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Spring Cleaning

Oh man, you guys. The state of my apartment right now is downright shameful. I’m embarrassed by how disorganized things have gotten. It’s clean, but it’s not organized. At all.

The past month has been a whirlwind of packing and unpacking, which didn’t bode well for clothes going back in the right spots. I was also in warmer climates and came back to Connecticut where there’s snow on the ground, but it’s 50 degrees. My wardrobe is having an identity crisis!!! (It’s that weird time of the year where I still need my winter sweaters, and yet my springy dresses are calling my name.)

This past weekend was my first time spending both days in their entirety at home since January!!! It was refreshing to have a slow-paced few days. I didn’t want to have too much of a schedule or to even follow a to-do list, but I did make myself sit down for a few minutes to put together a spring cleaning list. I’d love to spend a few days just tearing it all apart, purging things left and right, and then carefully putting everything back in its place.

But! I can’t commit to that right now. Instead, I’m breaking it up and doing a few little “projects” over the next few weeks. (One reason to be grateful for a smaller apartment: less space to organize!)

Spring Cleaning

On Saturday, I cleaned out my pantry, cupboards, freezer, and refrigerator. And on Sunday, I tackled my coat closet. (I am embarrassed by how many coats I have…)

Next weekend, I’m going to tackle my desk– and most importantly my filing cabinet– and my laundry closet. The following weekend will be my bathroom. I know I’ve been throwing random products into the bins and drawers in there– it’s out of control. And then, finally, I’m hoping it will be warm enough to truly turn my closet over to my spring/summer clothes.

Those are the big things I have to do around my apartment. But I’m also planning on organizing and backing up my external hard drives, going through my phone and cleaning up apps/messages/photos, and making more space on my iMac. Maybe I’ll even spruce up my bedding and pick up a few organizers from The Container Store (the happiest place on Earth).

I think I’m going to feel like a whole new woman in about four weeks as I get everything back under control!!! Maybe sooner if I really get excited, haha. Just opening my coat closet right now and seeing everything all in order brings me a huge sense of relief. It’s one drop in the spring cleaning bucket and just what I needed to get the ball rolling.

I’m sharing this today because a) I want to hold myself accountable to stay on the right track and b) maybe you’ll be inspired to tackle a big organization project too!

PS I had a few messages about where I got my shoe rack from. I wish I had some cool, chic answer, but I’m 99% sure I bought it at Target when I moved to NYC in 2012! Here’s a similar one and I’m so obsessed with this shoe organizer from IKEA.

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28 Comments

Audrey | Brunch at Audrey's

Over spring break I tackled parts of my apartment room by room similarly! Except I did manage to procrastinate my bedroom, which is the room I spend the most time in, and now that I’m back in school, I haven’t found the time to sort it out! Another thing I overlooked was giving my computer a bit of spring cleaning. I’ve been running low on memory, so I’m definitely going to have to do some resorting and moving things to an external hard drive! -Audrey | Brunch at Audrey’s

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Catherine

I have the same plan! It’s overwhelming but so necessary. I think it will help a lot to break it up into smaller projects. I thought mine was a nesting-for-baby thing, but it’s more likely just spring vibes!
xoxo,
Classic Catherine

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Amanda

Great post- I’m tackling the same issues right now. Do you think you could do a post or video about turning over your closet? Would love tips.

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Jess Zimlich

I cleaned out my refrigerator yesterday afternoon and then made a big Whole Foods trip and it felt SO good filling it up last night. It truly is the little things. I’m hoping to keep the spring cleaning momentum going with you!

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carly

I don’t know why but the refrigerator was definitely the most satisfying cleanout!

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Martha

If you don’t wear some of those items, it may be a good idea to sell them over Instagram or donate them to a women’s shelter!

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carly

I go through my closet every season to pull things to sell/donate! That’s four seasons worth of coats (from rain jackets, to spring trenches, to fall wools, to my heavy winter coats!)

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Bridget Sciscento

Hi Carly! I love this post! It reminds me of your “Organization Please!” series from Georgetown and NYC. I would love it if you shared more of your organization schemes!

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Bethany

I’m definitely inspired by this post! I’ll be moving next month, and so a good cleaning out is necessary. I will be following your schedule!

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Stephanie

I literally just did the same thing on my blog yesterday! LOL It’s amazing how cluttery your places can get without you really realizing it. Like yours, my apartment is clean, it’s just full of stuff I really probably don’t need and it’s not organized so that I can use the space well. I have a nice long list that, hopefully, by the time spring break is over, will all be better laid out and purged.

http://aneducationindomestication.com

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Michael @ Mile in my Glasses

I love Spring Cleaning! It always makes me feel refuelled and ready to take on the next season! Best of luck with the rest of your cleaning projects!

I hope you’re having a lovely Wednesday,
Michael

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Lauren Goldstein

I can’t wait to transition my closet but with DC weather all over the place I know the second I do we’ll get hit with a cold front! Cleaning stuff out is the best feeling though.

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Leighton Michele

I really need to get into Spring cleaning mode, I just haven’t had time yet to actually make it happen. Hopefully this weekend I’ll actually have some time to actually start the process of changing out my winter clothes for my spring and summer ones.
Leighton Michele
http://www.enpointechic.com

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Emily

I feel you girl! I love how the digital spring cleaning is just as important as the actual cleaning of “stuff”. Keep at it, it will be sooo worth it!

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Alex M

I’m about to move apartments in a week and I’m SO excited to use it as an opportunity to clean out everything I own and only keep the essentials. (And hopefully make a trip to The Container Store, because it is the happiest place on earth like you said!)

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Sandy

<3 Mission Accomplished!! I for one am now excited about getting my Spring Cleaning done!!!

Love,
Sandy

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Taylor

Oh my gosh, I totally feel you on this one! If parts of my room or apartment aren’t clean and organized, I feel like my entire life is falling apart! Right now theres a big part of me that wants to do some major spring cleaning, but I’m going to be moving in a few months too!

xo Taylor
http://www.taylorashleyblog.com

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