It’s spring cleaning season and you’ve no doubt been seeing lots of hints, tips and lists to help you get your house in tip-top condition. But what if you don’t need (or want) to spring clean? I’ve got you covered with this list of 10 Things to Do Instead of Spring Cleaning!
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10 Things to Do Instead of Spring Cleaning
Spring cleaning was essential in the days of coal or wood burning furnaces, and when homes were lit by kerosene lamps. When spring arrived doors and windows were flung open, walls were washed, carpets hung on the line and beaten. But with modern vacuum cleaners and clean burning heating systems, this sort of intense, annual cleaning may not be strictly necessary anymore.
While there’s certainly something to be said for having every inch of one’s home sparkling clean at once, many of us do not have the time, energy or inclination to take on an old-fashioned, top-to-bottom household cleaning session. If you are in that category, here are some things you can do instead while your friends are scrubbing baseboards and cleaning windows.
1. Re-watch The Gilmore Girls
I watched the entire series back in 2016 and recently started it again. Choose an old favorite and watch every episode. Some possibilities include Downton Abbey, Mad Men, The Golden Girls, Sex and the City, Friends, Frasier, or Cheers.
2. Take a nap
If you are as chronically sleep-deprived as I am then this one’s for you. Don’t just nod off unintentionally while watching t.v. Instead, make it a truly luxurious experience. Slip into something comfortable, crawl between the sheets, turn on some soothing music or a guided meditation and enjoy a nice, long nap.
3. Drink a cup of tea on the porch or patio
A cup of tea is always a good idea and especially if you can enjoy it outdoors.
4. Go for a drive
The other day I took off by myself for a nice, long drive. The trees and grass are greening up so it was pretty but the wildflowers aren’t blooming yet. I’ll take another drive as soon as they are. I like to listen to an audiobook while driving. I’m currently enjoying the April LWD Book Club selection, The Enchanted April.
5. Give yourself a manicure
Or pedicure. Or facial.
6. Write a letter
Pull out a sheet or two of pretty stationary or a lovely card and write a nice, chatty letter to a friend. It’s such a treat to receive a letter so why not give that gift to a friend?
7. Make a new playlist
I love making playlists on Spotify and it’s a good way to spend a half hour or more. Way more fun than washing curtains.
The Only Proof ~ LWD Monthly Playlist
8. Watch an episode or two of Hoarders
A sure way to feel better about the current state of your home.
9. Plan a trip
Anyone else miss travel? This is a great time to start planning a trip for the future. Or watch travel programs.
Planning a Trip to Paris ~ Tips and Inspiration
10. Read
Reading is always a good option. If you are looking for a good read, be sure to check out the LWD Book Club selections.
But if you really want to spring clean…
Spring Cleaning ~ Tips and Motivation
Easy Recipes For Spring Cleaning Week
Great ideas! That nap one sounds especially nice right now!
A show that I love to watch is one from the U.K. that I watch on YouTube.. it pairs obsessive compulsive cleaners with people whose homes are out of control for one reason or another. After watching a few episodes, I realized they help each other. People who are obsessive cleaners (one even vacuums the air over her bed so that dust doesn’t settle on it; another sanitizes her bathroom three times a day) learn that their homes are pretty darn clean compared to the homes of some people who feel lost due to various circumstances and are unable to figure out how to clean their homes. So the cleaning obesessed person shows up to help a person in need for a week and they learn more about each other’s stories while working in various rooms. It’s not always pretty but I adore the show..I learn more tips on how to clean my home and I learn more about how someone can get to a point of no longer cleaning their home ever. Here’s a sample: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qTObK6-zUqY
Oh, I love that show! As you say, both parties learn something.
The only spring cleaning I need to do is wash my bedroom curtains and pull everything out of the bathroom vanities and clean in there and reline with new paper and re-organize. Otherwise, I do a lot of things on your list already. 🙂 On days I’m home, I do indeed indulge in an afternoon nap, albeit it a short one. It’s usually just a 15-20 min cat nap. Sometimes I don’t even fall asleep, but at least I rest. I’m also pretty good about keeping up with my nails and keeping them looking nice. And when it’s warm enough, I love having my morning tea on the porch or patio. Happy spring!
A number of years ago I was quite anemic as well as dealing with chronic fatigue syndrome. An afternoon nap was absolutely essential. After the anemia resolved and our lives got really busy with our nonprofit, I quit taking naps. However, I am rethinking that. I sleep so poorly that I might really benefit from a short nap.
Enjoy your weekend!
Great ideas. I especially love the drinking tea, taking a nap, and reading.
Those are some of my favorites, too. 🙂