Get A Head Start On Your Spring Cleaning

Not Sponsored: The first day of Spring isn't until March 20th, 2023, but that doesn't mean you can't get a head start on your cleaning and organizing projects. I usually wait a couple of months into the New Year to do so, but I decided to get a head start this year. If you cleaned your home for New Years, Lunar New Year or Vietnamese New Year, you're probably saying everything is good! While it's all good (and before everything needs cleaning again), why not start those other home projects!?! Let me share some projects with you, that I've been working on.

Photo by cottonbro studio from Pexels

Closet Clean-Out

It took me YEARS to pare down and organize my closet. However, for the last two years I've experienced a shift (transition) in my wardrobe. What kind of shift? What kind of transition? An age shift! An age transition! What I liked 10 and 20 years ago, no longer appeals to me. As you reach new birthday milestones (30s, 40s, 50s etc), your likes will change. For example, I no longer particularly care for really short dresses (on me) anymore. I held onto a few in my wardrobe, but after trying them on a couple of days ago, I decided to let them go. They have now been placed in my SELL pile. I had a collection of Bermuda shorts, that I was unsure about selling last year. I no longer like that style of short on me and prefer my jean-style (white, olive green etc) & linen shorts on my body frame. It took me longer to clean my closet this year, because I literally tried on EVERYTHING! But I'm glad I did, because a lot had changed with me. I fit the clothes, but I didn't feel the same about the clothes. My love for them had changed. If an outfit or accessory doesn't put a smile on your face, let it go. DONATE IT! SELL IT! THROW IT AWAY (last resort)! I only threw away 2 articles of clothing, so that was good. The rest I'm selling: 11 dresses, 5 tops , 3 shorts, 3 pants, 1 outfit, 2 purses and 3 pairs of shoes. This is also a great time to sell your clothes, because people will be looking for Spring and Summer items really soon. This gives you several months to sell your items and get a head start on everyone else.

Take Inventory

My Spring Cleaning always begins with my closet. I'm so glad I started earlier this year, because it really gave me a snapshot of things I need. After going through my closet, I need to invest in new foundations. Not just bras and panties, but some shapewear. I really need to buy some bodysuits. Cleaning out my closet also revealed I need more nightgowns and pajamas. I need to invest in a collarless black leather jacket (maybe I might catch one on sale during these Winter sales). I also need another black turtleneck and long sleeve black top. I usually pair my outfits together (on one hanger), that way I don't have to guess whether that skirt or pair of pants go with that top. When I pull the hanger, there's the complete outfit.

Hobby Room

Do you have a hobby room? Mine is my makeup room.  Is it organized? Have you cleaned it? Mine is pretty organized, but a lot needed to be thrown away. For example, I had an entire shelf filled with nail polishes. I got rid of over half. Honestly, I've gone through another shift. I only paint my toenails nowadays. Some nail polish had separated and some colors I was no longer interested in. This is the room I'm currently working in. I have a lot of cute treasures in that room, so it also requires a lot of dusting. With hobby rooms, take them one section at a time. Don't try and clean them all in one day, unless you truly feel up to it. Pace yourself. Try to do one to three things a day. You will feel much better. Also take inventory of things you may need for your hobby! Mine is makeup. Do I need more foundation, certain color lipsticks, cleansers etc. Sephora usually has a sale in April. Now is the time to make a list and prepare for future sales.

Important Papers and Pictures

Last year, my biggest projects were going through important papers and family photos. No matter where you are in the world, we're all faced with SOMETHING. It can be winter storms, hurricanes, tornadoes, forest fires, etc. Is all of your important paperwork together? I finally have all of my paperwork in one case (birth certificates, social security cards, resumes, transcripts, diplomas, death certificates etc). So if I have to grab and go, everything is in one container. It's also a great idea to make a digital copy of these papers. As far as family pictures, I have gotten rid of keeping them in albums. Family members that have passed, I keep my favorite photos of them in a bag that seals along with their other paperwork. I am currently trying to pare down all of my photos. I've thrown away (sorry my high school friends) other's high school dance photos (remember when you use to exchange photos with your classmates) and ex-boyfriends HaHaHa. So really take a look at your paperwork and picture inventory and pare it down. 

Bed And Bath

No, I didn't say Bed And Breakfast! Although that would be NICE! There are a lot of white sales currently happening and will probably go on into February. Take a quick inventory of your sheets, comforters, pillows and blankets. Do you need new ones? Now is the time to take advantage of those deals. As far as it relates to bath (towels, soaps, cleaners and cleansers), this is an excellent time to stock up on those products. 

Kitchen

I was looking at my pots and pans the other day. It's been several years since I've purchased a nice set. Mine are looking worn. I'm not ready to buy a set now, but I will by the end of the year. I need to invest in a better quality set of pots and pans. So I'm going to take the beginning of this year to research brands and see what would work well for me. My appliances are really good.

So, I thought by sharing some of the things I'm doing and what's on my mind would also help you. I know reading other's blog posts helps me. Sometimes we don't think about things. When other's bring something up, a little light goes off and it gives us inspiration. Hope this helps you. God Bless.