of the day compared to 50% of people who did not make their beds.
Go through your clothes, kitchen gadgets, kids toys and games, box of random cords and wires (we all have them), etc and donate or throw out items you haven’t used in over a year. You’re guaranteed to feel good about donating to charity as well as benefiting from the freed up space. Less is more!
Spruce up your yard. It’s amazing what a quick rake or a few new plants can do for your outside aesthetic! Plus when you arrive home every day, your first view will be a pleasant one:)
Go through your spices, pantry, and medicine cabinet. Get rid of all the expired items. More space, less stuff you can’t use anymore!
If you’re feeling extra ambitious about cleaning, it’s a great time to wash walls, clean windows, scrub floors, wash curtains and blinds, etc. Pick a nice day, open the windows, crank some good tunes, and have at it!
If you have some extra funds and want to invest in visible improvements, the following ideas can help to increase feelings of cleanliness and organization
New kitchen towels
New bath towels
New shower liner
New tupperware
New entryway mat
New organizing bins
New makeup brushes
New toothbrushes
New socks & underwear