Spring has typically been dubbed as a time for new beginnings. As the weather gets warmer, we all start to slowly emerge from the Winter rocks we’ve been hiding under. We can barely change out of our sweatsuits though before we start feeling the pressure to declutter, deep clean, toss out everything we own, and basically become a newer, better version of ourselves before the end of March.
The whole concept of ‘Spring Cleaning’ can feel a bit overwhelming, and trust me when I say I am right there with you. We’re overloaded with all this information on how to clean our homes as well as our minds so it’s easy to feel exhausted before you’ve even begun. Luckily, I’m here with some real talk. Life is already tough right now, and you’re only one human, so you can’t do it all. Change in some forms is good and necessary though, so I’ve compiled a list of the things you’ve probably been putting off, along with the reminders you might need, and it’s time to throw them all (metaphorically or literally) right in the trash.
1. Clothes that Don’t Fit
In case nobody told you today, clothes were made to fit you, you weren’t made to fit into clothes. So many of us are guilty of hanging onto that pair of pants that “might” be the right size again one day, or that dress you’re keeping “just in case” and it’s time to put a stop to it. Regardless of the reason you’re hanging onto them, looking at clothes in your closet that you can’t wear just straight-up sucks, so what’s the point? It’s time to purge your wardrobe and get rid of anything that makes you feel some type of way.
Don’t throw your clothes in the trash though, it’s a much better idea to pass them along to a friend or donate them…but you get the idea.
2. Phone Numbers of People Who are No Longer in Your Life, and Social Media Accounts that Make You Feel Like Sh*t
Yes, your ex counts. Nobody needs the temptation of a potential drunk-dial or late-night DM. You also don’t need the number of the person you went on one date with six years ago clogging up your precious phone memory.
When it comes to social media, any account you’re following that doesn’t bring you joy, important information, or entertainment has no place on your feed. Just because someone follows you doesn’t mean you owe them anything. If you find yourself rage-scrolling through your socials it’s time for a cleanse – in the trash they go, and by that I mean hit that unfollow button! Plus, Plenty of Fish has a term for that, it’s called sanitizing.
3. The Idea that You Need to Be Doing More Right Now
We all have that friend or family member that’s taken up six new hobbies in quarantine, started a business, and somehow still has time to run a marathon and Marie Kondo their entire apartment all without breaking a sweat. Comparison might be inevitable here, but keep in mind everyone has their own coping mechanisms, motivations, and values.
Just having the energy to cook a nice meal or take a walk around the block is a cause for celebration right now, and just because someone else seems like they’re doing it all, doesn’t mean you’re not doing enough.
4. Almost Empty Bottles of… Anything
You know the ones I’m talking about. Maybe it’s the three empty bottles of shampoo and conditioner taking up space in your shower. Maybe it’s condiments in your fridge with next to nothing in them. Whatever it is, I’m willing to bet there’s something in your kitchen or bathroom that’s gotta go.
While you’re at it, toss those old razors, toothbrushes, and anything past its expiry date as well… it’s time.
5. Everyone Else’s Idea of Self-Care
“Stop drinking caffeine”
“Cut out carbs”
“Go for a run”
“Take a bath”
When it comes to self-care, everyone has a lot of opinions, but the only one that really matters is your own. Maybe your morning coffee is a favorite ritual that helps you prepare for a long day at work. Maybe cooking an extravagant pasta dish is how you unwind after a long day. Maybe you hate running with every fiber of your being and would much rather do some yoga. Maybe baths just aren’t your thing.
Self-care isn’t a one-size-fits-all type of deal, it’s all about what works for you and what gives you the opportunity to slow down and spend some time with yourself. Everyone else’s opinions? You know where to toss them…
6. Anything and Everything You’ve Been Shoving Under Your Kitchen Sink
If someone looked under my sink right now, they would probably find 200 grocery bags stuffed into one larger grocery bag, slowly taking over the entire cabinet making it impossible to find anything else that might be hiding in there. If you’re anything like me, it’s time to clear that sh*t out.
Buy some reusable grocery bags, toss out your old kitchen sponges, and get rid of those empty bottles of cleaner. The next time you go looking for something and can actually find it, you’ll be thankful.
7. Emails From Everywhere You’ve Ever Subscribed To
If you’re constantly wondering why your personal email inbox seems to have an unreasonably high number of unread emails at all times, it’s your sign to do some mass unsubscribing. We pop our email into websites all the time to get discounts, free trials, or something else that seems useful at the time, but you always end up getting more spam than it’s worth.
Taking some time to unsubscribe to all the vendors that are of no use to you anymore will bring you a level of calm you might not expect. No more being inundated with every sale happening on the internet right now, your inbox deserves some peace and quiet!
8. The Same Old Routine You’ve Been At For a Year
You shouldn’t feel pressure to be doing it all right now, but if you’re feeling sluggish and bored these days, it might be time to toss your typical routine out the window and switch things up. This doesn’t have to be anything drastic, but taking the time to read a book after work instead of your usual Netflix binge, or getting outside for a quick walk midday can be just what you need to kick yourself out of any potential rut you may have fallen into.
Routines are great, but they can also get boring and we need all the excitement we can get these days!
Seems doable, right? I hope this version of ‘only what’s necessary’ spring cleaning can give you that boost you need without the stress and you can strut into a new season your best self!
