You know it’s officially Spring in my corner of the world when the daffodils start peeking out like nosy neighbors, the grass gets its first haircut of the season, and the frogs outside begin their nightly chorus just as I’m letting the dogs out for their final potty break. Those frogs? They’re my seasonal alarm clock. Their ribbiting is basically Mother Nature whispering, “Hey girl, it’s time.”
And what is Spring without the most cliché urge of all?
Spring Cleaning!
But this year, it’s hitting a little differently.
See, I’ve reached that mature, wise, fabulous age where I’m suddenly aware that I’ve been holding onto things that… well… maybe only matter to me. I’m not a hoarder – let’s be clear. You will not find a single Cool Whip container saved “just in case,” nor will you be crushed under a newspaper avalanche if you visit my home. No one needs to back a dumpster up to my house with a beep beep beep soundtrack.
But I do attach emotions to objects. Deeply. Fiercely. Irrationally.
Case in Point
I have a sweater of my dad’s – the one he wore the day my daughter was born. I know this because I have a photo of him holding her in it. The photo should be enough, right? But nope. I’ve kept the sweater all these years, long after he passed, even though I’ll never wear it, never repurpose it, and could draw it from memory. It’s not a sweater. It’s a moment. A feeling. A whole chapter of my life.
But lately I’ve been thinking about my daughter. About the future. About the fact that while I hope to be around for many, many years, life doesn’t always consult our calendars. And I don’t want her someday standing in my closet, overwhelmed, trying to decide what to keep and what to let go of while also grieving.
So, this year, I’m doing the Uber Spring Clean – the kind that’s part tidying, part therapy, part love letter to the people who will someday have to sort through my things.
And my favorite place to start?
The closet.
A tidy closet is my love language.
How to Tackle a Big-Girl, Big-Heart Spring Clean
First rule: Do not – I repeat, do NOT – try to do it all at once.
This is not a punishment. This is not a bootcamp. This is a gentle, grown-woman cleanse.
Try a one-task-per-day rhythm:
- Day 1: Closet
- Day 2: Refrigerator
- Day 3: Your car
- Day 4: Laundry room
- Day 5: Purse (brace yourself)
- Day 6: Kitchen cupboards
- Day 7: Bathroom cabinets
- Day 8: Linen closet
- Day 9: Paper files
- Day 10: Sentimental items (only when emotionally hydrated and prepared)
Slow and steady. One category at a time. No guilt. No pressure.
What to Do with the “Let It Go” Pile
Once you’ve sorted through the things you no longer want – and the things your loved ones definitely don’t want to inherit – you’ve got options:
Donate to:
- Churches
- Domestic violence shelters
- Homeless shelters
- Community organizations
- Women’s transitional housing programs
Sell on:
- Etsy
- eBay
- Poshmark
- Facebook Marketplace
Or Go Old-School:
Host a garage sale and treat yourself to a little “I survived Spring Cleaning” money.
Whatever you choose, someone else benefits – and you get your space (and sanity) back.
The End Result
When it’s all said and done, you’ll feel lighter.
Your home will breathe easier.
Your future self – and your loved ones – will thank you.
And somewhere out there, someone will be wearing or using something you donated, feeling grateful for your generosity.
Spring isn’t just about flowers blooming.
Sometimes it’s about you blooming – clearing out the old, making space for the new, and honoring the past without letting it take over your closets.
And if the frogs say it’s time… who am I to argue?
Let’s Have a Conversation:
What does spring cleaning mean to you? Have you planned your cleaning spree session? What have you planned to tackle first?
