More than cleaning out the cobwebs and scrubbing the base boards, spring always feels like a new beginning to me. A time to assess what’s going on in my life, and identify areas where I can make some improvements, or just do little things to make sure the season gets started on the right foot. In case you feel the same way, here are 10 Ways to Spring Clean Your Life!
1. Organize your finances
Spring is the perfect time to organize and refresh your finances. If you haven’t nailed down a budgeting system that works for you, it’s time.
2. Declutter your home
Don’t get me wrong, getting the house squeaky-clean each spring feels great, but decluttering it feels even better. Try going room-by-room over the next couple of weeks, and getting rid of the items that you no longer need, are broken, and/or haven’t been used in years.
Be honest with yourself too. How many unmatched socks does one really need to effectively dust one’s home? Is the busted printer that’s been sitting in the garage for 3 years going to spontaneously fix itself? Will you ever wear those tiny tank tops you used to wear in college again? Three, no, and hell no.
3. Donate your unused stuff
Take all the stuff you identified as no longer necessary for survival during decluttering, and donate it if you can. Giving to organizations like Goodwill not only feels great, but it also does a lot of good. Don’t forget to keep a receipt of everything you donate to deduct come tax time next year.
4. Get a haircut
Make an appointment for a haircut or trim. Getting rid of split and dead ends, or sporting a new ‘do, is always a great way to kickoff the new season.
5. Clean out your makeup bag
Clean out your makeup bag and trash any old or broken cosmetics. Here’s a great chart for how long cosmetics are good for but, when in doubt – throw it out!
6. Disinfect your work space
Scrubbing your home in the spring is essential, but don’t forget about your workspace. Many people spend more time sitting at their desk than at home (raises hand,) so be sure to give your work area a thorough cleaning sometime soon.
7. Assess your workout gear
Assess your stash of spring and summer workout gear and decide if you need to purchase any new pieces for the upcoming warmer weather. Stock up on low-cost essentials like socks and sports bras, and toss or donate old tops and bottoms.
8. Clean out your inbox
Go through your inbox email-by-email and delete and/or categorize anything that doesn’t need to be in there. Unsubscribe from daily/weekly newsletters/communications you no longer wish to receive.
9. Volunteer your time
Nothing feels better than selflessly volunteering your time for no other reason than to help others. Get spring off on the right foot by gathering some friends or family members and volunteering somewhere!
10. Eat better now
There’s never a better time to start eating better than now. RIGHT NOW! No waiting ’til tomorrow, the weekend, or next month – start incorporating healthy, fresh foods into your diet, and stop unhealthy eating habits today.
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How do you “Spring Clean Your Life” every year?
Amber @ Busy, Bold, Blessed 03.12.2012
I’m in the process of moving into my boyfriend’s house, so we’ve been cleaning, trying to go through his stuff, trying to go through my stuff… it’s a process. I can’t wait until we’re done… but I don’t think we ever will be haha. We have big plans of painting too! Spring house redoing :D
Hillary Valentino 03.12.2012
beer chips are my weakness!
Iowa Girl Eats 03.14.2012
omg that whole LINE of chips is my weakness – they are so good!
Shelley 03.12.2012
I hate to cook chicken because I am terrified of the germs! Any tips on being safe with raw chicken in a very small kitchen? Thanks!!
Iowa Girl Eats 03.14.2012
I have a cutting board that I only use for raw meats and nothing else.
Katie @ Talk Less, Say More 03.12.2012
It’s so funny you post this because I just did my finances the other day and I’m working on de-cluttering / finding things I don’t use or need to donate. AND I need new socks… ;)
Sarah 03.12.2012
I love the addition of raspberries and goat cheese. This looks tasty.
Baking Serendipity 03.12.2012
I love all of this! I’m in a big time de-clutter mode. I’ve made a list of everything that needs better organized, and am headed to Ikea for container help next weekend. So exited about that trip :) Also! I’ve never tried a fruit other than pineapple in stir fry, but the bright spring flavor of berries sounds wonderful!
Courtney 03.12.2012
Couldn’t agree more! I haven’t realized but I seem to slow down to in the evenings with more daylight… very nice! Hair cut– I need one badly and this was the push I needed to go do it! Hope your first full “spring” day was terrific :)
Lindsey 03.12.2012
I am the same way and love the extra sunlight after work :) It makes me feel so much better too.
I always clean out my closet, and swap our house decor for brighter and lighter colored items. I also love having fresh cut flowers in the kitchen during Spring.
Kim 03.12.2012
great post! Love that budget template…I should use it… :)
Kate 03.12.2012
This recipe looks amazing! To make this vegetarian, would you recommend subbing tofu, or just forgoing the chicken?
Iowa Girl Eats 03.14.2012
Tofu would be great!
NJE 03.12.2012
Hi,
This comment has nothing to do with this post, but I had to let you know, I just found your blog last week and tried out your beef and broccoli recipe tonight. It was AMAZING. I always feel like the first time I try a recipe I never like it. But this one was straight out the gate, super. Can’t wait to try more recipes and keep reading your blog.
SWR 03.12.2012
Do you often cook with frozen-then-thawed fruit? It sounds like a great idea, but I would be worried about funky-textured and musy fruit. Have you found that not to be the case?
Iowa Girl Eats 03.14.2012
Frozen raspberries are awesome frozen–>thawed fruits. They never seem to get really mushy like strawberries!
Michelle (Better with Berries) 03.12.2012
Love all your tips – Spring is the time when I love to clean everything out and start fresh! And it does make me feel like I can take things slower and enjoy my time at home after work.
The recipe looks great! That salad dressing is one of my top two favs, so it must be good :-)
Lauren 03.12.2012
Did you come up with this on your own? I’m so impressed it’s ridiculous! This looks and sounds amazing. I can’t get over it.
Gina @ Running to the Kitchen 03.12.2012
I just cleaned my whole house yesterday and ignored my work desk (I work from home) It’s getting the wipe down as soon as I’m done blogging tonight :) Thanks for the reminder!
Lindsey 03.12.2012
Oh yum! Can’t wait to try! And I can’t wait to start with the garden!! Will you be planting anything this year? I know you tend to go to the Farmer’s Market, but have you tried anything yourself? 1 tomato plant goes a long way with 2 people! :)
Iowa Girl Eats 03.12.2012
I am hooooorrible at flower gardening, but I think I might care more if it’s food that I’m growing and am planning on trying something this summer – just not sure exactly what yet!
Lindsey 03.12.2012
Sweet! My only advice– start small. Build from there. :)
April C 03.12.2012
Love the spreadsheet you made, thanks!! Get rid of nail polish after one year? Is it sad that I have some from high school (over 10 years ago) that I still occasionally wear? It is even scented polish that still smells yummy!
Jan 03.12.2012
hehe. I think it’s ACCESS your work out…not ASSES, unless you’re talking about your behind of working out. :)
Iowa Girl Eats 03.12.2012
HAHAHAHA – I actually meant “AssesS” as in assess your current stash. Thanks for letting me know!
Sarah 03.12.2012
Hehe! I was about to say this, too. Made me giggle!
Amy M 03.12.2012
Thanks for all the tips!
My work is actually moving offices pretty soon so it’s been super nice to clean out everything in my little space (super-dusty tape dispenser!), toss old papers, and think about decorating a new spot!
Blog is the New Black 03.12.2012
Looks delish and refreshing! Need to make this soon!