The B5Media network:

Monday Roundup – Spring cleaning challenge!

(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?
http://www.sxc.hu/pic/m/t/to/toutouke/971962_crocus.jpg

NEWS: Kristen King of BizChicksRule.com has taken the challenge. Read about her goal here.

15 Responses to “Monday Roundup – Spring cleaning challenge!”

  1.   Barbara
    April 7th, 2008 | 8:50 am

    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.

  2.   April
    April 7th, 2008 | 2:08 pm

    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!

  3. April 7th, 2008 | 2:53 pm

    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.

  4. April 8th, 2008 | 12:47 pm

    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?

  5.   Ann
    April 9th, 2008 | 6:16 pm

    I was trying to decide what “serenity project” I would take on next; I think I’ll tackle my sock drawer!

  6. April 11th, 2008 | 10:28 am

    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?

  7. April 11th, 2008 | 10:32 am

    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!).

  8. April 11th, 2008 | 10:47 am

    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.

  9. April 11th, 2008 | 10:58 am

    Ouch! Congrats on getting it done, Alyson. I’m looking forward to seeing my little pile gone, too!

  10. April 12th, 2008 | 11:25 am

    [...] not to late to join in. Think about what you might do for your office and for yourself… Then come see what others are doing and make the leap! Tags: business, home office, Motivation, office, Productivity, self-care, spring cleaningShare [...]

  11. April 19th, 2008 | 11:24 am

    [...] Check out the thread here – and consider picking something to work on this month. I promise, you’ll be in good company! Tags: alyson stanfield, bizchicksrule, business, clean, goal, myorganizedbiz, office, small business, springShare This Related StoriesApril is Spring Cleaning Month at MOBTip of the week: Spring cleaning is better than therapyMonday Roundup – Spring cleaning challenge!Link love for green office ideasMakeover Wednesday: Spring cleaning [...]

  12.   Ann
    April 19th, 2008 | 12:58 pm

    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 . . .

  13.   Sk
    April 21st, 2008 | 12:48 pm

    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.

  14. April 28th, 2008 | 12:59 pm

    [...] – This month I issued a challenge to readers (you) to create a spring cleaning goal for the month of April. [...]

  15. August 26th, 2009 | 9:39 am

    [...] Hofmann at My Organized Biz has issued an April Spring Cleaning Challenge and I’m a little late following up with her tag. BUT, I accepted her [...]

Leave a Reply


About Us | Advertise with us | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use

All content is Copyright © 2005-2013 b5media. All rights reserved.