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In Latin the word April means “opening” like the opening of a new season and the way we tend to open up the curtains and shades on the windows to allow more light to get into our homes. For photographers the aperture or opening of the camera lens helps tell a story on film all determined by the amount of light that the photographer allows through the aperture setting. We need to only think about how much spring sunlight we are going to allow into our homes, offices, and lives. Let the sun shine in!!!
“It's as if when I open myself up to every perception, things create their own focus.” ― Kristin Cashore, Graceling
Welcome to the 4th month of GROOM YOUR ROOM organizing activities. Can you believe we are at the 4th month already? I can feel myself opening up from the inside out. It’s like a horse being let loose at the starting gate. Let’s just go and run and be and do!!
Let’s jump right in, shall we?
The first item on our top 5 organizing activities for April is to take time to prepare for whatever holiday you are celebrating this month; whoever you welcome into your world, your home, your space. Let’s get to making sure you have everything you need and that your space is reflecting your most comforting self. I usually start with a list. My list can be just one page or sometimes I break the big list into smaller lists that are more category specific. For example, I might have a list that is strictly for my menu, another list for only decorations, another list only for specific chores I want to make sure don’t get missed. Create your entertaining for the holidays list in whatever form works for you. If you are organizing a Sedar for Passover or an Easter Egg Hunt here are some tips that might be helpful: https://www.homeorganizeit.com/organize-for-easter.html
The 2nd item on our top 5 organizing list is to get those carpets and rugs cleaned. A lot of dirt and sand has embedded themselves into our rugs and carpets from the winter time. Cleaning out all that grime and debris will help your rooms shine and make those spring bright rooms smell amazing and fresh. If professional carpet cleaning is not in the budget this year then I have found that either renting a machine to help get the job done works great and for smaller areas I use a spray cleaner for carpets that I find at the grocery store. Cleaning carpets and rugs yourself gives you a closer look at wear and tear and can be a great catalyst to rearranging furniture or eliminating pieces that just don’t suit your style any longer.
“Through the window, I saw the beautiful world outside: the sky, the sun, the cacti, the rocks, and the dirt.”
Patrick Jennings, We Can't All Be Rattlesnakes
What good is the new angle of the sun if the light is muted through the dirty windows. I know, this is a tedious to-do but oh what a glorious view opens up once the grime and dirt of the winter is washed away. Sometimes I get the task done while talking on the phone. It helps cleaning and chores go a bit faster when my mind is preoccupied with conversation. Why not try a natural alternative to chemical cleaners https://www.mnn.com/your-home/at-home/stories/how-to-clean-windows-naturally
Since we are getting down to the spring cleaning details, let’s not forget about all of the appliances that live in our homes. Appliances like toaster ovens, microwave ovens, stove tops, the oven itself, the warmer drawer of the oven, refrigerators, coffee makers and pots, washing machine, dryer, computer keyboards, T.V.’s, DVD players, stereo equipment, printers, BBQ, etc.
“Hungry licked her spoon and then pointed it at me. 'Aren't you forgetting the dishes?' she asked. 'Absolutely not,' I said. 'I'll remember the dishes as long as I live. See you later, Hungry.” ― Lemony Snicket, Shouldn't You Be in School?
This might sound a bit crazy but do you use different dishes in the spring and summer months than for the fall and winter? My daughter worked at a coffee shop during high school and through college and if I tell you I have an abundance of coffee mugs, water bottles, espresso cups and tea cups I am not exaggerating. I could open a store with how overrun my kitchen cabinets are for the many ways to drink a hot or cold beverage. So, I decided in order to show some love to the inventory I would rotate these darling mugs by the season. I then took it a step further and switched out my dishes for the season as well. It’s a bit crazy I know but oh so fun and whimsical too.
Enjoy the deep breath of April. See you soon.
Call To Action
What opens up for you in April?
How do you spend these longer days?
What becomes possible once the spring season is in full swing?
Photo Credits: Unsplash Zac Durant, Charissa T., Naomi Hebert, Clem Onojeghuo
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