Spring Cleaning, baby: “out with the old and in with the new”. Although I’d be perfectly happy if we stop at the “out with the old” part.
One of my goals in life (well at least over the last 21 years of being married) has been trying to convince my wife to throw things out. This is by no means easy. Because if you put any credence into the belief that, “We may need this some day” then you’ll never get rid of ANYTHING. So I look forward to the whole “Spring Cleaning” concept because it just lends itself to getting rid of stuff that normally might stay hidden in the garage, the closet or under the sink.
I’m not sure where the whole “Spring Cleaning” concept came from. I can see though that in most households you need to rotate your clothes — you know: pack up the heavy winter clothing and break out the lighter summer clothing. And while you’re at it you might as well CLEAN THE ENTIRE HOUSE. And that includes painting and planting and everything else in between.
Sometimes late at night, when I’m staring at the blank ceiling above me. What I’m REALLY wondering is if Spring Cleaning isn’t naturally part of a woman’s DNA. Because my wife…and her mother before her… and her mother before HER…in addition to my mother and no doubt ALL mothers – they all know about Spring Cleaning. Maybe they call it different things but somewhere between late April and early June my wife starts getting a real bad itch to refurbish the entire house. And you know what? I’ll oblige her because at the same time I can throw stuff out.
And most guys will tell you: throwing stuff out is really fun
The site Lifetoolsforwomen.com has a pretty user-friendly list for organizing your Spring Cleaning initiative:
1) A different Task for Each and Every Day:.
Make yourself a schedule that is comprised of one hour and one task each day. For example on Monday’s you get rid of clutter. On Tuesdays you Dust. On Wednesdays you vacuum. Yo get the idea. If you and your spouse team up you can cluster tasks or tackle tasks one room at a time.
2) The Right Tools for the Right Job:
Use tools that help you get the job done as quickly as possible. For example use a dusting cloth that allows you to dust quickly and easily, without any additional sprays. Just dust and be done with it. Rubber gloves will help you deep clean without drying out your hands, exposing them to harsh chemicals, or burning them in hot water. Racks can hold mops, brooms and other cleaning supplies in one organized place, rather then storing them loose and having them constantly tip over.
3) Be ruthless when it comes to clutter:
This is what I live for. Sometimes it’s not easy. Often I need to sneak stuff out of the house when its late at night and my wife is sleping. Sometimes I’ve been known to disguise garbage in order to make it out the door. But one thing is certain: if you don’t love it, and/or don’t use it, then get rid of it! At least once a year. Spring cleaning is the perfect time to embrace the art of uncluttered living. Your life wil be more harmonious and happy. At least MINE is.
4) Spring Cleaning CAN be Fun:
My wife writes all the chores on small pieces of paper and puts them in a hat. We draw for the days tasks. Mine always say “Paint the house” but still this game kind of takes the boredom out of the drudgery of cleaning. Other tips: Play some lively, fun, upbeat music. Dance your way through your home or office with your dust rag or vacuum. Set timers and play ‘beat the clock.’ Give yourself time limits for completing small tasks, and try to complete those tasks before the timer goes off.
Meanwhile, NSF International (www.nsf.org) — a not-for-profit organization that educates consumers on everything from food to water safety — offers up a whole bunch of suggestions that will help get your home clutter-free and ready for warmer weather:
Start in the Kitchen: Check the cupboards, fridge and freezer for expired foods. Discard anything that is past it’s expiration date
Segue to the Bathroom: Get rid of old or expired medicines. Check for leaks in the toilet.
Attack the Basement or Garage: Check and dispose of old paints, lawn care products and chemicals (don’t dump this stuff though, contact your city planner for tips on proper disposal)
And while you’re at it, outfit an “Emergency Kit.” it’s always a good idea to have emergency water on hand as well as canned goods and a flashlight with fresh batteries. Extra clothes are essential. Experts say you should have enough water and food to last two to three days. Depending on where you life, this could be a life saver.
Spring Cleaning. We both come out a winner: my wife gets a clean house inside and out. And I get to throw stuff away.
Man, life doesn’t get much better than that.
