Spring’s here, and with it the proverbial Spring cleaning fever! Except when you’re a busy working parent with a schedule filled to the brim, it can be quite challenging to find the energy or motivation to get into spring cleaning mode.
I would know. As a busy working mom, every Spring brings with it the opportunity to clean house. Literally. As in exploring those corners of my home that have been (purposely) left untouched for months. Or organizing others that have been in hidden disarray for even longer. Heck, there are hidden places in my own home I still have to discover. But I’m digressing…
What are we to do as working parents when each and every single one of our free minute is accounted for? When finding a clean cup (or clean underwear) takes precedence over dusting off those areas no one can see anyways? Do we just give up on spring cleaning (or cleaning altogether), and make peace with chaos? Or can we find ways to fit in some efficient spring cleaning that doesn’t require us to sell our busy souls (or give up on sleep altogether)?
Well, after a few embarassingly “dusty” episodes and some serious soul-searching, here are my favorite 5 tips to spring clean your home when you’re a busy working parent:
Start Small!
The mere concept of “spring cleaning” may have you cringing as you think about your never-ending to-do list. Start small by tackling one cleaning task at a time! It may be one room at a time, or one project at a time. Whatever you do, don’t get overwhelmed from the start, take it one day at a time!
Use the “Keep it Or Toss It” Method
Have you ever looked at all the stuff you’ve accumulated over time and wondered how in the world you even came up with it? Spring’s the perfect time to get rid of all those things you’ve accumulated over time, and which frankly, no longer serve any other purpose than taking space. My favorite technique is the “keep it or toss it” method. If I haven’t used/worn/seen it in the past 6 months, it’s getting tossed, period!
Do Good!
Lacking motivation (or strength) to start your spring cleaning/purging process? Feeling guilty over getting rid of so much stuff? Choose to do good instead, by making donations to associations likes Big Sister for instance. Not only will you feel much better about the whole process, but you’ll also get to make a real difference in other people’s lives—now that’s a win-win!
Make it fun!
Don’t skip all the fun just because you have to clean and purge all around you! Instead, turn the process into an adventure! How about turning on your favorite music and make the whole thing into a dance party? Or inviting some friends over for a Spring Cleaning party? Or even just committing to rewarding yourself after each major Spring Cleaning milestone?
Whatever it is you decide to do, have fun in the process!
Make it a family project!
One way to give up before even starting your spring cleaning process is to try to tackle it all by yourself! Make it a family project instead by enlisting the help of your spouse, kids and any willing family member!
Assign everyone a task and tie a fun reward to it! Use it as a family or bonding time, and before you know it, everyone will be having so much fun it’ll become a family tradition!
Now your turn: What other tips do you have to spring clean your home as a working parent?
To Your Success,
Leave a Reply