I love the feeling of a clean house! The day after cleaning, it’s amazing to wake up, look around, and wonder where the heck I am. Or was I robbed? No, just cleaned up really well.
That’s what I’ve been doing for the last couple of days. I stare at my stuff, think about tossing it all for the sake of minimalism, and then carefully organize.
I think that the older you get, the harder it is to let go of possessions. You accumulate more and more throughout the years and things from your childhood hold sentimental value. I haven’t worked at PetSmart in three years and I just now got rid of my employee shirt.
Five Favorite Things about Cleaning the House
1. Taking out the Trash
My husband is a superhero when he takes out the trash. Especially when the temperature is anywhere under fifty degrees. Sometimes in the summer, when the weather is awesome and I need to up my step-count, I eagerly volunteer.
When I spend a lot of time deep cleaning and organizing, it’s encouraging to see multiple trash bags fill up. Then I wonder why I had that much junk to begin with.
2. Returning Items to their Owners
I try not to borrow things from other people, because then I feel pressured to return it ASAP. I’m pretty sure the library conditioned me to be afraid of losing things that aren’t mine. Nowadays I have a specific spot for library books, and two reminders on the calendar of when they’re due.
3. Donating
I love shopping at thrift stores and I’m just as good at donating to them. Every six months before the seasons change, I get rid of damaged, old or unused clothes. Today my local Goodwill got a few bags of things that don’t fit and/or I don’t like anymore. Plus a ton of knick-knacks!
4. Finding Things to Re-Gift
These things aren’t usually gifts given to me, although I do have a very large cutting board someone gave me for my wedding that will make someone else very happy. More so the impulse purchases relating to Star Wars or stationary. I found some toys that I know my nieces will love and some pens that will find a new home at my job.
5. Freedom from Too Much Stuff!
I don’t think I could ever be a minimalist, but I like the way they think. I feel comfortable surrounded by my books and writing supplies. My house feels lived-in and it’s a stress-free environment. After a couple long days of cleaning and organizing, not only does the place smell lemon clean, but it’s easier to relax in as well.
-Kristina Wise
