The need for a good declutter, organise, sort has been building. A good spring clean. I live in a small, cosy flat. It’s warm, familiar, and full of character. It’s my safe space and retreat. And I’m proud of how I keep it: clean, organised, pretty well put together (most of the time).

But lately? So many things have started to frustrate me, annoy me even. I hit the point where I could no longer ignore it. And the spring sunshine (which I do love) only added or helped, whichever way I want to look at it. It’s made me see dust that I thought I was on top of, amongst other things. The wardrobe that a year ago I spent days having built and days organising had turned into a jumble of clothes I mostly don’t wear.  And trying to find anything was irritatingly hard. My kitchen wasn’t much better – an avalanche of Tupperware when I opened one cupboard and the drawer, the one everyone has where things just get put or dumped, was out of control. And don’t even ask about the skincare cabinet…

None of this was helping how I feel. Or how I want to feel – calm, stress free, clear and focused. And as much as I’m all for embracing discomfort – this was NOT the way I wanted to do it.

So, I hit that point: spring clean mode.

And do you know? I’ve actually enjoyed it. I started small – sometimes a drawer or a cupboard and, when it didn’t seem monumental, sometimes a whole room.  We’ve all been there when we bite off more than we can chew in a house tidy project – full of energy at the start only to get part way through, the mess growing and us asking ourselves why did I start/think this was a good idea? I did not want to end up in that situation.

I employed my trick of habit stacking (thanks Atomic Habits) and put on a good podcast to see me through. I’ve cleaned, mopped and wiped, dusted and hoovered (I’m still not sure of the ‘correct’ order there). I’ve found things, mostly clothes and skin care which I thought I had forgotten about – feels like a win. I’ve recycled, I’ve donated, I’ve chucked. I’ve Vinted where its felt like its worth the faff (I’m still surprised people make actual money there!). I’ve not quite gone Marie Kondo in thanking everything, but I’ve felt the benefits.

And there are so many….

  • Less stress – A tidy space helps you feel more in control and less overwhelmed, lowering stress and anxiety.
  • It’s exercise – Its quite effective too – 30 mins of cleaning is the same as walking for 30 mins. Tasks like vacuuming and mopping get you moving—burning calories and boosting your heart rate.
  • Improves sleep – A clean and tidy room =  more restful sleep, apparently!
  • Boosts productivity – A clutter-free workspace or home makes it easier to plan and to focus and get things done.
  • Mood and energy boost – The physical act releases endorphins as well as generating a sense of accomplishment, making you feel happier.
  • More time – less time spent looking for things

All I need to do now is keep it up….

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