I have been aching for the opportunity to do a Spring Reset, and the time is nigh. With work and houseguests and adult children back in the nest for a spell, I just have not had the time nor the mental state to embark upon one of my favorite annual rituals. But I realized the other day when I was staring at the eclipse (through a pair of safety glasses, of course) that this glorious spring is going by too quickly and I need to get on with it already. Now, why am I calling it a Spring Reset instead of just listing out how to do a spring cleaning, you may ask? Well, it is so much MORE than just a clean. Cleaning is also very welcome and needed this time of year, but some other areas of our lives need attention as well. I like to set aside a little bit of time each day for about a week to do a reset of this magnitude, but you could also set aside a weekend and just really go at it! Let's go!

Spring is almost officially here, although I am sure spring looks different depending on where you live. Here in Northern California, the trees are blossoming and new green shoots are pushing through our thankfully soaked soils. No matter your weather, it is time to start thinking about spring cleaning and refreshing our spaces for the new season. Before you jump into an elaborate and official Spring Cleaning Attack, I would like to offer a gentler yet impactful start to the season. Open up your windows! The benefits of opening up the curtains AND the windows are plentiful and free!

I don't know about you, but I really do get a little thrill when I see those Pinterest perfect images of neatly arranged, uniform canisters with tidy labels marching across their faces. There is just something about that ORDER that is pretty darn appealing. But listen. Isn't it kind of bonkers to pay so much money for stuff to house our stuff? Didn't we just declutter? And now we are being nudged to feel the need to spend a bundle on the latest line of vessels to keep things organized and magazine worthy. Also, this new organizing system is probably made of plastic, wrapped in plastic, and brought home from the store in one of their giant plastic bags. Something feels off here!

Happy February! This is such a great time to embark on a decluttering journey, although I cannot say there is ever really a bad time. In fact, decluttering is a bit of a lifelong habit. Now that you have set your intentions for the year and know your Why, it is time to get started. The best way to begin is not going to be the same for everyone. In my experience, there are two main styles. I will call them "waders" and "divers". Waders will be more comfortable starting small. Perhaps beginning with a drawer, or an easy room in the home that is not too overwhelming is the way to go and build confidence in the process. Divers want to jump right off the dock. They might want to begin by slaying the biggest dragon in the castle, like tackling the garage or the kitchen. After the biggest and most frustrating area is completed, divers turn their focus to other areas needing attention…

How is winter treating you? How is your home feeling now that things have quieted down? Are you finally ready to turn your attention to the fresh, new year? Well, before you tackle the big job of decluttering, I encourage you to get in touch with your motivation, or find your "why". Why do you want to make changes in your life? What is your intention behind decluttering your home and the systems you have in place? Take some time to stroll through every single space in your home and casually absorb your belongings, how they are set up, and how you feel about what you see. Whether you live in a room in someone else's home, in a studio apartment, or in a sprawling manse, go in every space and open every drawer and closet and cupboard. And ask yourself these questions…

Happy January! Please get yourself a cup of tea, or a big glass of water if your night was a big one, have a seat and take a nice big breath. The holidays are now in the rear view mirror, but their sparkle is probably still all over your floor. And that is totally okay! We are prodded this time of year to quickly turn our attention to our goals, resolutions, or our "Word of the Year" when we still have wrapping paper to recycle. It is hard to ignore the battle cry of the perfect Pinterest re-fresh, or worse yet, the push to purchase new organization products to ensure you have your "best year ever"…