Fresh starts – who doesn't love them?
Isn't that what spring is all about? Hence the whole concept of spring cleaning – where we literally upend our homes to clean out every nook, cranny and junk drawer – so we can sit back and enjoy the result.
However – why stop at your home, I think? After the past two years, can we all just agree a full life spring clean sounds more like it? If you too have been feeling a little overwhelmed, unmotivated or just a bit down – don't underestimate the power of small changes.
Spring cleaning doesn't just have to be about skirting boards and kitchen presses.
How about an uncluttering project for your life? A 30-day 'detox' to free up more space, and get rid of habits, things and mess you don't need. And in its place, make room for more joy, more order, more purpose and even better health and finances too?
Sounds good? We think so too. And here are 30 simple steps to do just that:
1. Reorganise your fridge and kitchen presses
Check what you need to stock up on, toss anything expired and get storage containers that are easy to refill. This will mean less plastic, and it will be easier to shop more sustainably for your groceries and pantry staples.
2. Clear out your inbox – be ruthless
And while you are at it, unsubscribe to all newsletters you no longer wish to receive.
3. Change your bed – and make a note to change it once a week going forward
I always strip the beds as soon as I get up Friday morning – that way, I have to make it before I can go to bed that night.
4. Look through your cookbooks – or food boards on Pinterest – and pick some new recipes to try
Commit to trying at least one or two new recipes a week.
5. Clean out your handbag
No one needs to carry all that stuff around on a daily basis.
6. And while you are at it, clean out your wallet too
Old receipt, Luas tickets, it can all go.
7. Detox your social media accounts
Unfollow accounts that don't leave you feeling happy and inspired
8. Start going to bed and getting up at a set time
Trust me – you won't know yourself once you get settled into a sleep schedule.
9. Try to eat more plant-based foods and meals
It's better for you, better for your wallet, better for the planet and better for the animals.
10. Call an old friend you haven't spoken to in a while
And commit to reaching out to people you'd love to stay in touch with more.
11. Try journaling for a few minutes in the morning
You might be surprised at how much you will learn about yourself.
12. Clean out your car
And commit to doing it every four weeks going forward.
13. Try going a whole day without complaining
It might be hard to start with, but you'll soon see how big of a difference it will make.
14. Take a look at recurring charges on your bank statements
Reevaluate – is there something you can save on?
15. Clean out your wardrobe
And try to be ruthless – don't keep things you no longer wear or like.
16. Try to cultivate a morning habit that makes you want to get up every day
Morning coffee, a podcast you love, a playlist that gets you excited – figure out how to start your days right and stick to it.
17. Start scheduling your workouts
Chances are you'll make more of an effort to actually do them if they are in your schedule.
18. Make an effort to never go to bed angry
Do what you need to do to make this happen.
19. Deep clean one room in your house
You'll feel so much better once it is done.
20. Start using a reusable water bottle and track how much water you are drinking
You really should aim for two litres a day.
21. Invest in a reusable coffee cup too
Better for the environment and many coffee shops will give you a discount if you bring your own cup.
22. Simplify your day
Less hustle, more slow.
23. Spend less time on your phone
Life is happening IRL, not on your screen.
24. Start meal prepping your lunches
It will save you stress, money and make it easier to eat healthy and more varied.
25. Buy less
Clothes, makeup, clutter – we don't need as much of it as we think we do.
26. Start saving
Even if it is €25 a month – it is a start.
27. Practise being kind to yourself
We are all just doing our best.
28. Buy yourself flowers every week
Fresh flowers are proven to bring happiness – and we all need more of it.
29. Write a bucket list
Dream big and really explore the must-do and must-see things that you want to tackle in your future (both distant and near).
30. Make time to see family and friends more
After all, time with those we love is what life is really all about.
