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Spring Cleaning

Besides launching our new site I’ve been also working on another project the last few months. I have been doing some major Spring Cleaning. I will tell you all about it…

Spring Cleaning | Oh Happy Day!

I usually like to do some sort of deep seasonal cleaning just to get everything organized but after about five different people recommended this book I was curious. I picked it up The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up to see what all the fuss was about. Have you heard of it? It basically teaches you to go through your whole house (she is very specific about how to do this process) pick up each item and ask if it sparks joy. I’ve been slowly going through all my things and selling or giving away everything. This is something I’ve known for a long time (see here) but I like this book because it teaches you how to do it. The author claims it is a six month process I’m hoping to finish up this summer.

My friend Brooke is the ultimate clean house master. She keeps her house clean without cleaning all the time (I talk about her here.) She recommended keeping wipes in the bathroom and kitchen so you can wipe down everything in between cleanings. I’ve been using CloroxⓇ ScrubSingles™ and they are awesome. It makes everything easier to clean up. ScrubSingles are pre-loaded with cleaner, so you just wet the pad and go! Perfect for in-between cleanings. Are you good at keeping your house clean? What are your tips? Have you read the book?

Spring Cleaning | Oh Happy Day!

Spring Cleaning | Oh Happy Day!

Spring Cleaning | Oh Happy Day!

This post is sponsored by Clorox—helping you clean on the go for a happier home.

Photos by Paul Ferney for Oh Happy Day

  1. Paige

    May 14, 2015

    This book! I just read it last week and have been cleaning and getting rid of things since. In the past, cleaning and organizing has been stressful because I didn’t have a system and I was ridden with guilt with all the stuff I gave away. This book helped me see that everything has a lifespan and to be okay with letting things go, which has been a game changer.

  2. Ling

    May 14, 2015

    I read that book a few weeks ago and have been on a constant lookout for things to toss ever since. I completely appreciated her approach to getting rid of things by acknowledging their service and letting them move on. My husband has taught me to be more practical and ruthless with decluttering over the years but there were just some things I couldn’t let go of until I read this book. Highly recommend!

  3. Kristi Craig

    May 14, 2015

    That book sounds really interesting. I’m always looking for something to help me organize and declutter!

    Kristi
    http://www.beloverly.com

  4. Sam

    May 14, 2015

    Are you going to do any more sales soon? like furniture sales? Oh I love your instagram!

      • jordan
      • May 14, 2015

      I have a garage full of furniture to sell! Hopefully later this month. 🙂

  5. Jordana @WhiteCabana

    May 14, 2015

    I read the book a few weeks ago. Such an interesting author, eh? I’ll be doing a major cleaning/tidying/organizing. I just have way too much stuff…and it doesn’t all spark joy.

  6. jess

    May 14, 2015

    I’m not a massive fan of single use products. Surely that goes against the whole decluttering ethos? Why have a pack of wipes to do something when you can just have one cloth?

    I’ve actually moved in the opposite direction and have reusable sponges that I wash in the washing machine. Surely you can still wipe down the bathroom as you’re there but with something resuable?

      • dana
      • May 14, 2015

      The post was sponsored by Clorox….so I think that was part of it. I have old towels that I use and then wash.

  7. Lee

    May 14, 2015

    This post is timely because I just sent a friend a text about how much I love that book too. It’s made such a difference on our house. I started with my dresser drawers which inspired me to move to our bookshelves and other parts of the house. Our house is working so much better now.

    I agree with the above poster about single use products though I am a fan of keeping cleaning products handy. We keep spray and rags in each bathroom where the kids can reach them.

  8. Andrea

    May 14, 2015

    I really liked the book, but I LOVED the book, Zero Waste Home! It’s even better. I promise!!
    Even more inspirational.
    https://instagram.com/zerowastehome/

  9. Laura

    May 14, 2015

    Oh no, harsh chemicals used so frequently can never be a good thing for health or home! Book sounds great though!

  10. Sara

    May 14, 2015

    But really, I don’t know how Brooke does it. I wish I were half as clean as she is. Oh and this book is so great! If only I had a few hours to get rid of everything all at once.

