Spring Cleaning Ideas

Like many of you, I read this best seller:

Written by Marie Kondo, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up is a manual for putting order in your space and keeping it permanently that way. 

Also called the KonMari Method (a play on the author's name), the key lies here: Start by discarding. Then organize your space, thoroughly, completely in one go.

When discarding, ask the question: "Does it spark joy?" to decide whether or not an item should be kept. Take each item in one hand and if it sparks joy, keep it. If not, dispose of it.

When discarding, sort by category and not by room. That way you see the bigger picture. Similar items are grouped together and are designated a home. For example: books, clothing, paper, and komono (miscellaneous items like accessories and tools).

This purging process took me about two months resulting in bags and bags of stuff. I was very thoughtful in my process of discarding them.

Since a garage sale was out of the question (I live in an apartment), I chose to donate them to the Salvation Army. My items are sold at their Family Stores (thrift shops) and the proceeds go to their Adult Rehabilitation Centers. All for a good cause!

I even donated all the extra shopping bags I didn't need so that they'll be able to use them as packaging when patrons come to shop. 

I donated many of my clothes and old beddings (even the one with holes in them) to H&M. They have a program called H&M Conscious where they repurpose old garments by rewearing, reusing, and recycling, resulting in less waste. You can do the same by bringing your garments to any H&M store and with this good act, you will be rewarded with a coupon for 15% off your next purchase (effective in US stores).     

My old shoes, the really ratty ones, I dropped in these Re-Use-A-Shoe boxes located at selected Nike stores. They'll take any brand and these are remade into sport courts, bags and shoes. 

For books I longer needed, I sold them to a second hand shop where I got a few dollars in exchange. You can also check places like The Strand or Amazon. 

For paper, I took them to a paper shredding event in my town. They have these efficient machines that shred piles in one quick go. The same people who organize this event also have a day for electronics recycling and hazardous waste disposal. Something that I really appreciate because we should all be responsible when getting rid of our trash.  

I also had a bunch of stuff that I never used. You know, the ones I'd buy saying, "I can use this someday" or "This would make a neat gift". Well, I gathered them up and donated them to my church. I know they will be able to use them for their Tricky Tray Fundraiser. 

The book promised "the life-changing magic of tidying up" and it fulfilled it. I have so far remained neat and clutter-free. The idea of a clean space gives me a light feeling and allows me to be more productive. And because I know exactly what I have in my home, it I am able to shop smarter. Plus, I was able to donate to my favorite causes.

I think that's blah to TADA!