Monday Roundup – Spring cleaning challenge!
April 7, 2008 by Jennifer Hofmann
(www.myorganizedbiz.com) – You’ve been thinking about it… That little project in the corner that never quite got finished or dealt with? Yup. I have one (ahem), too.
My friends, April is here and it’s time.
I’ve never done the spring cleaning thing. It’s too Martha. Too cliche. But you know what? Something’s got to motivate me – and I need your help.
So I’m issuing a challenge – to you (and myself):
- 1. Pick one thing you want to clean up this month.
- 2. Post what you’re going to do – here or on your own blog.
- 3. Then check in at the end of April and share how you did.
Choosing only one thing prevents overwhelm and increases the chances for success. Got a file drawer? A tower of old photos? Cobwebs in the corners?
You’ve got a lot going on, so think of just one thing you can fit into your month that will increase the amount of clear space in your office. What would increase your enjoyment of your office if it were moved or removed?
Think of a goal for April and post it here. If we do this together, it’ll be easier and more fun. I’m rounding up some help by tagging Anne, Alyson, Eric, Kelly, Miranda, and Vicky to consider doing this with me.
Are you in? What’s your spring cleaning goal?
NEWS: Kristen King of BizChicksRule.com has taken the challenge. Read about her goal here.
I’m doing a full top-to-bottom spring cleaning, mainly because the house needs it. I do have a few special projects to go with it though. I’ve been reorganizing kitchen cabinets, and I have 3 closets and an office left to reorganize. It’s kind of fun to see so many people doing this at the same time, helpful motivation.
I don’t yet know what I am going to do the rest of the month, but this week I am FINALLY cleaning off and out the desk in the bedroom, taking it apart and having it thrown away. It’s not in good enough condition to give away. Since it’s become a dumping ground though, the cleaning of it will take at least 1 or two more days. I got started last night and does it already look so much better? Why, yes it does!
I’m way ahead of you, Jennifer! Thanks to our spa day together, I’m going to clean out my files. BUT, last Saturday my husband and I cleaned out our lower level, which was driving me batty with all of my book distribution stuff.
So, since I’ve already done that: It’s files. And not just the files in my office, but the files in my archives.
It would be fun to do this again. (Maybe it’s a monthly thing!) I need to tackle my digital photos next. Oh, boy.
Wow! Thanks for the great responses!
Barbara – I loved your kitchen before-and-after photos. I think it’s a terrific to take them because you can really SEE the difference when you’re done.
April – That sounds like an awesome goal. You’re literally “breaking it down” into small steps.
I’ve never been a big fan of dual-purpose bedrooms – especially if the work desk is in there. Good for you for getting it out. I’ll bet you’ll sleep better as a result.
Alyson – I’m really looking forward to working with you on our Office Spa Day! There’s great power in setting an intention – it creates its own momentum (as you discovered).
Archives can be especially problematic because they cause no apparent issue (unless you’re tripping over them). We often miss their more subtle effect – they’re the low hum in the background… waiting to be dealt with. Clearing them out can free creative energy.
Can’t wait to see what happens next!
Okay! Who else is taking the challenge?
I was trying to decide what “serenity project” I would take on next; I think I’ll tackle my sock drawer!
Awesome! The nice thing about sock drawers is they look so nice and tidy when you’re done.
What do you do with your orphan socks, Ann?
I realized that I haven’t fessed up to my own project this month – although I can’t stop thinking about it.
I’ve been procrastinating on entering my buiness expenses in my accounting program since the end of January. Yes, it’s true.
So, I’m actually featuring myself on next week’s Wendsday Makeover – and Yvonne Russell from HomeBizNotes.com is going to give me some advice on what to do to get the receipt pile under control Yay! I’ll keep you posted on the progress (and I hope you do, too!).
Jennifer, I spent 4+ days catching up with biz bookkeeping last week. It was painful! And I vow never to get that far behind again (2-3 weeks). It happens when you travel as much as I’ve been traveling. But the catch-up phase is ugly.
Ouch! Congrats on getting it done, Alyson. I’m looking forward to seeing my little pile gone, too!
So glad you asked! I did indeed tackle my sock drawer; since it also contains undies I’ve decided not to post a photo
Regarding odd socks, I only found one so I tossed it! and giving myself a pat on the back for not keeping it “just in case”.
Today I’m tackling a much bigger project: two cupboards chock-full of toiletries, cleaning supplies, light bulbs, batteries, towels, etc. etc.
I’m taking frequent breaks and doing lots of deep breathing so I won’t freak out . . .
I need to do something with my stacks of “Important Papers”. They need to be safe, out of the way, yet organized and accessible so I don’t take hours trying to find them when I need them.