The sun is shining, the trees are getting greener, and let’s be honest, it’s already been hot enough in California to sit by the pool. Usually the transition from winter to spring is a lot more drastic coming from Chicago, but I’m ok with this smooth, less drastic transition. Wherever you may be, the beginning of spring can only mean one thing. Spring cleaning!
I will be the first to admit that I am not a fan of cleaning. Organizing, making lists, grocery shopping, now THOSE I will unashamedly admit that I actually enjoy. Cleaning? Not so much. Especially when it requires taking a couple hours out of the weekend. Mo and I prefer to spend our weekends grilling out, seeing friends, taking day trips, and volunteering at/attending church. OH AND RELAXING. We do that sometimes too.
My solution was to organize and make a list since I love both of those things, so I’m tricking myself into cleaning. Sneaky? Yes. Effective? YES. I started breaking down the chores into daily tasks so instead of spending two hours on the weekend, I spend 15-20 minutes/day. And then I made it into a check list because checking things off a list just feels so. dang. good.
I keep this posted on our fridge and check away. Download my Cleaning Schedule template and modify the tasks to what best suits you. For example, my Monday task of cleaning the mirrors takes me only a few minutes minutes, which is about all I have between work and online client check-ins before Mo gets home. Be strategic about what you do and when.
Just as it’s important to declutter and clean out your home, it’s also important to declutter and clean up your life… from relationships, to tech, to habits.
- “If it’s not a hell yes, it’s a no.” If you find yourself committing to everything and everyone because you have a hard time saying no, take a look at the commitments you truly enjoy and take a break from the ones you don’t. It’s ok to say no!
- Break up with any relationships that are holding you back or aren’t uplifting and encouraging/leave you feeling worse about yourself. This can be either personal relationships or on social media. Unfollow any accounts that aren’t fueling your fire and inspiring you to be a better person… in a healthy way.
- Reconnect to friendships that do fulfill you and make you genuinely happy! Plan a girl’s night out or wine tasting, a weekend getaway with your partner, make that phone call to check-in with a friend or family etc.
- Reevaluate your personal expectations. Are you trying to fit too much into your day? Be realistic with yourself and your daily expectations. Stop going to the workout class you hate and replace it with a workout you enjoy. Limit the amount of TV you’re watching to get at least 7 hours of sleep.
- Sort through your computer files and emails. Unsubscribe from the emails you don’t even open. Who has time for 100 new emails every morning? Spring clean that inbox!
- Clean out your closet. The perfect time to do this is when you’re unpacking your spring clothes and packing up your winter clothes. Haven’t worn it in a year? Donate it!
What areas of your life need a spring cleaning??
Eat, Lift & Be Married 
What a fantastic idea! I usually end up spending at least one Saturday or Sunday a month cleaning the WHOLE house – & while it feels good to have it all done, I’m usually exhausted & feel like I spent my whole day off cleaning. That’s genius to break it up a little at a time. I printed the schedule & put it on my fridge so we’ll see how it goes!! Thanks Paula!
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It was a game changer for me too! I hated having to spend my weekends cleaning the bathroom!! Let me know how it goes this month!
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