I’m currently in the mode of spring cleaning. It’s been raining a lot lately here in Ohio, so as much as I would love to be working outside, I’m making the best of the rain and getting some needed deep cleaning done indoors.
Spring cleaning is, as I’m sure you know, deep cleaning your house for a fresh start to the new year. It feels really good to reset with everything organized and clean.
I’m not an expert in this by any means, but I wanted to share a few tips that I’ve found to be effective for every room in my home.
Spring Cleaning – Kitchen, laundry + bathrooms
You’re going to see a pattern with the way I organize. Here goes:
Take everything out of every drawer, cabinet, pantry, and off the counters.
Wipe everything down with my all-purpose cleaner and only put back what you use every day.
Look at what’s left and ask yourself: “When was the last time I used this?” If you used it recently, keep it. If you can’t remember the last time you used it, put it into a box, having a box or two per room.
After you have a box full and everything you’re keeping is put away, put the boxes into a separate room or the garage for a couple of weeks. More on this below.
Bedroom
Why are clothes so hard to sort through? I get sentimental over clothes for some odd reason. There are articles of clothing that I haven’t worn in years, but I still have them because I feel like I will wear them one day. I’m not alone on this right?
The only solution I’ve found that works? You guessed it! Take everything out of the dresser and closet. Only put back what you wear most often.
The rest goes into a box. The box or boxes go into a separate room or the garage.
Sometimes I find clothes I’ve been looking for but didn’t realize I still had. In this case, I’ll put them in a small box and keep them in my room. If I don’t wear it within a week or two, the box goes out with the rest.
Use this method in every room in your house, go through everything, fridge, and freezer as well. I know this seems daunting and it is exhausting and messy, but eventually, each room will be clean and organized and you’ll feel great!
Keep the boxes for a month. If you don’t find yourself getting into them within that time, you know it’s safe to get rid of the items inside.
Go through the boxes and see what can be recycled, donated, or sold, and separate the items as such. You could also have a yard sale if you live in a populated area.
Why is this sustainable?
This method of spring cleaning is sustainable for a few reasons.
You see everything you own. This is great because you know exactly what you have and what you don’t need to buy.
For example, I needed a glass liquid measuring cup. I had put it on my list for the next time I went to the shop. During my spring cleaning, I found one! It was in the back of a cabinet. This saved me from making a purchase which means less consumption and it saves money.
Donating, recycling, and selling are so much better for the environment than throwing items away. Plus you never know, an item you don’t need or use could be extremely needed or useful to someone else.
It feels good to let go of clutter and get organized.
I love all of these tips on spring cleaning. Your pictures are amazing and I love all the furniture and decor! Thanks for sharing 🙂
It’s nice to think about it like this. I am always trying to be more eco friendly and I like this article. Thanks for useful tips 🙂
Glad you found this helpful 🙂
I love the thought that it is sustainable because you actually see the items that you own. So often, we forget what we actually have! Thanks for sharing.
I have purchased doubles on accident! This method really does help!
I like the idea of keeping items in a box for 1 month to make sure you don’t miss items!
Glad you found that helpful!
I love this post! Sustainable living is my passion, and I love all the help you offer on sustainable spring cleaning!
Thank you 🙂
Great tips to help motivate some spring cleaning. I do get so emotionally attached to my clothes but did do a deep clean of my walk-in closet…what s great feeling to find and/or discover clothes.
Oh I fully agree in theory but in reality it’s so hard to confine clothes to a box… even if they clutter up the wardrobe 😀
You’ve reminded me that I need to go and put laundry away properly before I put on a new load of washing. That and I need flowers.
Thank you so much for this – it’s really encouraged me to go clean!
– Nyxie
nyxiesnook.com
This is such a great idea! I really need to try this as we have so much stuff. Because of the temp differences in England I have loads of clothes so we tend to put away the opposite season of clothes then get them out once the weather changes – makes the place much tidier-looking!