What does Spring Cleaning even mean? Once upon a time, it was the time when we’d haul all of the rugs and drapes out to the clotheslines and beat the dust out of them with sticks. Let’s all say a prayer of gratitude for washing machines and vacuums shall we?
But still, there’s something about this time of year that makes us crave freshness, newness. The days get longer and warmer and we open the windows to bring in that flower scented air. As we come out of the winter hibernation, it’s time to start thinking about decluttering some of the extra “stuff” we have.
One of my mentors, Flylady, used the word “stuff” as an acronym that meant Something That Undermines Family Fun. So let’s focus on that definition and I’m going to issue a challenge for you to start letting go of some “stuff” as a means of spring cleaning in preparation for summer fun.
Picture your garage. If one of your kids wanted to play frisbee, could he get to one safely and easily? If not, what “stuff” (something that undermines family fun) is in his way?
Maybe it’s still raining where you’re at, or you’re still snowed in, so your spring is spent indoors. If your family wants to play a board game, will all the pieces be there? If not, toss it! Your family doesn’t deserve the frustration of missing game and puzzle pieces. While you’re at it, feel free to gift or donate games your kids have outgrown; they also deserve to be able to find age appropriate games without slodging through all the old stuff.
These are just a couple examples. Of course cleaning is never fun (unless you’re weird like me) but if you focus on the fun your family will be able to have once the “stuff” is out of the way, it will be well worth it.
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