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(Part 2 of 2) Last time I gave you some ideas about spring cleaning around the house, the yard and garage. Today's blog has a few more ideas that I think you can use...things we don't really think about on a regular basis but use all the time.
Let's get started with the heavy stuff....such as furniture. Yes, furniture. You know you have some sitting in a room or corner that is simply taking up space. Can you use it somewhere else in the house where it can really be of service? Can an unused dresser be used as a room divider or maybe somewhere different to set the television? It will be extra useful if it has drawers where you can throw the remote, extra DVDs, etc. Look around the rooms for ideas or check out some magazines.
Please don't tell me you still have plastic flowers in your living areas! Out they go with the "collectables" that you no longer remember why you still have them. You know...the silly salt and pepper shakers, the collection of ceramic owls or cows or whatever. Ditch the old magazines that you keep because "there is a recipe I want to try." You won't if you haven't by now. Out!
We always have too much "stuff" in the kitchen. Be honest with yourself! Donate appliances that you no longer use (like a toaster oven) to adult grandkids or to a charity. Do you really need so many mixing bowls? Or placemats or pot holders or cake pans or serving platter? Really, when did you last use a serving platter? Thanksgiving, maybe? Send them off to their new home via the consignment shops along with any extra sets of dishes.
Did you know November is National Clean Out Your Fridge Day? Who knew, right?
Next tackle the pantry. I'm embarrassed to admit how many of my items were outdated. What a waste! Wash down the shelves, put things in order and insist family members do the same (good luck with that one)!
If you simply can't part with some items such as that special, decorative pillow ask yourself when did you last give it a good cleaning? Scary, isn't it? Toss those kinds of items in the dryer for about 15 minutes on air only. Ah! So much nicer!
If things are falling out of the linen closet, stand back, open the door and dig in. Old pillows, comforters (especially with cartoon characters on them!), towels, boxes with vacuum cleaner parts, single, un-matching pillowcases, they can all be cleaned and donated.
Now attack the electronics; computers, cords, chargers, old phones and old televisions. Heating pads, humidifiers and those lamps that still live in the attic for some reason.
While you are at it, clean out your "digital presence." That is your accounts...Amazon, pictures on your phone, Face Book, Etsy, etc. That gets just as "junky" as your other items. Clean it out and make it a regular thing so things don't pile up again.
Have you considered your jewelry box? I was amazed at how many broken bracelets and necklaces I had that I didn't even realize. Use them in your crafts, give to little grandkids or repurpose them and have another jewelry piece made.
One last suggestion: try these simple, easy steps to keep things tidy and clean on a regular basis.
cut up used lemon rinds and grind them up in your garbage disposal with running water from time to time for a clean and fresh disposal.
if you are using reusable bags to shop (please say that you are!), wash them out.
put the plastic shower liner in the washing machine with a little bit of soap and Clorox. What a difference.
OK. Now you are off to a fresh, clean spring and a new lease on life and all the abundance we are so blessed to have. We live in the best country in the world and when we have "too much" as a result it is time to rethink and reuse and repurpose.
Happy Aging,
Sue
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