The Art of Maintaining Your Home and Sanity

So, you've decided to take the plunge, to bury yourself in the world of adult life. A brave choice indeed, but for some, a deadly one. Here, it's dangerous to go alone, take this advice!

All jokes aside, some really aren't ready for all the responsibilities they never expected. I know I wasn't. If only I had realized that I will always, ALWAYS be cleaning the kitchen, whether I eat take-out, or cook a five-course meal. It certainly would have saved me some headaches.

We all struggle with keeping things neat and tidy, whether it's due to our fears that normal means cleaning everything every day (no matter how difficult), our lack of motivation, or our own depressive tendencies. Taking on a big project is scary! But, you have a chance, I promise.

With spring coming around, especially for people living up North like me, sunshine and warmth are such a relief. They lift your mindset out of the gutter, freeing you of most (Sadly not all) of your stress headaches. The issue is, it doesn't lift your home out of the gutter.

It's rough, seeing all the messes you made in your slump. But, know that it's completely normal, and even manageable. That's what I'm here trying to spell out. With a few tips and words of encouragement, you can take care of it all and not feel like a horrible person afterward! I know, crazy, but true!

Now, the first big step to spring cleaning/organization is to clear both your mindset and the rooms of trash. You can handle this. You're strong, like a force of nature, and by god, you'll make this whole mess bend to your will!

Next, throw out all the cultural norms and expectations. Dishes don't have to sit all neat in tidy in the dish rack, you can keep going until they cover every counter. Clothes don't have to be folded, you can just toss those in your drawers and make sure they're separated into the big three; tops, underwear (including bras, panties, boxers, belts and socks), and bottoms.

Additionally, sanitization and vacuuming to help with odd smells can be delayed just a bit if you can't handle it emotionally by just airing things out, hanging rugs up outside, and so on. You're not disgusting, you're tired, and you deserve to have a brief moment to yourself while Mother Earth does her thing and tosses some wind your way.

And finally, possibly my most important tip, don't be a hoarder!! As a rule of thumb, if you don't plan on using it in the next week and it can't hold up for months at a time, toss it! Old toys, clothes, furniture or food should be tossed if they're only a burden.

Don't hold onto something only out of the fear that you're being wasteful. If fear or guilt are your only motives, it's safe to assume that the poor mindset has got its hold on you, and while sometimes helpful, in this particular instance it's being a problem. Let it know you value it any other time than this, and toss it with the rest of those clothes you've been keeping for years because you might just fit them one day.

If you're having a lot of trouble getting rid of something and it's still usable (Just not in your household), try selling it for cheap. The money helps soothe your woes, and can go towards replacing the item that gave you so many worries.

Remember, this is all achievable. You're smart, powerful and you deserve a clean home, so push for it! Give yourself a break from all the negativity, and remember that you're doing your best, which is incredible.

I believe in you all! This journey is hard, and more than half the time I hate it with all that I am, but it's worth it once it's done, promise.

Safe travels!