March gave us a glimpse of spring and during those few days when the sun shone and the blustery winds subsided. I happily peered out the kitchen window trying to identify what species of sparrow was flitting among the greenery. There were so many spots on the window, though, I had to temporarily quash the budding John James Audubon within me and instead vowed to do some spring cleaning. So I found myself on an all-out mission to organize and de-clutter our living space while the vinegar and squeegee sat on the counter. After all, you generally cannot clean things if they are cluttered or crowded by other things. Maybe that is the problem—too many things.
A good rule to follow while you clear out is this: if you have not used it/worn it/fit it for a year, get rid of it. If you have not used it in five years, definitely get rid of it. Often, our stuff simply does not have a tidy place to go so it ends up occupying space on a counter, table, chest, mantel, etc. And, once one or two things get piled (especially papers) they draw more things like a magnet would. Then you are really in trouble when you are seeking that permission slip that was due to the teacher yesterday.
So get rid of stuff. This is especially hard with kids. We are talking pre-schoolers’ myriad pieces of art to high schoolers’ trail of clothes, sports gear, and homework. A friend of mine with three kids ages six and younger solves the craft project storage challenge by scanning the art and saving it all on disc. Brilliant! A friend with teens has an in-box/out-box office style system for her kids near the door.
Another method to organized kids’ stuff that otherwise accumulates on the floor and on furniture is to utilize stackable tubs or baskets with labels. Your children learn to pick up after themselves and your home is a clearer, cleaner place to inhabit. Even toddlers can pitch in if you tape photographs of which things (toys, clothes, books, dolls) go in which tub. And at that age, putting stuff away is even a fun game.
Our family is gearing up for a joint garage sale with friends. We have gotten a lot of mileage out of toys and books, and those that we would like to keep around for the very rare younger visitor nowadays will have to find another home. If we can teach our children to value what they have yet not grow incredibly attached to stuff, then we are doing them a great service and giving ourselves as adults a good reminder, too.
As I write this I see that my attempts were successful for about thirty-six hours and my world, which joyfully incorporates children on a daily basis, will remain far from spotless for a long time. I intend to do more spring cleaning and I will aim to not let stuff control us and, instead, we will control the stuff. But as I strive for a neater home I’ll keep in mind the sign that a friend has up at her house: “Please pardon the mess; my children are creating memories.”
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