Spring is the perfect time to hit the refresh button on your life. It’s a time of renewal and reset, which means it’s the ideal time to get organized and give your home a deep clean. Throw open those windows and let that fresh air in!
In this blog, Boardman Training Center (BTC) explores five top tips for getting and staying organized this Spring and throughout the year.
Tip 1: Room-by-Room Cleaning
One effective strategy you can use is to clean room-by-room. Instead of getting overwhelmed by thinking about how the entire home needs to be cleaned and the endless chores that need to be done to achieve that, start cleaning room by room. For example, start with the kitchen. When starting this process, choose a small area to begin with, like the pantry. Organize, tidy, and clean the area thoroughly before moving on to the next one.
Continue through the rest of the kitchen in this manner before proceeding to the next room. Cleaning small areas one at a time, rather than tackling different areas of the kitchen all at once, can make the task feel less daunting. It will also make it feel like progress is being made and keep your motivation up to keep going.
Tip 2: Make a List
If you’re still feeling overwhelmed by how much there is to do, compile a list of all the tasks you want to accomplish. Crossing things off as you go can make it seem like a more significant accomplishment. Additionally, having a list also helps you keep track of what you’ve done and what still needs to be completed. Take a walk around your home and identify the problem areas you’d like to tackle.
Try to keep the list more specific. For example, instead of having ‘clean the bathroom’ on your list, break it down into all the little tasks that accomplish that primary goal. The list would include instructions such as “scrub the shower,” “clean the toilet,” and “wash towels,” etc. These individual tasks make it more manageable to work towards the big goal if you don’t have time to tackle all of those things at once.
If creating the list seems too time-consuming, there are plenty of house cleaning checklists available for download online. However, these won’t be as specific to your home as you would create, but they are a great time-saving option.
Tip 3: Use the KonMari Method®
The KonMari Method® was developed by Marie Kondo and focuses on one’s lifestyle. Before starting the decluttering process, take a moment to define your goals and what you hope to achieve by decluttering your home. Your home should support the lifestyle you want to live. Consider what you love most about your home and how to showcase it more effectively. Contemplate how you’d like your home to look and feel. Determine how you best like to spend your free time. Do the things you own support those hobbies or get in the way?
Another critical aspect of Marie Kondo’s organizing method is to change your thought process around decluttering. Typically, when we think of decluttering, we think, ‘What can I get rid of?’ Instead, try switching this mindset around and ask yourself, ‘Does this item ‘spark joy’ for me?’ Specifically, seek out the possessions in your home that you love. This will help you weed out the items that no longer serve you and are ready to go to a new home to be loved again.
Tip 4: Snowball Method
Still having trouble figuring out what to keep and what to toss? Attempt the snowball method. This method works by identifying one item that you want to discard and then finding similar items to it to dispose of as well.
For example, if you’re looking to declutter your closet, there’s a shirt that you’re ready to part with. Examine the shirt. Figure out why you don’t like it. Maybe the color doesn’t suit you, or it’s not the right size, or the fabric isn’t very comfortable. Once you have identified the undesirable traits, look for other clothing pieces that share those traits. These other items with those identified bad traits are now easily able to be removed without overthinking, because you know why you don’t like it and won’t wear it.
This method can be beneficial in creating motivational momentum and keeping the cleaning process moving quickly. It also allows you to be more adaptable with your time. Whether you have 5 minutes or 5 hours, progress can be made.
Tip 5: Keep Up with It
Often, the most challenging thing isn’t completing the spring cleaning, but maintaining it afterwards. Life is messy, and that can become overwhelming. The key is to create a manageable schedule that works for your lifestyle.
There are many routines you can try. Try designating a different chore for each day of the week, or dedicating one day a week for a deep clean. When done regularly, it’s not nearly as much of an overhaul. Regularity is essential. Don’t waste all your hard work from spring cleaning. Figure out what works best for you!
Set Yourself Up for Success with BTC
Make the most of your spring by starting that new career you’ve always wanted. Get a fresh start and join Boardman Training Center’s community. BTC offers healthcare training courses in EKG, phlebotomy, medical assisting, and medical billing and coding. BTC students are prepared to take their industry-specific certification* exams and be career-ready upon completing their 12-week class.
Get in the Spring spirit and start your future today by requesting information!
*Certification is contingent upon passing the corresponding industry certification exam.
Certifying entities are independent and not affiliated with or connected to Boardman Training Center in any manner.