Spring has sprung!  Along with that statement comes the inevitable spring cleaning.  Living with a Certified Professional Organizer means about four times a year I have to try my wife’s organizing tips so she can share our results on her blog.  I’ve done the “30 Day Minimalist Challenge” (twice).  The “30 Day Minimalist Challenge” is when you get rid of one thing the first day, two things the second day, and so on until you get to thirty things the last day of the challenge. At the end of the challenge I had rid my house of 465 things total (that’s 930 things total for both challenges).  This challenge is a lot easier than that one, it is called “5 Boxes in 5 Days”. My wife’s instructions follow.

“Spring has sprung and that always motivates me to clean, organize, and get rid of stuff. Please join me in my annual Spring Cleaning: 5 Boxes in 5 Days Challenge. The challenge, if you wish to accept it, is to get rid of 5 boxes of stuff in 5 days. You can use any size box, bag, or bin. It is acceptable to get rid of the easy stuff that hasn't been used in eons, or you may want to push yourself a bit. It is up to you. It will be helpful to establish some keep criteria* and if an item falls within that criteria allow yourself to hold onto it, use it, and cherish it. It will also be helpful to ask questions about the items as you consider their usefulness and value. Good luck with your spring cleaning!”

*Keep criteria is a set of guidelines to think about before you begin.  Create a series of statements to create a keep criteria. If an item doesn’t fit into the keep criteria it may be easier to let it go.  Sample criteria :  I use it.  It fits.  I like it.  It works.

I am completing the 5 Boxes in 5 Days Challenge.  I am using grocery store size paper bags, and filling one a day Monday through Friday.  On Friday I’ll post my results complete with pictures.  If you want to give it a try share your results with me on Google Drive.