In articles published in the Washington Post, during the 1800s, most households participated in an annual spring cleaning. This was because the winter left homes coated with a layer of soot in just about every room. Between lamps lit with whale oil or kerosene and heating systems using coal or wood, one can only imagine the mess left behind. It all started with opening all the windows, then proceeded with drapery being laundered, rugs taken outside and beaten, all surfaces wiped down, and linens and upholstery being cleaned. Fast forward to today, people easily remember to spring clean their houses and typically start planning about right now (in late February or early March). However, you also need to focus on spring cleaning your entire life and this should be an ongoing process throughout the year. In order to successfully accomplish this task, use these 16 steps.
1/Write everything down…stop relying on your memory! Use a method that works best for you, either keeping a small notebook in your purse or using your phone’s Notes app.
2/Clean your space one spot at a time. Whether literal or not, start with a space that is small, but important, so you can make a big impact early on.
3/Stay organized by putting things back where they belong. After using something, put it back where you got it from as soon as possible.
4/Every item should always have a home (if you are having trouble with #3). If you have an item that does not have a dedicated space or that just does not fit anymore, get rid of it.
5/Unsubscribe from every person/brand whose communications you rarely read. Only subscribe to people or services that yield a positive ROI in your life.
6/Back up your phone and computer on a regular basis. You should also back up the information in multiple locations (i.e. Google Drive, an external hard drive, etc.).
7/Use a digital organization tool when possible (i.e. Google Calendar, Trello, Slack, etc.). This is extremely helpful for people who are averse to using paper.
8/Store your passwords in a safe manner. Use the method that works best for you…if that is paper, make sure whatever you use is extra secure, and if that is digital, Password Manager software is key.
9/Create a weekly/monthly cleaning routine (i.e. home, office, contacts, email, etc.). These routines will help you create habits that help you stay organized.
10/Set clear goals and action plans for each quarter/your entire year. This ensures you stop chasing the things that are not beneficial to you, then you can focus your energy on key tasks and increase your productivity.
11/Plan and manage your money on a daily/weekly basis. There are multiple tools available for use to make this a simple process, so choose the one that works for you!
12/Do brain dumps regularly…then sort out the details in the order that works best for you! This method allows you to clear your head so you spend less time thinking and more time doing.
13/Delegate, delegate, delegate…you do not need to do everything yourself! Either barter with someone who you can provide a service for or ask a friend/family member who you can count on.
14/Create effective routines for your mornings, afternoons, and evenings. This will ensure that your life runs smoothly and you can have a bad day, but still be productive.
15/Prep as much as you can before the week starts (i.e. meals, tasks, events, etc.). Spend time every Sunday reviewing your calendar to determine what you can prepare for in advance.
16/Take many breaks and get much rest! You should aim to work hard and play harder…at the end of each week or project, prioritize moments to reflect and do the things you enjoy to reset.
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