Spring Cleaning: Week One

Week one: De-Clutter & Buy Supplies
Use this week to go through your closets and demon drawers and purge! You should also head out and buy your cleaning supplies.

Last week I started on my clothing. I was amazed at how great it felt to go though and toss things that I no longer need. It’s a great way to begin the cleaning process. Start in your clothing closet and then work your way through the other closets and demon drawers in your house. Take on one space per day. It’s nowhere near as overwhelming that way.

You could also arrange a fun girlie night with this. Invite over a good friend or two, pour some wine and have them help you go through your closet. It’s great to have an objective pair of eyes for this exercise so don’t invite that amazing friend that thinks you look great in everything. Play with her another day. Try on the things you are second-guessing and get their opinion.
Because I have such limited closet space I’m a big fan of packing away seasonal items I no longer need. Sweaters, scarves, gloves, etc all get packed away. I open it back up when the weather gets cooler and it’s like a treasure trove of things I forgot I had!

When you’re going through your clothing and shoes you’ll want to make several piles:

Donate
These are pieces you just will no longer use for whatever reason. They should be in good shape though. It’s a good practice to only donate clean clothes in good repair. Pack this stuff up and donate it to your favorite charity shop or sell it on ebay. I’m hoping this will be your biggest pile

Repair
These are pieces that you would wear “if.” You know, IF the missing button was sewn back on, IF the zipper were fixed, IF it were a different color. Be careful here. IF you really would wear them then go ahead and put them in this pile. IF you really will make the necessary repairs put them here. If you aren’t sure, don’t keep them. The idea is to purge.

Throw away or Repurpose
These are items that are either so old or in disrepair that you can’t donate them. A great shirt with a huge rip might not be wearable but maybe you could use that fabric to create something else. Think creatively. Although we’re trying to purge we don’t want to be wasteful. Besides, making things is fun.

Keep
These are the ones you love and can’t wait to wear. Hang these babies back up on their hangers. They should have more room now.

Now, apply these principles to other closets and drawers in your house. Be very honest with yourself. Do you REALLY need those orphaned pen lids? Will you ever really find their mates? If in doubt, throw it out. Once you’ve discarded all of the unnecessary items in your life it will make it a lot easier to organize the things you need in your life.

As for cleaning supplies, I'm about to test out the new Green Works line from Clorox. Have any of you tried them yet? I'll be sure to post a review and make sure cleaning shopping list in the coming days. I think you have enough to keep you busy until then. *wink*