  11. Leslie

    May 14, 2015

    Actually there is a way more ecological way to do this. Cut up old undershirts or other soft rags into small squares. Then make a super simple solution using a combination of your favorite cleaning products (vinegar, Dr. Bronner’s soap, essential oils, etc) there are tons of recipes online! Keep the rags in a bit of the solution in a jar and use them instead of disposable paper. I just toss them in the laundry and wash them once per week.

      • Polly
      • May 15, 2015

      Oh my goodness. My friend cuts a roll of paper towel in half, but I don’t like using that as much as cloths. I already make my own cleaner. Thank you for sharing!

  12. Poppy

    May 14, 2015

    So funny to see this post! I saw this book somewhere on the web recently and thought, huh, I need to do that. So, I went to my library and it has 51 holds! I’m number 52. So, in about three years, when it’s my turn, I can check it out. Ha. I’ll likely order it from Amazon. It’s my closet that needs the most attention. And the kids’ closets. And the basement. And the…everywhere.

  13. Kat

    May 14, 2015

    It’s a shame you are using disposable wipes instead of just using cloths – think about the environmental impact of using that many wipes every week! I have the same routine but I bought a couple of microfiber cleaning cloths that get thrown in the next load of laundry.

  14. Heidi

    May 14, 2015

    That’s it, I have to go get this book…I could really use some help in this department!! And p.s. I absolutely LOVE your pantry!!!

  15. Elizabeth

    May 14, 2015

    I enjoyed your post – I love the photos of your dishes and the amazingly organized pantry! I enjoy cleaning as I find it relaxing and satisfying. On my days off work I am usually busy tackling a cleaning project, such as the bathtub, or organizing drawers. I try and clean much used areas everyday (bathroom, kitchen, baseboards) and I keep an all-purpose cleaner in both the kitchen and the bathroom. I have not read the book, but I will consider buying it. I have not used that Clorox product, but I am open to trying new things. My favourite cleaning product to use is Method all purpose cleaning spray. I’m currently using Lime and Sea Salt scent which smells amazing! On the floors I use Swiffer Wet Mops with a citrus scent. I have used Lysol wipes in the past and also the spray. I usually clean with paper towels or a cloth.

  16. Poppy

    May 15, 2015

    It’s so funny to see this post! I stumbled on this title yesterday, so I looked it up on Amazon. It has some 2,500 5 stars–wow. So, I looked it up in my library, and it has 51 holds! There must be something to it! I got on the waitlist as number 52, so I figure I have about three years before I’ll have to face my clutter. Ha! I’ll just order it from Amazon and get real!!!

  17. Madre primeriza

    May 15, 2015

    I just read this book and it’s awesome! I’ve started my cleaning house process sparking joy. I have four months for do it because we move to a new apartment in september, so it’s the perfect time for us 🙂

  18. Veronica

    May 15, 2015

    I’ve been meaning to read the book after hearing it mentioned on the Lively Show. This gives me further incentive to pick it up!

  19. Lindsey

    May 15, 2015

    We are moving and I’m in the process of using this book to clear out ahead. The most important piece for me is to *gather* all of a category before sorting. It’s automatic and easy with clothes and papers, but once you get down to the skin care or makeup, it can be easy to forget to gather it all together first. Then, because stuff is mixed in with other stuff, it can get overwhelming. Just what I’ve learned!!

  20. Joy Haser

    May 15, 2015

    Look how beautiful your pantry is!!! I’ve been attempting to do this on my own, but I feel like that book would really get me motivated. I hang on to so much stuff that just clutters my house bc I’m afraid to let go and miss it, when really I would be so much more relieved with less junk!! Thanks for sharing- I’ll keep in mind the suggestion of asking if it brings me joy or not.

  21. Rebecca

    May 15, 2015

    I’m curious– are your subway tiles matte or glossy? They are gorgeous!

  22. Ana

    May 15, 2015

    I read that book after you recommended it some months ago and I don’t know if it has changed my life, but it has definitely changed my flat 🙂

  23. Sara

    May 16, 2015

    Hmm is this the book where the author talks to her socks???

  24. Cheri Hage

    May 16, 2015

    Thanks for the book info. I’m heading to the Library tomorrow 🙂 I have been purgin willy-nilly and could use some organization !

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