Author: Jordank

Editorial Coordinator

Help Mom Be More Minimalist

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Moms — everyone has one. And this Sunday is the day many among us will celebrate them. You might do that by taking her out to brunch, giving her a day off, flowers, cards or a call.

There’s another option that can help you show you care, however, in combination with one or more of those classic options or separately throughout the year: Help Mom be more minimalist.

No two moms are alike, of course; some are packrats with closets full of clothes and big collections of tchotchkes and gewgaws; some are spartan neat-freaks. Wherever yours fits on that spectrum, she needs help managing and organizing her #stuff.

We at The Organizing Blog were fortunate to have moms who kept everything #neat and #tidy, never allowing unwanted or unused #junk to pile up. But there was nothing they liked more than a little help with their household tasks.

If your mom is getting older, it’s more urgent for you to help her #downsize. There may be many things that are easy to let go, says Aging Outreach Services, but handle sentimental items with care.

If a move to a smaller space is imminent, make an action plan to eliminate everything but the essentials, room by room. Recruit family members and friends to make a day out of a decluttering effort. And most importantly, be patient.

Repeat the process as often as as necessary to get Mom to a refreshed, #decluttered place. It might even be something you can bond over — especially if you have a #garage sale that helps fund a dinner out or a spa day.

Remember, you can schedule as many free #donation #pickups as you want at ClothingDonations.org to get any extra clothing or unused household goods out of Mom’s sight as quickly as possible.

Helping #Mom #declutter is a Mother’s Day gift that keeps on giving. Not only will she appreciate having a cleaner, more organized space, but both of you will cherish the time you spend together.

Clean House, Clean Living

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A #spring #scrubdown doesn’t have to be interpreted as #cleaning things and spaces only, Redbook says; you can also bring a sense of #cleansing and renewal other areas of your life. It’s a great time to start meditating, get things fixed, discard old paperwork, catch up on your sleep, and disconnect from devices or bad relationships. Of course, it’s a good time to evaluate your wardrobe for things you no longer wear don’t wear, too: “Haven’t worn it in a year? It’s time to #donate or sell it,” the story says. “Whatever you do, don’t toss apparel — old #clothing often ends up in landfills.”

Don’t Put off Household Cleaning Chores

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You’d think that the work-from-home revolution that launched alongside the #pandemic would inspire people to #clean more. But there are many household #cleaning chores people put off because they just don’t like to do them, says a survey released by homebuilder Lombardo Homes. No. 1 on the list is #cleaning the bathroom, followed closely by #washing dishes, doing laundry, cleaning the fridge and doing yardwork. While 85% of survey respondents admit they avoid doing chores they don’t like, the pandemic has made a majority “more diligent” about cleaning their homes.

Focus Your Household Deep-Cleaning

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Any #spring #scrubdown should target areas of the home that have seen heavy use over the winter, the Iowa State Daily says. Clean and deodorize rugs and carpeting, clean the oven and the refrigerator, and clean and freshen drains. Also wash the windows — inside and out, if possible — to let the sunlight in. The change of seasons is also a good time to clear out and #donate extra #clothing: “Free up space in your closet or dresser by going through old, unused items,” the story says. “If you haven’t worn something in the last year, consider #donating it to someone in need.”

It’s Time to Do a Deep-Cleaning

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With the temperatures warming and trees budding, it’s time to do a deep #cleaning to keep your home #healthy and (relatively) allergen-free. If you have the time and equipment, you can do a #deep-clean in 10 days, Swirlster says. Dedicate the first two days to the living or family room, and start at the top by #dusting ceiling fans, light fixtures and vents. Proceed to dust/wipe down the walls and any pictures or decorations hanging there, as well as the blinds and drapes. Once the dust has settled (literally), wipe down the baseboards and all flat surfaces, then sweep, vacuum and mop.