Chicagoans have spring cleaning fever
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Chicagoans have spring (cleaning) fever, according to professional organizer Felisha Ziselman.
Why it matters: Many are rushing to declutter as the weather warms and in preparation for gatherings, especially Passover, a holiday when some Jewish households remove bread and other leavened food, says Mindful Space Co. founder Ziselman.
The big picture: There can also be a psychological perk to clearing clutter, says Lauren Greenwood, founder of YouCopia, a Chicago-based home organization brand.
- "It's a place that's within your control, in a world that sometimes feels out of control," she tells Axios.
Yes, but: If you find yourself struggling to get started, Greenwood recommends taking a vacation day to tackle nagging projects.
- Happiness researcher Gretchen Rubin calls it a "loose ends day." You'll feel much better after you purge your closet or recycle those empty Amazon boxes.
Here are some of Ziselman's spring cleaning tips.
✏️ Schedule it. Make a list of areas in your home needing attention.
- Break tasks into chunks, and assign them to specific times when you know you can complete them.
👟 Focus on high-traffic zones like the kitchen, bathrooms and entryway, which tend to get messier faster than others.
😌 Take breaks and pace yourself to stay motivated. Spring cleaning is a gradual process.
🧹 Keep it up. Set aside 15 to 30 minutes daily to declutter and return items to their places.
What's next: 2024 is all about concealing the chaos, Greenwood says.
- Experts predict modular organization kits or systems will be especially popular as consumers want DIY solutions for customizing their pantries, home offices, mud rooms, laundry rooms and flex spaces, according to consumer research group Freedonia.