5 Ways to Make Spring Cleaning Fun!

It’s springtime, and the sun is shining, the nice crisp breeze is coming through your windows as soon as you open them.

I love the spring! It shifts my mood and gives me faith that brighter days are ahead. It was a freezing winter, and being quarantined and homeschooling my kids while working remotely did not help my mood much. There were days I felt trapped inside, so sometimes I would have my kids play in the snow. Now that Spring is here, I can’t help but think of all the clothing and items I need to get rid of and stuff I need to buy. Well, I am here to tell you how to make changing your wardrobe and cleaning fun!

Open the shades and put the music on

Music is how my mom would wake me every Saturday morning to clean the house. The salsa music was my cue to get out of bed and start cleaning. I dreaded hearing her open the door to my room and say “get up.” Here is why music helps, it motivates you to do your task. That’s why you may put it on before you work out or going for a run because it pumps you up. Your choice of music should align with what you're about to do. Make sure it gets you going. I even sing and dance around while doing my tasks because it makes me concentrate and focus.

When you require an emotional boost, listen to music. Studies show that music releases dopamine in the brain and neurotransmitters that lead to increased feelings of happiness, excitement, and joy.

Throw all of your clothes on the floor

Yes… take all of your fall and winter clothes and pile them up in one section and pile the spring and summer in another section of your room. Have a mountain of clothes out. Take the clothes that are hung and throw them on your bed and the clothes in your jurors pile them by season on the floor. Once done, start sorting through them and look at what you want and don’t want. I almost forgot how to do this. I got overwhelmed staring at all the dingy clothes I need to get rid of that a part of me wanted to just not look through them.

Take the clothes you want to donate and toss them to one section and the ones you want to sell to another section. I know people like using Poshmark or Letgo to sell clothing, but due to time and wanting to get the clothing out of my home to have more space, I enjoy doing consignment at a local thrift store. They give you 60% of the money when your clothing sells. I had so much of it, so that’s why I went that route. Google consignment shops near me and something should pop up. If you have space and time, sell them on Poshmark. I hear great feedback about selling on there as well.

When putting back the clothes you want to keep, divide them by color and style. For example, I put my workout clothes in one section of my juror and my shirts and top in another. I enjoy putting my darker clothing in one section and my lighter in another. I do this in my closet as well. The reason I do this is that it helps me to keep track of what I want to wear for what occasion. The darker clothing is for when I go out in the evening and the lighter is for during the day. Make sure that you do these tasks the same way with your shoes as well. I have shoes that I have had for like five years that it’s time to let go. Let those favorite pants and shoes go! I know it’s difficult, but if you have had them for over 5 years and they are in poor condition, it’s time to move on.

I understand that things have sentimental value for you. They remind you of certain experiences. I still have the first baby shoes that were given to me as a newborn. That is all great to keep as treasures… just make sure you’re not piling up too many unnecessary things because then you won’t have room to let in new clothing or products of value.

Cleaning & Organizing

Make sure your clothes are all washed before sorting through them. I tackled my kid’s clothing first before sorting mine. I could do consignment for my daughter’s baby clothing. I had some great outfits that I refused to donate. After I got rid of what does not fit her, I went shopping for her spring and summer wardrobe. My son’s clothing was more difficult because he has grown up so much. He is 10 years old now, so I had to toss anything that was a size 8–10 in a bag. He is now a size 12 in clothing because of his long legs.

Turn that music on again and get going. I start by wiping down the tables and sweeping, then mopping the house. I take all the towels and bedsheets in the house and toss them in the washer. I vacuum the area rugs. Two main places my grandma taught me to always keep clean are the kitchen and the bathrooms. I clean both 1–2x a week. The reason I do this is that these spaces of the house get used the most.

Have fun with it… change the color schemes around by changing the sofa pillows. Add some flowers into the mix. Plant outside or buy some flowers to set up inside. Whatever you chose, have fun with it. Listen to music on your Air-Pods and make a day out of it.

Organize your home the way you organize your office space when there are too many papers piled up and dust. The same way you throw away unneeded papers and wipe your desk is the same way you should clean out your jurors and makeup, purses, and home. My mom used to be the queen of throwing things away, to the point I would say “wait mom no, that’s too valuable!” When you clear out your space, you clear out your mind. You are letting in room for new beginnings and space to enter your life.

Out with the old and in with the new >>>

Pick a date and time

When it comes to cleaning, I am one spontaneous person. I have two kids and I work from home, so I pick up after them throughout the day. I also give them tasks. Kids like to feel included in the mix of cleaning, it gives them a sense of purpose, and it’s so helpful. I have my son wash dishes sometimes and my daughter put them in the sink or dishwasher.

Light a candle when the house is clean. Lighting a few well-placed candles in your home can add effect and create a cozy and intimate atmosphere. Adding a candle here-and-there will create softness in your room and instantly make it feel warm and welcoming. I even keep a candle in my bathroom to make me feel like I’m in a spa.

Don’t do this all in one day

Spring cleaning should be within a 2 -3 day time period. If you try to fit everything in one day, it can be overwhelming. Sorting out clothes alone can take two days, so pace yourself. Even if you need to do this alone or with someone, plan.

Take in the accomplishment… You did it! Your home is clean and you’re ready for springtime. There’s no better feeling than being in a clean smelling home. I shook up the lavender scents and turn on the T.V. and relax afterward. It is a rewarding feeling to have everything clean and organized.