Congratulations! You’ve navigated through the Christmas chaos, with its wrappings and glitter, and added new toys and gadgets to your home. The spice cabinet might be in disarray, and a tiny screwdriver may have found its way under the ottoman during the assembly of that intricate new dollhouse. Fret not, for spring cleaning is upon us, and that elusive screwdriver will soon be in your grasp.
As the Christmas season bids farewell, our attention naturally shifts to the approaching new year. This change in focus often brings about the desire to organize and clean for a fresh start. However, cleaning with kids can feel like a Sisyphean task – a room tidied in moments can unravel just as quickly! I, for one, am not a fan of cleaning. My friends can vouch for this. It doesn’t mean I avoid it; it’s just not my cup of tea. So, who better to offer insights into spring cleaning than someone who wants it done efficiently and makes regular cleaning a breeze? Moreover, the sense of a well-organized home is essential for a healthy body and mind – after all, cleanliness is next to godliness.
Here’s the trick to kickstarting the new year with a clean slate: try the 7-Day Home Detox with your kids! The key is to involve the children, entice them with rewards, and keep it short and sweet.
Whether you have one child or seven, engage them in the process. Many hands make light work. Expect some eye-rolling and sighs, but incentives are crucial. Ice cream, movie night, or mini golf – find something your kids love and let them choose! Set the timer for 7 days and let the cleaning spree begin, accompanied by a lively soundtrack to keep everyone’s spirits high.
Seven days are all it takes. You can do this within a week or spread it over a month, but the key is to avoid dragging it out too long and becoming overwhelmed. The cleanup should consist of three daily tasks: declutter, clean, and mend/maintenance, always in that order. Divide and conquer tasks based on age appropriateness.
The Process:
Declutter: Get rid of excess and live with less. If you haven’t touched an item in over a year, consider donating or discarding it. Keeping something “just in case” often means never. Donations inspire kindness and teach children about charity.
Clean: Wash or sanitize everything. Divide tasks between family members. Use healthy cleaners to avoid exposing your family to harsh chemicals.
Mend/Maintenance: Identify and address any needed maintenance after decluttering and cleaning. Involve your children in the process, teaching them along the way.
7-Day Clean-up:
Day 1 – Clean up: Put away Christmas decorations if you haven’t already. Give the house a thorough pick-up as if expecting company.
Day 2 – The Kitchen: Declutter and deep clean the kitchen. Organize cupboards, pantry, fridge, and cabinets based on usage.
Day 3 – The Living Rooms: Declutter and clean high-traffic areas. Pay attention to couches, rugs, pictures, and pillows. Reorganize as you go.
Day 4 – The Bedrooms: Empty closets and storage spaces, sort clothes and belongings, purge and donate. Clean closets and drawers thoroughly. Wash pillows, bedding, flip mattresses, and clean other surfaces.
Day 5 – The Bathrooms and Laundry Room: Apply the same approach as in the kitchen. Declutter, deep clean, and restock. Pay special attention to soap scum and toilets.
Day 6 – The Office Space: Deep clean your office, involving your kids. Sort mail, papers, and disinfect surfaces, remotes, game controllers, keyboards, and laptops.
Day 7 – The Garage and Storage Sheds: Empty everything from the garage or storage sheds. Sort belongings into keep, donate, and trash categories. Clean the space while your kids help sweep.
You did it!
Though you can’t create the world in seven days, you can deep clean your home in that time, with your children embracing the chaos. There are two types of people when it comes to spring cleaning – those who start and can’t stop, and those who procrastinate and never truly achieve their goals. I used to be the former until I tried the 7-Day Home Detox with my kids. It works, setting you up for the year.
January is the perfect time for a cleanup – not just of our eating habits as we detox from holiday treats, but also of our homes, our sanctuaries. Don’t put it off to the next year. Start fresh with less clutter and stress by taking on the 7-Day Home Detox with your kids!
Brittany Stewart, an accomplished writer and educator, draws inspiration from her 23-year marriage and upbringing near Lake Tahoe in Verdi, Nevada, now residing in Tucson, Arizona. With her Bachelor’s degree in Education, emphasizing Native American Literature and Journalism, Brittany is a multifaceted professional who is also a Licensed Massage Therapist. She is deeply involved in Tucson’s homeschooling community, leading a homeschool group, teaching dance, and offering art classes. She and her family have a homestead in Southern Arizona, where her husband hunts and she tends to the garden, emphasizing the importance of God and family in her life while continually seeking adventure through her travels.