Spring Cleaning Part 1

I would like to say that Spring is finally here. Though it may be technically here, here in New England, we are expecting accumulating snow over night tonight. Great, just what I wanted to hear, more snow.

I have been receiving emails about Spring cleaning, organizing, and the like. Many of which are readers asking me, how I do it, what are some suggestions, and what they can do, to make it easier.
Cleaning, is not something that I look forward to, ever. However, for some reason both Spring, and Fall cleaning, is different. It's cleansing. It's a time to refresh, a time to regroup. It really is the only time that once I get started, I don't like to stop. I will keep going until it is 100% completed.

With that said, I hope these tips may help you in your Spring cleaning.

1. Start from the room where you don't spend that much time in, our that people don't see too often. By starting here, you have the most amount of energy. If you save these types of rooms for last, you are more apt to say to yourself, "Well, no one really sees this room." and before you know it, Fall is here.

2. Put 3 containers in the center point of your house, one for garbage, one for recycling, and one for donating. When you start pulling items out from the rooms, place them in one of these bins. Don't hide these containers away, by keeping them out in the open, you'll have a constant reminder of what you need to do.

3. Three second rule. If you can't decide whether or not you need or will use the item within three seconds, it's time to get rid of it. I am a big stickler for the 3 second rule, just ask my girls!

4. Display those memories. Boxing up photos, or memorabilia takes up valuable closet space. Instead of hiding them away, get yourself a memory frame from a local craft store, and display those items proudly. This is also a great way to change up the feel of a room.

5. Want the rooms to smell fresh and clean when your done? Try this great dryer sheet tip from All Free Crafts.

Dryer Sheet Flowers
Supplies:

♦ dryer sheets
♦ acrylic craft paints
♦ green chenille stems or pipe cleaners
♦ perfume or essential oil
♦ vase or jar

Dryer Sheet Flowers
Instructions:

~ Take two or three dryer sheets and fold them lengthwise in an accordion (in and out), using about 1/2 to an 1 inch strips.

~ Fold in half and slip the top of the pipe cleaner through, then twist the pipe cleaner tightly. The rest of the pipe cleaner becomes the flower stem.

~ Here's the fun part: pull the layers apart and watch a flower appear. Add a few drops of perfume or essential oil if your using used sheets or sheets with no fragrance.

~ Place a dollop of paint on a clean meat tray, and add some water. Gently brush the top edges of the flower.

~ Repeat the painting in different colors, display on dresser, or on a shelf in each room

6. Do some research on items that you wan to donate. Here are some online resources to help you decide where you want to donate your unwanted items.

Cell Phones:

~ 911 Cell Phone Bank - In May of 2004, the 911 Cell Phone Bank was created to provide an ongoing and readily available source of emergency cell phones and funds to meet the unexpected and urgent needs of participating law enforcement and affiliated victims services agencies.
~ Swagbucks - Earn Swagbucks when you turn your old cell phone into Swagbucks. You have to determine which phone you have, then print out a prepaid label, send it in, and wait for your points to accrue.
~ Wish Upon A Hero - Send your old cell phones and used ink/laser cartridges to Wish Upon a Hero. We will collect them and ship them to Funding Factory where they will recycle them and we will earn donation dollars. The money generated from the phones and cartridges will go towards granting wishes.

Computers:

~ Computers With Causes - Computers with causes evaluates each and every donation on a case by case basis. Whenever financially beneficial, computers with causes will repair, refurbish, and properly prepare donated property for placement into an educational environment or other cause we support. The ultimate goal being to maximize the benefit of your donations both financially and through educational purposes to the communities in which we live.

~ Educational Assistance LTD. - Educational Assistance Ltd. (EAL) takes donated computers and equipment and exchanges these goods for scholarships within a national network of accredited colleges and universities. All scholarships are designated for students with severe financial need.