Final exams, moving-out, pollen filled air, and sudden weather changes are just some of the reasons why spring is a stressful season. At least, these are the reason this new time of year has begun to grind my gears. Though I love shedding my winter sweaters and storing away my boots, there is a comforting and cozy feeling that gets left behind along with a person’s winter gear.
The air begins to be weighed down and, not with a cold breeze but, with pollen and humidity. Not to mention the dust that has been collecting during the winter season. Spring is truly a time when one begins to notice the mess that has come about during the slow pace months of winter.
While attempting to pack away my sweaters and break out my sundresses, I noticed the complete disorganization of my closet. Like a squirrel that had been burrowing food for the winter months, I had been stashing away clothes, shoes and holiday décor throughout my closet.
It became abundantly clear that my “system” of organization was failing when I attempted to pull down a spring skirt, from a top shelf and, a string of garland and a wreath fell on my head. I remember the shock of these objects falling onto me and how quickly I fell to the ground.
In was in that moment, lying on my carpet and questioning my life, that I realized it was time for the grandest of all cleansing rituals: spring cleaning.
It was a perfect time to decide to take part in the soft of “right of seasonal passage” that comes about with each new time of year. I had learned a month earlier that I would be moving, due to work and, would need to try and downsize my belongings anyway.
I decided I would use this cleaning opportunity to pack away winter clothes as well as go through my possessions and try and begin packing. Before I could stop myself, all of my clothes were piled up on top of my bed. Though I consider myself a humble human being, I realize that the amount of clothing I have is anything but small.
Free Pegasus Palooza shirts, single socks and, black leggings with holes were some of the items that were easy enough to remove from my collection. Then, things began to get harder.
I had learned a trick a while back that said any clothing item a person hasn’t worn in a year should be given away. With the state my closet was in, I couldn’t tell what I had worn or hadn’t worn. It was even hard to remember if I’d worn something in the past year.
I discovered that what worked for me was trying things on, seeing what I still love and, being honest with myself. Were there some things that didn’t fit?
Sure, of course. Though, even if something didn’t fit quite the way it had before, I still questioned myself if I loved it enough to keep it.
After finishing clothing, I moved on to the deep cleaning. Growing up, my mother instilled in me the 1,000 uses for bleach and, how to clean everything and anything with it.
These lessons came in handy as I tackled my bathroom. Though the fumes began to get to me after a while, I didn’t stop scrubbing until I could almost see my reflection in anything and everything porcelain.
Vacuuming and dusting are other steps that go along with a thorough cleaning. It wasn’t until after these steps that I felt like I’d done everything I could do to prepare my apartment for the new season.
Cleaning is something essential to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. With the changing of the season, comes the desire to throw out the old and invite the new.
Though these feelings are natural, instead of throwing out your old clothes, try to donate them, sell them or, recycle them. Even though you’re over your jean skirt someone else may be on the hunt to find one.
Going through a spring cleaning ready’s your space for what the season has in store, such as finals. So pick up a broom, dust off your vacuum and, get cleaning.