We’re more than a month in to spring, and if you haven’t thought about clearing out the detritus you’ve accumulated in the past year, you’re risking more than just the satisfaction that comes from having a clean home. You’re missing the opportunity to start fresh in a lot of other ways, as well. So, if you haven’t yet rolled up your sleeves, now’s the time. Reduce unnecessary clutter from your house as a start and then consider these five other areas of your life that can benefit from a good purge and a quick scrub:
Devices
Nowadays, everyone has at least one electronic device. Take a moment to clean up the virtual space that accompanies it. Examine all the smartphones, computers, tablets and mp3 players in your life, and delete the applications, documents, photos/videos, emails, movies and music you don’t use or want. Removing these unwanted files will free up space and memory for the things you really need.
Wardrobe
With fashion trends waxing and waning, not to mention similarly changing waistlines and personal tastes, it makes sense to routinely appraise what you have in your closet and drawers. Discard worn and outdated styles. Donate the items you’re tired of or have outgrown. A good purge can help you and others. Just because you may not need, want or fit in it anymore doesn’t mean someone else couldn’t put it to good use!
Finances
It’s easy to become complacent in your habits and routine. A yearly review of what has become rote, however, can often uncover shortcomings depriving you of time and money. And really: time IS money. Review your budget. Consider negotiating new television and phone contracts for lower prices. Determine if you can cut back on extraneous expenses like coffee runs and weekday lunches out with coworkers. Maybe it’s time to start saving for that European vacation or new car. You won’t know until you take a good hard look at what can go and what should stay the same.
Relationships
While a yearly purge of people might seem a little coldhearted, it’s actually a way for you to better yourself. Being a good friend takes time and effort. And you don’t have the time or the effort to be a good friend if you’re focusing on relationships that don’t enrich your life or the lives of the people around you. Evaluate your priorities and pick your friends to match them. It’s inevitable that as you change and grow your friendships should, too.
Career
Likewise, it’s important for you to check in on your career goals. Much like your friends, your job can and will change over the years. Maybe your interests are shifting. Maybe you are more experienced and more ambitious. Take the time to think about what you really want and how to make that happen. If you want to change directions, start searching job postings. If you know you need to get an advanced degree to move ahead in your job, enroll in a program. If you’re an immigrant investor wanting to make your stay permanent, consult an EB-5 lawyer. You can’t move without that first step.
Final Thoughts
Spring cleaning can clear out the physical excess that clutters our lives. But it can also clear our minds, making space for better mental and emotional health. So don’t just organize what you have. Get rid of the things that you don’t need for a happier, less stressful year