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expert direct | BALLANTYNE Cleaning 2.0
Take a Modern Approach To the Spring Ritual
By Andrea Gill
GENERATIONS AGO, spring cleaning was an annual home ritual. Rugs were removed and beaten. Floors were scrubbed. Walls were wiped down. Bedding was aired. Winter clothes were cleaned and carefully packed away for the next year. Fast forward to 2012.
The prospect of removing clothing, furniture, rugs and bedding is overwhelming. The size of our modern homes and the sheer quantity of our possessions make an old- fashioned spring cleaning virtually inconceivable. But rather than give up completely, professional organizers offer a modern approach to spring cleaning. Here are my tips:
Consider using things you already own before re-stocking.
Look critically at pantry items, cosmetics, stockpiled gifts and wrapping supplies. Could you put your family on a spending diet (for even one day) to stop the tide of more things coming into your overloaded home?
Create a temporary moratorium on new projects and obligations so you can focus on what's already in the hopper.
When you're trying to de-clutter and make a clean sweep of your house is not the time to start a photo album or scrapbook.
4 3 21 SPRING 2012
Discard or donate your clutter. Clutter is anything unused, unloved or unable to be accommodated in your space. The less there is to clean, polish and dust, the easier the job is. Many of the things you no longer need or want can be used and loved by someone else. See a list of places you can donate that accompanies this article.
Tackle spring cleaning in small bits. A few minutes can make a big difference. Get your family involved. Imagine the progress if everyone spent 15 minutes a day filling a trash or donation bag.
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Employ a few practical how-to tips on cleaning
and organizing: Closets: Remove empty hangers and plastic dry-cleaning bags. Your closet will instantly look better and be less
BALLANTYNE MAGAZINE 49