A Winter Spring Clean (You Know What I Mean)

I have spent the majority of today spring cleaning and it’s not even spring yet.

I’m pretty organised 24/7 to be honest, some would say I’m anal (urgh, that word) but I’ve had to be. Moving several times in a short period has meant becoming adept at sorting, discarding, donating and never hoarding.

Don’t get me wrong, I love the odd sentimental item as much as the next person: my first teddy, a white little dress I wore as a baby, the kids’ first shoes but I can’t bear TOO MUCH STUFF. Even writing TOO MUCH STUFF has made me itchy.

So today, I got rid of 5 HUGE bin bags of clothes, clutches, swimwear, shoes, plates, tea sets (sorry Mum) that simply haven’t been used in at a year or more and it felt so good.  As I sorted, I reorganised the entire apartment, sorting every last draw and cupboard, recycling old papers and some excess art pieces by the kids (sorry kids), and even the fridge was rearranged (I do the latter once a month, anyway).

This was my routine: remove all items, wipe the space/ cupboard, view each item: keep, bin or give to charity, place items in order and move on. I also vacuumed, sprayed mirrors and dusted as I went.

I even popped to Waitrose and bought myself roses I was so pleased with myself.

The flat feels lighter, fresher and is tidier than ever.

There’s still an annoying box of documents from 1999 which need shredding I’ve hidden under the bed and my dressing table drawers could do with another once-over but I’m happy for now.

Incidentally, I did an online cleanse recently too. I unfriended, unfollowed and stepped away from those I barely know or who aren’t good for the soul.

And breathe.

Now I’m ready to start the year. You?

(Peter took the photo of our apartment last month but it looks the same).