6 Tips for Spring Cleaning and Setting Yourself Up for a Delightful Summer
Western meadowlark in sagebrush. Photo: Kathy Munsel, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
Part 1: A practical guide to decluttering your space
94 days. That’s how much time you have between the Spring Equinox on March 19 and the Summer Solstice on June 20, 2024. Time to spring into action!
In this (highly subjective) two-part guide to making the most of spring in Central Oregon, we’ll spur you to do the spring cleaning you already want to do (part one) and then share a few ideas for activities that will make your springtime memorable and fun (part two).
1.) Clean Your Mind
Tidying your space is a well-known spring tradition. But what about taking a step back from that and addressing your mental space before diving into a physical clean-up project?
Regulating your sleep schedule, focusing on healthy eating, and getting a good amount of movement are three steps you can take to experience a seasonal reset. Or try this tip: just let your mind wander. Being productively unproductive can be surprisingly beneficial for your mental health and energy.
If you want an even deeper spring clean, consider adding meditation to your routine. Try out guided meditation using an app like Headspace or Calm, or, for an in-person experience, the Self-Realization Fellowship Bend Meditation Circle offers three-hour sessions on Thursday evenings.
2.) Clear Your Space
With your brain reset, you can move on to decluttering your physical space.
If you’ve ever had an organizing session derailed by a photo album, you’ll appreciate the recommendation to skip sentimental items in this article, 19 Spring Cleaning Tips to Make Your House Into a Home You Love, which also emphasizes natural cleansing agents like baking soda and white vinegar. This is just one of many guides to spring cleaning, so find one that resonates with you and follow its steps to set yourself off on a deep clean spree.
Did you know that you can bring your unneeded outdoor gear to Gear Fix and donate the consignment value to Central Oregon LandWatch? In this win-win-win scenario, you can make space in your gear closet, keep usable gear in circulation, and support a local business and your favorite local nonprofit all at once!
3.) Put Your Estate in Order
View of the Cascades from South Sister. Photo: Derek Sears
While you are putting your mind and home in order, why not take one more step and make sure your estate is in order? An estate plan can be beneficial no matter what your age, income, assets, or family status, and there are many checklists available online to walk you through the process.
Including Central Oregon LandWatch while making your estate plans is a powerful way to ensure that the wild lands and waters you appreciate and rely on will be well cared for in perpetuity. See 7 Steps To Make Charitable Giving Part Of Your Estate Plan for options and ideas, and connect with Development Director Lorraine Murray with any questions. Our Tax ID is #93-0935170.
4.) Get Your WARM-WEATHER Gear Fixed
You don’t want to find yourself without a tent or sleeping bag when that first glorious summer weekend arrives. Spend a spring afternoon assessing your summertime outdoor gear to make sure it’s ready to go. Patch holes, mend tears, and send damaged items back to their manufacturer for repairs, or bring them into GearFix or Rugged Thread.
Bespoke LandWatch cookies celebrating our Abundant Oregon! Photo: Kendall Brobst Schiff
5.) Stock Up On Snacks
When the days are long and you’re eager to get outside, it’s awesome to have a multitude of snacks ready to go. Maybe that means whipping up a batch of protein balls to store in the freezer, or maybe it means hitting up the bulk bins at Winco.
Either way, just be careful to keep your on-the-go snacks stashed in a special place where they are ready for a picnic, not devoured at home.
6.) Put Community Events on Your Calendar
LandWatch’s BC⚡DC event highlighted the Bend Central District, the vibrant heart of our growing city. Photo: Kendall Brobst Schiff
Late spring and early summer always seem to blow through like a swift breeze. To help make sure you don’t miss out on fun community events, plot dates in your calendar now. A few upcoming events to keep in mind:
April 20, 2024: Earth Day Fair and Parade, hosted by The Environmental Center
May 2024: Bike to Work Month, coordinated by The League of American Cyclists with local events hosted by Bend Bikes
June 15-16, 2024: Juneteenth, hosted by The Father’s Group
Visit Bend maintains an extensive Event Calendar. You can also find local events through The Environmental Center’s Community Calendar, Visit Redmond’s Happenings, and Visit Central Oregon’s Calendar of Events.
Hopefully, one or more of these ideas resonates with you or prompts you to dive into your own spring cleaning spree. In Part 2, we will dispense with chores, immerse into appreciation and recreation, and take delight in this new season.
About the Author
Lace Thornberg is Central Oregon LandWatch’s Communications Director, an aspiring spring cleaner, and an avid spring appreciator.