Spring Cleaning

After a week of writer's block, I'm back!

Its a bit early, but with the few days of warm weather we've been having here (mixed with days of snow - truly March), I'm thinking about spring cleaning - get rid of the clutter, simplify, get things clean and shiny for the spring and summer.

So, the different aspects of spring cleaning:
- Getting rid of things
- Organizing
- Cleaning

I'll cover one of these topics each day, and there'll be a quiz on Friday with answers on Monday.

So, for today - let's get rid of things & simplify!!

First of all, why?  We're in a society where more is often equated with better.  However, several studies and a book (The Paradox of Choice: Why More is Less by Barry Schwartz) determined that too many choices make us unhappier - "Is there a better choice that we could have/use?", "I bet that there's something better on TV" - instead of just enjoying what we do have.

In addition, in The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin, she finds that for many people, outer order contributes to inner calm.  Many of us are trying to be calmer, more rational and relaxed human beings, and being confronted by clutter upsets these senses.

Sometimes we buy things to satisfy a "fantasy" about ourselves - for example, tablecloths ("I'd love to use a tablecloth, if I get one, it will make me use it").  And then, it sits in the linen closet, reminding us that we not organized enough to use it and making us feel guilty.  These items that don't make you happy should GO.

“If you want a golden rule that will fit everybody, this is it: Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.”
-- William Morris


Ok, so we know WHY to simplify, but now HOW & what to do with the things we want to get rid of.


If you have things that no longer make you happy, but still have useful life left in them, see about donating them!  Many charitable organizations will take gently used items.  In the Sandy area, the Sandy Community Action Center accepts clothing (clean & in good condition), baby items, canned or dried food, and small household items.   Goodwill also accepts items in good conditions, including computer parts which they refurbish, reuse, or recycle responsibly.  Computer parts can also be taken to FreeGeek, where they will be refurbished, reused, or recycled.  Refurbished computers are then "earned" by volunteers, donated to non-profits, or sold in the thrift store.    The Sandy Lions Club accepts eyeglasses and hearing aids for recycling.  I'll add other links and information as I find them.


Another resource is the local Freecycle network, where items can be offered for free.  There are the following networks in our areas:  Mt Hood, Gresham, Clackamas.   You'd be amazed at what people will take - even if its not working.  Then again, you'll be amazed at what people won't taken - even if it does work!


So, if the items that you no longer want to keep are broken, dirty, or no longer in good condition - the best option is to see if they can be recycled.  At Earth911.com you can type in what you're trying to get rid of, and the website will let you know where you can take it.  Many more things are recyclable than what goes in the curbside pickup.  


Once you've exhausted all of those options, then its time to consider throwing the item in the trash.  Sometimes this is the only way, but make sure that you've taken anything hazardous (i.e. batteries) out before you put it in the trash.