The Power of Spring Cleaning
Spring cleaning is more than just tidying up your space, it's about having a fresh mindset to set yourself up for wellness. Research proves that having a clean home and workspace can improve mental health and even success. These benefits should not be limited to the spring and should be enjoyed all year round. Keep reading to explore daily tasks and different methods of cleaning to refresh your space and mind in a way that works best for you!
7-Day Challenge
Challenge yourself with the plan below to create a clean, peaceful home ready to support your success and wellness. Completing this challenge will not only leave you with a clean space but also a place for you to thrive! At the end, you will be able to enjoy your space however you please – whether it’s lighting your favorite scented candle and relaxing, inviting friends over for a hangout, or even treating yourself to a self-care day.
Daily Tasks:
- Wipe down wet bathroom counters.
- Squeegee the shower doors, walls, and floors after every shower.
- Wash dishes after each meal.
- Sweep or vacuum the kitchen floor and any other heavily trafficked areas.
- Put things back where they belong after you’re done with them.
- Wipe the table after each meal.
- Unload the dishwasher.
- Clear clutter off surfaces.
- Take out the trash.
Once a Week Tasks:
- Wipe mirrors in the bathrooms and elsewhere.
- Dust.
- Vacuum carpets.
- Mop hard floors.
- Clean out the fridge.
- Deep clean kitchen appliances.
- Deep clean bathrooms (showers, sinks, tubs, fixtures, etc).
- Laundry as needed.
Closet Cleanse
It’s easy for us to accumulate clothing that we don’t need, leaving us cluttered and confused. By getting rid of excess clothes and keeping only what serves you, you can promote a clearer mind while giving back!
When sorting clothes first ask yourself…
- Have I worn this in the past year?
- Would I notice if this piece disappeared?
- Does this make me feel confident, ready to conquer my day?
If you answered “no” to any of these questions, consider discarding that item of clothing. Keep reading to find ways to give back and reduce waste!
Sort Clothes into…
- Keep – Organize by color, season, usage frequency, and more (this is personal to you!)
- Alter/Fix – Click Here to learn simple clothing hacks such as sewing a button and hemming
- Recycle/Trash- Clothing that is damaged beyond repair and unusable
- Donate- Find donation centers near you. Explore options in the Gainesville area below!
Grace MarketPlace
Donate new or gently used items to support those facing homelessness. Donations can be dropped off or purchased on Amazon. Items encouraged include non-perishable foods, blankets, and clothing.
Repurpose Project
Donations are catered towards supporting sustainability as well as reusing materials for community projects and creative efforts. Items encouraged include woods, textiles, or any reusable items.
Salvation Army
Provides a wide range of services to those in need including emergency housing, food, clothing, rehabilitation programs, etc. Items encouraged include household items, clothes, and furniture.
Room by Room VS. Task by Task Approach
There is not a one size fits all approach when it comes to cleaning your space. Your space is unique to you and a reflection of who you are, meaning it is important to clean in a method that is both manageable and motivating for you! Check out the pros and cons of the “room by room” method and the “task by task” method below.
Room by Room
Give your full attention/resources to a specific section or room at a time. An example would include cleaning your kitchen on Sunday, dining space on Monday, bedroom on Tuesday, bathroom on Wednesday, etc.
Pros:
- Instant gratification by visually seeing a full clean space in a quicker amount of time
- Great if you don’t mind switching tasks multiple times while cleaning
Cons:
- Certain spaces may be more cluttered than others and can be overwhelming to complete at once
- May be more time consuming
Task by Task
Instead of tackling one room or space at a time you will complete one task and apply it everywhere. An example would be mopping all the floors on Sunday, dusting on Monday, wiping down surfaces on Tuesday, decluttering on Wednesday, etc.
Pros:
- Requires small pockets of time which can feel more manageable for busier schedules
- Great for larger or more cluttered spaces
Cons:
- May be dissatisfying not cleaning a space completely
- Can feel repetitive as you are doing the same task over and over
Cleaning & Mental Health
Maintaining a clean environment has proven to have positive correlations to improving mental health. A clean space promotes introspection by creating a sense of order, allowing you to analyze and reflect on your “inner state” without distractions pulling you away. By becoming aware of the effects of your surroundings on your mental well-being, you can take control of the minuscule details, such as dirty dishes or a cluttered closet, and promote your mental clarity.
“The brain likes organization. It doesn’t necessarily have to be minimalistic, but it really likes organization. It reduces stress in our life.” – Dr. Craig Sawchuk, Mayo Clinic