As the warmer weather begins to make its return, many people look to this season as a prime opportunity to embrace change and start fresh. It’s the season of renewal, which means it’s the perfect chance to refresh your home. In other words: enter “spring cleaning.”
According to a study done by the American Cleaning Institute, 70% of survey respondents believe that having a clean home provides multiple benefits: it gives them a sense of accomplishment, it boosts their mood, it makes them feel more productive and it decreases stress and anxiety.
Whether it’s decluttering your space or reorganizing furniture, there is an inspired sense of energy and a resurgence of many possibilities. Use this opportunity to create a more balanced and harmonious environment that supports your well-being and sets the tone for the months ahead. This article will offer you a guideline for a successful—non-stressful—spring cleaning, as well as an insight into thoughtful consumption.
Spring Cleaning Made Simple
Spring cleaning can sometimes feel like a monster of a task. When you start to notice the dust on the baseboards, the crumbs beneath the couch or the sheer amount of Tupperware containers that somehow keep appearing in the kitchen cabinet … it can become overwhelming and you may want to throw in the towel before you even begin. But when you break it down into manageable steps with a room-by-room strategy, spring cleaning can be a breeze.
Focus on decluttering first, and discard items you no longer need. Start with your closet to see what clothes. you no longer wear. Put them in a pile to donate to a local thrift store, such as Goodwill or Plato’s Closet. Then, move on to your living spaces to see if there are any decorations or items lying around that need a “home.” Moving on to the kitchen, survey each cabinet or cupboard. Make sure each container has a lid and all utensils are in good condition. Afterward, sort through the pantry and refrigerator and get rid of any food items that are stale or expired. Finally, tackle the garage, attic or basement for any items that have been moved into these spaces as temporary storage.
After your home is decluttered, you can focus on deep cleaning surfaces and floors. Start with a thorough vacuuming in all rooms, moving furniture to ensure you don’t miss anything. For some rooms, this will be sufficient(such as rooms that are fully carpeted). On hard floors that get a lot of traffic, you may want to break out the mop to get those hard-to-clean smudges from dirty shoes or food spills. Bathrooms should especially be on the list to scrub the floor, shower, toilet, sink, counter and mirror. Finish up by dusting surfaces in each space, such as tables, shelves, windowsills, blinds, baseboards and ceiling fan blades.
Thoughtful Consumption
Thoughtful consumption is all about making choices that are mindful of their impact on the planet, other people and your own lifestyle. When it comes to creating a sustainable home, focus on choosing eco-friendly options for clothes, furniture and decor. Look for items made from natural, non-toxic and sustainably sourced materials. Not only are these better for the environment, but they also create a healthier living space for you and your family.
When shopping for clothes, opt for fabrics like organic cotton, linen or recycled materials, and avoid synthetic fabrics that shed microplastics. When selecting furniture, prioritize pieces made with responsibly sourced wood or recycled materials, and seek out non-toxic finishes. For decor, consider using second-hand or up cycled items to give your home character while reducing waste. Small changes, such as investing in quality, long-lasting pieces instead of trendy, disposable items, can make a big impact. By choosing thoughtfully, you can create a beautiful, sustainable home that reflects your values.
One of the best ways to practice thoughtful consumption is by shopping locally as opposed to big box stores, as well as trying out thrifting. Thrift stores offer a wide selection of clothing for kids, men and women, often at a discounted price. By shopping for secondhand items, you are aiding in reducing waste. And, who knows? Someone else’s favorite pair of jeans might just be your next pair of denim cut-offs. Donating your own used items to thrift stores also helps keep them out of landfills and gives them a second life with someone else. Columbia is home to several thrift and secondhand stores, including Goodwill, Plato’s Closet, City Boutique, TheWardrobe, Love Columbia, Habitat for Humanity, The Love Seat and more.
Taking Small, Intentional Steps
Whether you’re starting simple by cleaning one room in your house and donating some clothes or taking a larger leap by deep cleaning your entire home and shifting toward thrifting and upcycling, these are all great ways to spring into action and maintain a cleaner home—and thus, a cleaner lifestyle.
