Thirty-seven percent of Americans agree that spring cleaning improves mental health - which means that old phrase, "mess causes stress" has some merit to it. We all know that cleaning isn't fun, but there are some real benefits of having a tidy home, from less fatigue and stress to reduced allergy symptoms.
You don't need to binge watch Netflix's Tidying Up with Marie Kondo to get started on your spring cleaning. Take a look below for some quick tips, whether you want to tackle your car, your room, your home or your apartment.
1. Make a list.
What do you want to accomplish? Start by creating a list and check things off as you go. Why is this so powerful? This article from Time Management Ninja reveals that the act of crossing something off your list helps with motivation.
Quick Tip: Don't know where to start? Find a generic list on Pinterest like this one and then edit it to best fit your cleaning goals.
2. Start decluttering first, then work on the tiny details.
Before you start washing your windows or wiping off the ceiling fans, start with the big stuff. Can you get rid of the clothes you no longer wear? What about that collection of DVDs collecting dust? Whether you choose to get rid of the items that no longer spark joy as advised by Marie Kondo or you have a different method, it's important to work on decluttering first before you get to the small stuff.
3. Make a commitment.
We get it. Spring cleaning is a huge task and it can be intimidating. It may take you days or even weeks, depending on your goals. So make a commitment - go all in! Trust us, you'll feel so much better and more accomplished by the time you're done.
Quick Tip: You don't need to spend every second of your free time cleaning. Remember not to put pressure on yourself and to work at your own pace - it isn't a race. What's important is that you stay committed.
4. Think green.
As you declutter, consider donating your old clothes and other items to a thrift store or sell them at an old fashioned or online garage sale. Don't think your old items will sell? Almost anything can be recycled, from the traditional plastic, paper and glass to even clothes and old electronics.
Quick Tip: If you can, invest in green cleaning supplies or make your own with natural ingredients. They not only help the environment, but they may also contribute to detoxifying your home.
5. Promise yourself that you won't let any future messes get out of hand.
After all the hard work you put into your spring cleaning, it would be a shame for it to go to waste. Vow to work on your cleaning habits throughout the year so that when next spring comes around, you won't have as much tidying to do. You got this!
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