The Art of Organization

I chuckled to myself as I read through the instruction for this challenge: “Are you starting to use a bullet journal, or maybe creating a capsule wardrobe? Is there an organization hack that has helped make your life easier?” Whether to my shame or my delight, I answered “yes” to all of those questions. I love order and organization. But above all else, I love the feeling of peace and serenity that comes along with a clean room before bed. If you were wondering, yes, I am a type 1 enneagram-if you know, you know! I deeply value being a good steward of what you have been blessed with; whether that be something as small as a book or something as large as a home. Each item should be treated with care and value. I think organization is an excellent way to take stewardship seriously. On that note, I’ll dive into my version of the art of organization.

While, like other authors have mentioned already in this challenge, I’m not a massive fan of “Spring Cleaning” -I prefer a year round lifestyle of organization- there is a certain beauty to the annual deep clean that is called Spring Cleaning. Windows being propped open for the first time in months, curtains being changed from that dark, warm red to a bright, airy cream, and the back porch getting swept off for an evening dinner.

In addition to those Spring Cleaning necessities, there are three other organizing and cleaning chores I’m taking on this spring: fresh coats of paint, new linens, and getting rid of that one pile of stuff (you know the one I’m talking about!).

First things first, decluttering! This is an age old trick that is actually one of those things that should take place all year round. People are excellent at collecting things. Trust me, I’m right there with ya! In order to combat that habit of collecting we have to instill a simultaneous habit of decluttering. There’s a million different techniques for how this ought to be done. But, according to my lifetime of decluttering, assign different times to do a thorough declutter. Hint, Spring Cleaning is my favorite decluttering time! Having set aside days to declutter allows you to time think about each item you’re giving away. As opposed to a daily decluttering-which won’t be effective because you’ll just be emotionally connected to each item in the moment.

So there’s that! Set aside certain days (whether that’s weekly, monthly, or annually) to declutter your belongings.

Next, new linens. And by “new”, I mean new! Of course, this doesn’t have to be done every year. But sometimes we forget that we get new clothes every year; but we don’t get new sheets? A bit odd don’t you think. If you’re a bit scared of the cost of new linens, consider at least washing them, hanging them out to dry on a close line (instead of in the dryer), and spray each of them with essential oils before remaking the bed. Spring Cleaning is the best time to take care of this because of the fresh spring weather! In addition to air drying your linens, consider opening all of your windows, not only in your home, but in your vehicles, as well to rid them of the staleness that comes with months of being closed.

Finally, fresh paint! Everyone gets really comfortable in their own homes. That means we start to ignore the chipped paint, dirty cabinets, and stained walls. Take advantage of two or three spring days and repaint your main living areas, cabinets, and any other heavily used rooms. This will make a massive impact on the feeling of cleanliness of your home, especially if you had been ignoring the mess for quite some time!

While each of these tips don’t have to be done during the spring, spring certainly makes the perfect atmosphere for motivation, determination, and excitement for making our homes, apartments, and rooms lovely!

I challenge each of you to paint a room, change a linen, and set aside one day to declutter! You’ll see the difference, feel the difference, and begin to love the process of creating the difference!

Happy Spring Cleaning, All!