The Gift of Your Time Is What Moms Want

The best thing to give #Mom on #Mother’s Day is your time. Take a bike ride together, visit other relatives, have a picnic in the park or go to a concert — getting out and doing something she likes is the best way to celebrate. Alternatively, take some to-dos off her plate by dedicating a day to #deep-cleaning her house or completing some handyman chores. “If it’s a big job, enlist the help of other family members or hire a service,” Today says. “While some folks don’t mind doing the work themselves, plenty would appreciate someone else doing the heavy lifting.” If you’re far away, don’t forget to call! #MothersDay

Give Mom a Journal to Record Her Memories

Want to know more about #Mom? One #Mother’s Day #gift that won’t take up much space and deliver mountains of memories is a journal. Journals such as Mom, I Want to Hear Your Story and Burn After Writing offer prompts to help Mom reflect on her own childhood and impart her knowledge, even if she isn’t a seasoned writer or storyteller. “Once mom starts filling out [a] journal book, you’ll be surprised by how much you don’t know about her life,” Wirecutter says. Another idea is a gift certificate for a framing service — which can cut the household #clutter by getting a few of those treasured family photos out of drawers and on display. #MothersDay

Give Mom a Gift That Won’t Create Clutter

Looking for the perfect #Mother’s Day #gift for the #mom who has everything — or maybe two of everything? Give a gift that won’t add to #clutter! These might include consumables such as chocolates, healthy snacks, wine and spirits, or a gourmet dinner in or out. Active moms might appreciate a fitness class, yoga session or massage; magazine subscriptions, apps and classes won’t add to the physical #stuff if you go all-digital. Better still, take mom on an excursion or make a #donation to a #charity in her name, Abundant Life With Less suggests. It’s the memories that matter most! #MothersDay

Honest Abe Had a Problem With Clutter

As a young lawyer, Abraham Lincoln “was a frightfully #messy person” who stored important speeches in his hat in order to not lose them in the #clutter, according to President Lincoln’s Cottage. “Papers, briefs, letters and notes scattered to the four corners of his office,” and his desk had an envelope on it marked, “When you can’t find it anywhere else, look into this.” As revered as Lincoln is for his accomplishments as president, take advantage of this Presidents Day to clear your desk or another space of space of clutter — and donate any lightly used #stuff to ClothingDonations.org. #PresidentsDay

Dust to Keep Your Home Allergen-Free

Dirt and dust collect fast in winter, when houses are closed up against the cold. To keep your air #allergen-free, do a top-down #cleaning that includes the tops of moldings, framed artwork, blinds, books, and other hidden horizontal surfaces, Broomstick Cleaning says. Change the furnace filter on a regular basis to maintain air quality and optimize your heating dollar. And remember that a #cluttered home is harder to keep #clean, so try to eliminate any #clothing, papers and tchotchkes that you just don’t need or want and are getting in the way. #Donate any lightly used items to ClothingDonations.org. #WinterCleaning