Many seasons may find us moving from one place to another. Moving can really be a tough chore and difficult experience… No question about it! But regardless of the season, a relocation or change of any sort, despite its expected challenges, can be a great opportunity to do a “spring cleaning” not just in our home, but in our personal and professional lives as well. A good “spring clean” — as many of our grandmothers would say — offers the chance to discard what is no longer necessary or useful, reorganize on many levels, and leaves us with the chance for a fresh start. We have in those seasons of change the perfect opportunity to simplify our lives in numerous ways.
Have you ever finished loading up that truck, after weeks of sorting and pitching and packing, run the vacuum over the carpet one last time, shut the door and looked ahead toward a new beginning? Those are moments of exhaustion and uncertainty, kind of scary in a way, yet there can be hope, a sense of freedom, and the anticipation of something new. Rooms may be different, hopefully clean, and ready for our inspiration and creativity to turn them into a nest for us and those we share with.
Here are some ideas of ways to “spring clean” and simplify when you are facing a move (or, just because you want your life in better order!)…
- Reduce clutter — recycle, donate, throw away, give away, sell, share what is not essential to your survival and well–being. Eliminating non-essentials sets the stage for a simpler lifestyle and more time and energy to devote to our priorities.
- Determine the things that really matter — reexamine your list of goals.
- Change your consumer habits — do you really need this or that? Put a moratorium on shopping. Consider shopping a treat, not a sport or hobby. When you throw out something old and worn, then bring in something new.
- Say “no” to those things that do not align with your goals, values, beliefs, and priorities — learn to overcome the guilt that so often goes along with saying “no.”
- Reevaluate personal and household routines — consider new ways of managing self-care, daily practices, and household chores.
- Create a simple wardrobe — start with what you already have. Limit your color scheme. Make your own rules.
- Practice simple parenting — keep YOUR life simple. Involve kids in household chores. Curtail their extracurricular activities and monitor their use of technology. Teach your kids how to handle money appropriately, and set buying limits.
- Develop a weekly meal plan to guide healthy eating and food purchases. Drink water.
- Walk and bike more often.
Tell us about your favorite moving adventure and (after the chaos of the experience!) what you found could be simpler for you?