Clutter-Buster Challenge: Day 1

Spring turns me into a spaz. The first string of warm days feel a little like waking up from a long winter's nap, only to find your nest has been ravaged by squirrels. The warm rays come streaming through my dirty window panes, and land gently on the layers of dust and clutter that have accumulated during the gray, winter months.

There are suddenly piles of clutter that need to be sorted (and taken to Goodwill). There are rooms that need to be painted, furniture that needs to be steam cleaned, cobwebs that need to be swatted, and blinds that need to be dusted.

But when it comes down to it, I just want to play work outside. I want to separate bulbs and lambs ear. I want to paint my chicken coop. I want to mulch the flower beds and plant the garden and lay on a blanket and read a book and sip lemonade do other productive things.

And this year, having chickens and ducks roaming the yard while I'm outside playing working has made the temptation so much stronger.

I'd love to tell you that I have chosen housework. I've been a good homemaker and mopped my floors and dusted the cobwebs and kept the laundry in check.

I'd love to tell you that....

Anyways.

Today is the first day of May. The last month my two older kiddos will be in school. The month before the chaos and fun of summer.

This is my best opportunity to get these things in check.

So I'm declaring May to be...

 

Why not 30 days? It's very simple... I'm going to the beach at the end of the month. (WOO HOOOOO!)

Everyday, there will be a new homemaking challenge. Some will be a quick 10-15 minute job (like knocking down cobwebs or dusting ceiling fans). Some will be a bit longer, but still manageable (like culling my summer wardrobe). Each challenge will be something that can be completed during nap time because, ya know, that's all the time I have.

You can join me in doing the challenges I'm doing, or you can spend 15-20 minutes on your own challenges! Either way, be sure to check in every day from now until May 20, and let us know how you're de-cluttering your space!

Let's make peaceful homes for ourselves and our families before summertime hits! 

Day 1 Challenge: Get prepared! Spend a few minutes today going through your cleaning supplies. Throw out empty bottles. Make a shopping list of items you might need for cleaning and organizing. Throw your apron in the wash so it's pretty and clean for tomorrow's challenge. As you go about your day today, start making a mental checklist of things you want to accomplish in your home in the next 20 days. Remember: nothing that takes longer than one nap time! Have fun!