We have all heard of spring cleaning. Its purpose is to get rid of unnecessary items and start on a clean slate when spring and warmth come knocking on the door. However, we would like to share another approach, a bit more unorthodox, but as efficient in helping you refresh your home and overall life.
In fact, the days before the big winter holidays are the perfect time to get on with this type of cleaning. It is most likely too cold to go out and get on with other activities. What is more, if you are taking a longer holiday between Christmas and New Year, you will surely find a day or two to tackle this.
The idea is, that with the new year comes a new you. A lot of people set goals and make big plans for the upcoming 12 months. Why not get rid of things you don’t particularly need and make space for your new needs, hobbies, and activities?
Keep reading to find out what things you should consider getting rid of during your winter purge.
1. Sad, tired pillows – Experts say that pillows should be replaced every 1-2 years. The reason for that is that over time, they often lose shape and become dull and worn out. This may cause a decrease in your sleep quality or mess with your beautiful interior decoration. This winter purge is the perfect time to get rid of your old pillows and invest in new ones. If you don’t want to throw your worn-out pillows away, check in at your local animal shelter and see if they accept donations of such kinds.
2. Half-burned candles – We all have our favorite candles. However it is not uncommon that you burn them for a while, then put them away in a cupboard and forget about them. If you have not thought about those for a while, it is probably time that you get rid of them and make space for new candles that you will enjoy. If you don’t want to waste your old ones, you can melt them and mix them into new whole candles.
3. Old winter clothes and accessories – When you were taking your winter garments out, you probably came across a bag or a box with old winter clothes that have been untouched for years. Now is the perfect time to donate them all. However, check all the clothes before giving them away. Make sure they are not permanently stained, damaged, or broken.
4. Random food in your pantry and refrigerator – If you have some canned or packaged food that has been sitting for a while and you don’t like or plan on using, maybe it is time to donate that as well. Check your pantry, kitchen cupboards, and refrigerator. While you are at it, make sure you check for any expired foods as well.
5. Expired products – Once you checked your fridge and pantry, go to the bathroom and start checking all the products you have there. Get rid of any expired toiletries from your shelves, cupboards, and vanity. Pick out all the almost-empty product bottles and put them forward so you can finish them next time you are in the shower and replace them with new ones. Check all makeup, medicine, and ointments as well.
6. Get rid of any broken or cracked mugs and cups – If you have been gathering mugs throughout the years, you probably have too many. Whether they were picked on a trip or are a gift from your grandma or a dear friend, it might be hard to part with them. Now is the time to have the courage and get rid of any mismatched, cracked, or broken ones. You can also dispose of any permanently stained mugs and cups.
7. Dingy towels – Towels can become dull looking and not-so-soft over time. Whenever this happens, no matter how much you wash them, they will still have that musty smell. This will also cause your whole bathroom to smell weird, no matter how often you are cleaning it. Get rid of any old towels. If you would rather recycle them, you can cut them up and use them as rags for your car, garage, or house cleaning.
8. Toys and puzzles – The winter holidays are a perfect time to gather the whole family and play board or card games. However, if you took a puzzle box out and found out that there are one or more pieces missing, it is probably time to get rid of that one. Do the same with card decks, toys, or other games that are not complete.
9. Unnecessary takeout menus – Open your junk drawer and go through all the takeout menus you have stashed in there. Only keep the ones you actually use.