Although I’m a firm believer that organizing and cleaning are two different things, I’m also a believer that cleaning helps any organizing project sparkle. In fact, one of the steps in the simplify 101 organizing process is to clean the space being organized. If you’re like me, though, cleaning isn’t the fun stuff. Bring me a binder or a bin and you’ve got yourself a deal. A broom and a dust pan? Now that’s another story.
If you find yourself with a whole lotta’ dust and whole *little* enthusiasm for cleaning (like an organizer you know) read on! We’ll get you motivated to clean, clean, clean in no time! Here’s how.
Focus on the results. Like with any good organizing project, if you’re having trouble getting started, focus on the end result. Think about how good it will feel when you’ve got that cleaning project under your belt. Really dwell on that sense of accomplishment. It works! And here’s how I know.
This past weekend, Jay and I embarked on a cleaning project we had put off for a really, really (really) long time: windows. We washed the windows inside and out, removed and cleaned the screens, and scrubbed the grime off the window sills. Fun? Not so much. Rewarding? Beyond words. I can’t even tell you how good it feels to see those windows sparkle!
It was this feeling of accomplishment (and yes, when you’re doing something you don’t love to do, getting it done is a huge accomplishment!) that got me started and kept me going through the hours and hours of scrubbing and wiping and cleaning. So, if you’re having trouble mustering up the motivation to do some deep cleaning, just think about how great it’s going to feel when you can check it off your list!
Decide where to start. Take a quick tour of your home and make a list of possible spring cleaning projects. Here are some ideas …
– Wash windows
– Wash screens
– Wash window-sills
– Clean light fixtures
– Wipe down cabinet fronts (and tops)
– Clean range top or burners on your stove
– Sweep or vacuum behind the refrigerator or washer and dryer
– Remove lint from dryer hose
– Sweep the basement or garage
– Shampoo carpets
– Check your smoke detector batteries
To create your list, simply walk around your home looking high and low for opportunities to create more sparkle. Then, pick one project that will have a big impact on your place and more importantly, your sense of well being.
Gather your supplies. Gather the tools and supplies you’ll need to tackle your cleaning project and corral them into a caddy or bucket. This will make it easy to move from room to room, if your project requires it.
Stay focused on the task at hand. As with any other project, staying focused on your spring cleaning project will help you get it checked off your list faster. And while this isn’t always easy to do … you’ll be glad you did. This weekend at our home there was laundry to be done and when I pulled out the power washer, I had a burning desire to spray off my car (a cleaning task I actually think is fun!) But, it was important to stay focused on windows, and see the task through to completion which meant every screen back on every window and cleaning supplies put away. For your cleaning tasks, define what done is … and then, focus, focus, focus until you’ve reached done!
Enjoy the results. When you’re finished, sit back and relish the results of your labor. It feels good to create positive change in your environment. Doesn’t it? Drink it in. And enjoy the results.
With many projects, getting started can be the hardest part! But … by focusing on the end results and then really drinking in your success, you will fuel your enthusiasm to take on the next spring cleaning project on your list … next weekend!
TIP OF THE MONTH
What’s lurking on the tops of your kitchen cabinets? If it’s like my kitchen, it’s not just your run-of-the-mill-everyday-dust. It’s that dust that’s been infused with a bit of kitchen grease. Let’s talk about yuck! Once you get that mess cleaned up … you’ll never want to do it again. And, with this tip (courtesy of my father-in-law Gerry,) you won’t have to. Once your cabinet tops are clean, line them with paper such as newspaper or paper bags. Simply cut or fold the paper to the size of your cabinet tops, and walk away. In a few months, instead of the scrubbing and cleaning you just went through … simply change your paper! Voila! A clean cabinet top in no time! (I know … you just want to hug Gerry, don’t you?)
Aby Garvey is a professional organizer and the owner of simplify 101, inc. Her mission is to help you create time and space for what matters most in your home and life. Aby is the author of the e-book “the happy scrapper – simple solutions to get organized and get scrapping!” She publishes a monthly organizing and time management email newsletter available by visiting her web site at simplify101.