Making Spring Cleaning Bearable (and Maybe Even Fun?)

Making Spring Cleaning Bearable (and Maybe Even Fun?)

By Kay Christopherson, Pie Bar Woodstock

Is it just me, or has winter absolutely flown by? It's already the end of February, which means that it's going to start getting warmer as we get into spring (if the unpredictable, it's-a-new-season-everyday Georgia weather cooperates). Next to fall, spring is my favorite time of year...but there's one thing I dread:

Spring. Cleaning. Dun dun dunnnnn.

Oh no, that shelf hasn't been dusted since you assembled it from those overly-complicated Ikea instructions a year ago. Those hardwood floors are begging for a mop. How often is a person supposed to clean the bathroom? Every couple of years, or something? Oh, and that aforementioned shelf is overflowing with books that you've been meaning to donate.

Getting your home back to its former glory can be a daunting task, but I've learned some tips on how to make it a bit easier. Who knows? Maybe you'll even find that you enjoyed spring cleaning. (I know, I know. "Enjoyed" and "cleaning" in the same sentence seems like an oxymoron...)

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One of the best ways to tackle your chore list is having the philosophy of "worst things first." Arrange your to-do list in order of "Oh my god, I'd rather drink a pickles and orange juice smoothie than accomplish this task," to "Wow! I really should've gotten this five-second, super easy chore done sooner." I'm very guilty of procrastinating on things that I dread, but the sense of relief I feel afterward is worth dragging myself to the bathroom with an army of cleaning supplies and finally scrubbing that shower tile. Plus, I usually find that it really wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be!

Another spring cleaning task that can be overwhelming: decluttering. This is when you need to channel your inner Marie Kondo. For those unfamiliar, Marie Kondo is known for her Netflix show called "Tidying Up with Marie Kondo" where she helps declutter folks' homes. One way she does this is the "Spark Joy" method - basically, you touch the items that you're not sure if you want to get rid of; if touching the item sparks joy, then you keep it! If it doesn't, then you get rid of it. It may sound silly, but it's a strategy that really works. You'll find that you'll keep the things that make you happy or mean a lot to you (e.g. those sentimental cards from your grandma) while throwing away or donating the things that don't (e.g. that itchy sweater that you've held onto for absolutely no reason).

If you're decluttering your bookshelf, feel free to swing by Pie Bar and drop off your reads at our Little Free Pie-brary. We have one at both locations!

Another one of my go-to ways to get chores done is to put on a podcast or a playlist. Need some recommendations? Since I spend most of my off-days binging my favorite pods or making/listening to weirdly specific and carefully curated playlists, I've definitely got some recommendations for you.

Want a podcast to keep you company while you clean out the creepy attic? For movie fans, I recommend Blank Check, a movie review podcast that takes a deep dive into different filmographies. For those who want an offbeat, funny listen, I recommend Lizard People, where comedians talk about a different outlandish conspiracy theory each week. More of a true crime fanatic? Check out My Favorite Murder. Are in-depth celebrity interviews with an NPR vibe more your speed? You'll love Talk Easy.

Want to use your broom as a microphone as you sweep the kitchen? I've also got some upbeat music recommendations to add to your cleaning playlist:

  • "Look at That Girl" - Otis Redding
  • "Pull It Together" - The Greeting Committee
  • "Burning Down the House" - The Talking Heads
  • "Now I'm In It" - HAIM
  • "Beautiful" - Carole King
  • "Green Light" - Lorde
  • "Don't Take The Money" - Bleachers

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Picture this: you've crossed the last thing off of your cleaning to-do list. You put your cleaning supplies away and threw those bags of Goodwill donations in your car. You sink into your couch with your drink-of-choice. You breathe a sigh of relief as you survey your newly-cleaned home, feeling tired but proud of yourself. Maybe you can even light one of our yummy-smelling Pie Bar candles. (My personal fav is the Cozy Space Candle, which basically smells like autumn in a jar.)

As daunting as spring cleaning can be, there's nothing better than the sense of accomplishment you feel after everything is all swept, scrubbed, and shiny.

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