Top 5 Ways to Welcome Spring
Spring is upon us, and it’s time to start thinking about all the lovely things we get to do outside in these warm days! But that also means dealing with a host of unwanted tasks we’ve left over the winter, which can’t – or shouldn’t – be left undone.
To make it easy for you, I’ve included a list of my top 5 ways to welcome spring into your home, as well as some tips to make them easy.
1. Open the windows! Let that fresh spring breeze blow the musty cobwebs of winter away. Of course, first you probably want to wash your windows.
Vacuum first. Bugs may have made their cozy winter homes inside your window, so before you leave the window open, consider vacuuming the inside. It’ll save you time and you won’t be surprised by unexpected guests.
2. Freshen your rugs! Despite the best of intentions, winter can be hard on floors. Between tracking in mud, snow, and ice-melt, there’s only so much a broom and a vacuum alone can accomplish.
Take them outside. Our great-grandmothers used to go out and beat the rugs. They knew a thing or two – why not knock all that dirt and gunk out of the rug where you won’t have to sweep it up? Letting the sun deodorize your rugs is also a wonderful way to bring the sweet smell of spring inside, instead of the musty smell of Christmas past. Just don’t leave them out so long the colors start to fade!
3. Put away the winter décor! It’s time to make the trek back to the attic for those few forgotten Christmas decorations. Getting the last of the winter holidays OUT is one of the nicest ways to bring spring IN.
It’s not necessary to have a bunch of spring decorations, unless you love them! I like to decorate for spring by opening the windows and letting the trees outside be my visual interest. They’re just starting to turn green where I live! Watching things come alive out the window is my favorite kind of decoration, since it reminds me how close we are to the days of gardening and picnics.
4. Switch out your winter clothes for your spring wardrobe! Make sure you leave a few warm things – we’re likely to see some frost yet. But the bulk of the winter clothing can be swapped out for the season.
You only need one set of storage for your seasonal clothes. You can swap them out in between seasons, so you don’t have empty storage sitting around all year long, half in one set of bins and half in another. It makes changing out your seasonal clothes easy and quick, and gives you the chance to declutter as you decide what doesn’t need to be stored for later.
5. Be realistic. I know, this tip isn’t as fun, but it is necessary! Spring feels like a time ripe with possibilities, and it makes us feel as though we could do anything. We can do a lot, but not everything. Trying to plan for everything is a sure way to set yourself up for a stressful, busy spring instead of an enjoyable one.
When you’re buying the seeds to start your garden or deciding how many lawn gnomes to buy at Lowe’s (and come on, we ALL need one more lawn gnome, right?), ask yourself when you’ll have the time to keep up with it. If you won’t have the time, admit it now, before you’ve spent money and time on it. A few moments’ regret, while uncomfortable, is better than spending your whole spring wishing you’d simply said “no.”
I’m wishing you all the best this spring, and I hope you’re planning to make the most of it. And by making the most of it, I mean making it fun. Do the things you find relaxing, enjoyable, and inspiring, and leave the rest for another day. It’s time to grab hold of the joy of the season and let all that fresh-smelling possibility in, so that your home feels like the place you want to be.