Goodbye Winter, Hello Spring

It was 33 last night, and tomorrow will be 82. Spring has arrived in Texas! That means it is time to Spring Clean before it gets too stinkin' hot! If you are a Spring Cleaner, you are in good company. A 2005 Harris Interactive survey indicated that 3 out of 4 adults in the U.S. (72%) were gearing up for Spring Cleaning.

How did the custom of Spring Cleaning Originate? It began back when people had coal-burning fireplaces and houses were coated with soot by spring. Our homes may not be covered in soot, but in the winter months, well, things get "funky". Luckily, just like Mother Nature, we can renew and refresh ourselves and our homes.

But before you can effectively banish the dust bunnies, and spider webs, you most likely need to de-clutter it first. You can't clean under the bed when stuff is stashed under it. And instead of dusting the dusty nic-nacs, books and keepsakes, know that is is OK to change your style. You are not obligated to keep items that you were given when you were 16 , when they no longer represent who you are and what makes you most happy. It is YOUR home and life. People grow and change, and if you have, then consider donating it. Reduce the piles, and get rid of what doesn't work, what no longer fits, what your kids no longer play with. I know you have some... Let the light in, take a deep breath - " It's going to be a bright, bright, bright -sunshiny day!"

Here are some tips and common areas for spring cleaning:

Make the most of the day. There is nothing like taking in a breath of fresh air. Open the windows to invigorate yourself and remove lingering winter odors.

Get rid of the excess "stuff". Is the "stuff in your home useful, does it make you happy, do you truly need it? If they don't pass any three of those questions, it may be time to let it go. The end result will be a home full of only things that are meaningful and useful.

#1 Spring Cleaning area... the Garage. Pick a fabulous day and pull all the contents out. Survey the stuff, and get rid of broken equipment, outgrown clothing and sports gear and unused belongings. When putting it back, create zones in the garage for lawn/garden equipment, tools/home maintenance, sports, seasonal item. If your car still doesn't fit in the garage, keep purging and then go up-take advantage of overhead space and wall storage!

Purge the paper. The taxes are filed, so now is great time to purge your files. If you don't already have a system for archiving papers that you need to keep (such as past tax returns, medical records and real estate records, now is good time. While you are at it, toss or donate the pile of old magazines!

Clear out the clothes and shoes. Now is the time to stash away heavy winter clothes and take your lighter clothing out of storage. This year, as you make the swap, take the time to do some serious sorting and purging, especially children's outgrown clothing and your parachute pants or stirrup leggings!

Happy Spring to all!