Fall Nesting {Day 2} - A Fresh Start

Most people are comfortable with the idea of spring cleaning. The tradition of throwing open your shutters (literal or figurative) and ushering in the sunshine with a fresh, clean home is something we look forward to each year. 

 (image via pinterest)

I like to see this time of year as holding yet another opportunity to start anew; but instead of throwing open the shutters and looking toward the seasons of growth and life, we focus on gathering those things most important to us and holding them close to sustain us through the darker seasons ahead.

I don't know about you, but if I have to spend 90% of my time inside for the next several months, I'm going to prepare. I'm going to nest like a rock star. Like a crazy pregnant rock star about to have octuplets.

 

Before I start adding things to my nest to make it warm and inviting, I eliminate everything from messes that have accumulated to my remaining summer decor. Go through junk drawers, clean off the pile of kids artwork from on top of the fridge that you've been meaning to file (is that one just me?), tidy your garage. 

Do not spend two hours scrubbing grout with OxiClean and a toothbrush - no matter how many times I compare this preparation phase to pregnancy nesting. This isn't a hormonally induced nesting frenzy, this is a deliberate process that can be compared to the cleansing of your palette.

We'll spend the next few days talking about a few housekeeping issues before we dive into the fun stuff. Trust me, if you take even a small amount of time to prepare for the time ahead before layering new piles of decorations on top, you will be so thankful come springtime.

(I have no idea where this photo came from, it is most certainly not my boys' closet.)

For today, consider going through your closets and removing any clothes, accessories or shoes that you no longer wear. Try to remember that a piece of clothing isn't a memory and you don't need to have a sentimental attachment to a pair of pants. If you haven't worn it in months, if you've never worn it, or if you're just holding on to it in case you lose 15 pounds and the style comes back around... get rid of it. Donate it and someone who would wear it will have the opportunity.

(My pile to donate. Hubby doesn't know it yet but his closet is next!)

Now go open your windows and let the fresh air in while you can, before your teeth start chattering.

{Click here to see the other posts in my 31 Days of Fall Nesting series...}