37 reasons to love a good spring clean
Are you a spring-cleaning enthusiast or a serial avoider? While strong cases can be made both for and against a massive stem-to-stern cleanse, what is always true is that taking simple steps to incrementally clean and organize your living environment gives you outsized rewards compared to the effort you put in.
I took a little informal poll among friends, family and Buttoned Up fans to see just how many benefits we could capture. In the end, I settled on thirty-seven great reasons to get moving on those spring-cleaning projects right now. So if you’re lacking a little in the motivational department read on!
1. You Breathe Better.
If you’re one of the 20 million Americans who are allergic to dust mites, giving your home a thorough dust will provide relief from runny noses, itchy eyes, and even from asthma attacks.
2. You Get Some Free Aromatherapy.
There’s nothing quite like the fresh scent of a home that has been thoroughly cleaned. But did you know some scents in cleaning solutions can also help your mood? Lavender is used to calm the mind and lower stress. The sunny smell of lemon is actually infectious; its scent is seen as an antidepressant. And pine scents will not only help clear your lungs of phlegm, but are frequently used to combat stress and fatigue.
3. You Gain More Energy.
Clutter isn’t just ugly to look at – it is exhausting. Why? Because every time you see it you are reminded of how much work you still have to do. Outer order eliminates that tension. When you clean up, you free up the mental energy you were devoting to thinking about all the work you still had to do.
4. You Lengthen the Life of Your Valuable Things.
Well-maintained things simply hold up better over the long run when they are well cared for.
5. You Improve Your Safety.
Sleep more soundly knowing smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms have fully charged batteries and that important documents are organized so you can get to them quickly if needed.
6. You Get a Happier Start to Your Day.
Outer order leads to inner order. When your closet and dressers are organized, you start they day feeling calmer, more in control, and happier.
7. You Gain More Time.
Sadly the average person wastes at least 30 minutes, and often 60 minutes, looking for things they know they have but just can’t seem to put a finger on. That adds up quickly. What would you do with two extra weeks of time a year?!
8. Healthier Skin.
Old cosmetics harbor bacteria and other nasty things that can cause dermatitis (little red bumps that look like acne), pink eye, and even cold sores. Your skin will thank you for getting rid of makeup that’s past its prime.
9. You Get to Say Goodbye to Winter.
Relish the thought that you can skip the coats, mittens and gloves before heading out the door. Enjoy cooking while it’s still light outside. Leave the windows open and let those fresh breezes clear out stale air.
10. You Are Reminded of What You Have and Appreciate It.
It’s easy to lose sight of what you DO have when things are a mess. When you deep clean you get to reconnect with the reasons why you fell in love with your home in the first place as well as items that truly mean something to you.
11. You Strengthen Your Delegating Muscle.
If you live with others, enlist the help of housemates to get the spring-cleaning chores done. If you need tips read this Buttoned Up post on delegating chores effectively.
12. Everything Sparkles.
Sparkling glass and polished metal are just plain pretty.
13. Your House Is Grandma-Ready.
Enjoy the satisfaction you can get only when the house is cleaner than a surgery theatre in a hospital. Use it as an excuse to invite grandma over.
14. You’ll Increase Your Home’s Value.
Taking the time to create effective storage areas in your home pays dividends when it comes time to sell.
15. You’ll Have to Do Less Cleaning Later.
Often in spring-cleaning you tackle the root causes of clutter and dirt build-up. That means a little elbow grease today pays dividends in the long run.
16. You’ll Enjoy More Light.
Squeaky-clean windows, dusted lampshades, and fresh light bulbs to replace dead ones all mean a brighter, cheerier home.
17. You’ll Keep the Handyman at Bay.
Six simple maintenance steps on your fridge will prevent almost 100% of refrigerator breakdowns and eliminate those service calls.
18. Finding Something You Thought You Had Lost.
19. You Get to Cross Lots of Tasks Off Your List.
There’s nothing like blazing through a spring-cleaning list, gaining momentum after crossing off each task.
20. You Can Do Things You Can’t Do During Winter.
The mere fact that you can throw open a window is wonderful. So is spending an hour or two outside cleaning windows. Relish the fact that you finally can.
21. More Color!
Flowers, brighter sheets, pillows and throws come out of hiding and brighten up tired rooms. It’s enough to put a smile on anyone’s face.
22. You Gain a Happier Commute.
Cleaning out your car is a dreary affair in winter. But once the warm weather arrives, it’s fun again. Just as getting dressed when your closet’s organized, driving to work is more enjoyable when your car is spic-and-span.
23. You Get the Motivation to Work Out.
When you see all your summer outfits doesn’t it make you want to fit into them (without the rolls hanging out) – and inspire you to get back on the exercise bandwagon?
24. A Walk Down Memory Lane.
As you dust picture frames and put away wayward items, you’ll invariably come across something that reminds you of that time…
25. You Get Exercise Without Exercising.
Burn calories while you clean!
26. You Get a Better Night’s Sleep.
When you turn your mattress, it holds its shape better over time, which means better zzzzzs for you.
27. You Can Take a Tax Deduction.
Donating unwanted items gives you something to deduct next April.
28. You Get an Updated, Fresh “Look” Without Spending a Dime.
When everything in your home is organized and decluttered, it’s like getting a makeover without having to buy anything new.
29. You Have a Chance to Listen to Something Great.
Never have time to read? While you’re cleaning, listen to a great podcast or book on tape. If that’s not your thing, put on your favorite tunes.
30. Seeing countertops and desktops.
It’s easy to forget how great they look when they’re empty and you actually have room to work.
31. It’ll Get Your Creative Juices Flowing.
As you focus on each room, you’ll see quickly where small tweaks, like changing the angle of a couch, can make a huge difference. Have fun while you freshen up each space.
32. That Feeling of Accomplishment.
Putting forth a significant effort to accomplish something builds self-esteem. It reminds you that you can do whatever it is you set out to do and makes you want to take on more.
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