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I can see it now: opening up all the windows, letting in sunlight and some fresh air, and finally being able to reset the house after a very long, cold winter. Anyone else anxiously awaiting the arrival of Spring?
As a homemaker who also homeschools, Spring cleaning goes far beyond wiping down baseboards and windows, purging closets and putting away winter gear. My home is also a classroom, a workplace, a sanctuary and a gathering place all at once. This means that my Spring cleaning and reset has to be a bit more intentional and realistic for what we need. Spring cleaning, for me, is about stewardship, peace of mind, and making room for the things that matter the most in this season of home and learning.
Here are some things I like to include in my Spring reset as a homeschool mom.
1. Reset Homeschool Spaces
Our homeschool areas are loved pretty much year round but Springtime is one of the seasons when I like to reset them with a fresh mindset. As the weather warms up and we spend more time outdoors, not every resource is used as frequently anymore. This is the perfect time to grab the things we won’t touch as often, store them away and clear out the items that are either broken or don’t work anymore.
YOU WANT TO FOCUS ON:
- Decluttering bookshelves and curriculum you’re no longer using
- Organizing supplies
- Throwing out broken crayons, markers, and unused papers
- Wiping down tables, desks and learning areas
Related Post: Navigating Homeschool Burnout
2. Rotate and Declutter Toys and Activities
I have to do this less now, since my kids have gotten a little older, but rotating toys and activities is a big must. Being home the majority of the time, we tend to accumulate a bunch of stuff a lot faster; and toys seem to be on top of that list with 4 kids at home. Putting away seasonal toys or ones that the kids play with less often is great way to declutter. It’s as simple as throwing them in a bin and hiding it away. Of course, you can also do what I do and purge the heck out of the toy closet. I do this every couple of months which helps not having so much to deal with.
YOU WANT TO FOCUS ON:
- Rotating toys instead of keeping everything out
- Donating the toys your kids have outgrown
- Decluttering puzzles, games and crafts that have missing pieces
3. Reset Daily Homemaking Systems
I always like to remind myself that a Spring reset isn’t only about cleaning stuff, but also about getting your systems back in order. Maybe it’s just me, but I tend to slack with laundry, cleaning schedules, and our morning and night routines in the Winter. With nights coming earlier, lasting longer, and obviously, being so cold, I’m not as strict with my home systems as I would normally be. When Spring starts to approach, I like revisit these systems to see what I’d like to adjust, include or even exclude from my daily tasks and rhythms.
YOU WANT TO REVISIT:
- Laundry routines
- Cleaning schedules
- Meal planning and pantry organization to align with the season
- Morning and evening rhythms for you, but also for the family as a whole
Related Post: Habits That Serve Me As A SAH-Homeschool Mom
4. Deep Clean Overlooked Areas
As we focus on homeschooling through the Fall and Winter, there are many areas around the house that might get overlooked. Not because of negligence of any sort, but because we’re so busy teaching, feeding the kids, feeding the animals, and maintaining the house as best as we can in the midst of everyday life. For me, baseboards and windows are the ones that seem to get overlocked more often than not.
ADD THESE TO YOUR SPRING CLEANING LIST:
- Clean windows and wash curtains
- Wipe down baseboards and walls
- Tidy up closets and under-bed storages
- Tidy up the entryway
- Sort through piles of paper, binders, and files
- Sweep and mop behind the stove and refrigerator
- Wash area rugs and carpets
5. Revisit heart and home atmosphere
As a Christian mom, homemaker, and homeschool teacher, Spring cleaning can also be an inward practice. Seasonal depression is a real thing, and I believe, it might even be more common within homeschool families who are home all day when extreme weather hits. I know that for my household, this was a serious struggle this season. We spent an entire month, stuck at home, without even being able to attend weekly church services because sickness struck and passed through every member of the family (there’s 6 of us). As we shift into the Spring, I really like to focus on decluttering my mind, letting go of any guilt from not being able to do much during the cold months, and even just figuring out a better morning routine if I need to.
CONSIDER THIS:
- Praying over each room of your home
- Clearing out mental clutter and unrealistic expectations
- Refreshing your morning and quiet routines or rhythms
- Letting go of guilt from unfinished plans or hard seasons
6. Prepare for the Next Season of Homeschool Life
Spring cleaning is also a great time to start preparing for the next few months of homeschool life. As we near the end of the school year, summer learning is something I like to plan for, as well as all the curriculum and resources we will need for the Fall. I know it might seem too early to start planning for the Fall in your homeschool, but trust me, it’s the perfect time, especially if you homeschool multiple children. Doing this helps you stay on budget and really look at all your options before settling on any one thing.
USE THIS TIME TO:
- Reflect on what has been working and what hasn’t
- Organize portfolios or student work binders
- Brainstorm plans for Summer learning
- Begin praying for and planning for your next homeschool year
YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN SUMMER HOMESCHOOLING
REMEMBER THIS
Resetting your home for the Spring doesn’t happen all in one weekend. I mean, you can try it, but the whole purpose is to go slow, be intentional, and pray over everything you’re doing. It might take weeks and that’s okay. Your home doesn’t need to look a “Pinterest worthy” home, or a home out of a magazine article, it just needs to function for real life, a real family, and real learning. As you start cleaning, decluttering, and resetting everything, I hope your home feels lighter, your days less overwhelming, and your heart renewed for the season ahead.
Let’s chat!