Did you know that last Wednesday (April 7th) was National No Housework Day? I think it may just be my favourite day of the year!
Everyone who knows me knows how much I hate housework, but with 6 kitties in the house, unless I really, really want to live in a pigsty (yuck, no thanks), it is a necessary evil. I usually allocate one day a week to tackle the cleaning chores (spills, messes and muddy paws might necessitate interim clean ups, but you get my drift), and just get it over with. But now that spring is here, and the sun is shining, the garden is starting to bloom, I do find it easier to motivate myself into tackling those jobs that aren't on the regular to-do list. You know, like cleaning the oven, or sorting through the closet.
So how to tackle those chores without ending up crying in a corner? Here's how I deal with it:
MAKE A LIST AND DO AT LEAST ONE THING EACH DAY
It can be overwhelming when you have a long to-do list of things you want to accomplish around the house. I know for me just thinking about the closets I want to organize, the cupboards I want to clean out, the rooms I want to clean and update can be so daunting it almost makes me quit before I start. So, I start with a coffee and a notebook. I start a new page for each room and I list everything that needs to be done in that room - big and small chores. Then each day I tackle one or two items off that list until it is done. It's amazing how satisfying it is to cross stuff off the list.
IF YOU HAVEN’T USED IT IN THE PAST YEAR GET RID OF IT
This is not a new idea by any means and of course, I'm not talking about keepsakes, photos and similar items, but if you come across items you haven’t used, or which are broken (I know, I know you saved it because you can fix it), just throw them out. Same with clothes. If you don't wear it anymore or it doesn't fit you, donate it. Someone else will love it and benefit from your generosity.
LABEL, LABEL, LABEL
Labels are your friends. Label everything! It doesn't need to be anything fancy, you don't need an expensive label maker - it could be something as simple as handwritten notes on cut up bits of scrap paper, stuck to the box with sticky tape. Right now Dollar Tree are carrying great storage boxes, bins and totes so you can really stock up without breaking the bank. Tidy everything away into boxes, stick on a label and admire your handiwork. It really does make life easier when you're organized.
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK
Once I've organised a room, I really do try to keep it organised and tidy. Sure, it may never be as tidy as it was when I first did it, but I do try to keep on top of the mess, put stuff away etc. That way, when April rolls around again and I'm thinking about tackling the spring cleaning, it hopefully won't be quite so daunting a task.
I hope you found these tips helpful. If like me you hate spring cleaning, comment below your least favourite household chore.