Dec 27, 2009

Cleaning Out the Old


One of the things I like about the days between Christmas and the New Year, is the urge I get to re-organize. (Yes, I'm a Virgo.)

There's nothing that makes me feel better than to go through my place, tidy up and find space for my Christmas gifts, which often leads to completely re-organizing closets, cupboards and arrangements.

I'm not a happy pre-Christmas cleaner. Some people use Yule as a good time to sweep out the old, and make room for the new, but I just can't do it. With all the Yule and Christmas planning, it's all I can do to make sure the house is swept and dusted, and the bathroom cleaned. I don't have time for a cleaning ritual, or a full-home re-organization.

But after Christmas, as the dust settles - literally - I find the time and the inclination to be able to look at things in my home and the clarity of mind to make decisions. Do I really need all these wine bottle openers? Are these items just dust collectors, or do I appreciate them? How can I make better use of this space?

This year, as I move into my new place this week, I am looking forward to the ultimate in re-organization. Although moving is a pain and a hassle, I am glad that I didn't end up trying to set up house before Christmas. Now I can take advantage of the energy I have this time of the year, and channel it into furnishing my new home.

I am planning a blessing ritual for my new living space, and setting up my home altar immediately. Unpacking will be my organization for this year.

I also enjoy things like adding essential oils to my bucket of hot water for cleaning. Lavender for peace, Clove for mental stimulation (not in the bedroom!) and Lemon to lift spirits. Singing a little song or chant while I sweep to get rid of the stale energy and lighten up the atmosphere in the home is fun too.

There are so many things you can do to get ready your home ready for the new year's energy. Linked to the above photos from Martha's site, are eco-friendly cleaning tips and organizational ideas, respectively. And, of course, using your magical know-how to add a little something special to your work always helps!





19 comments:

Ange said...

Rue, I think I just read my own thoughts!!MY goodness! I am not only a Virgo like you but have just undergone, and am still undergoing the same process! I can not clean before Christmas either (except a wee tidy to make room for the tree) but now that it's nearly new year ...it's time to get stuck in! Right down to singing LAAAAA,..... LAAAAA through the house this afternoon. Can you hear my peals of laughter? Have a fabulous clean out! xx Ange

mxtodis123 said...

I do this every year. It is an an old tradition in my family that whatever happens on New Year's Eve occurs year round....ie: a dirty, disorganized house, laundry, empty cupboards. So I spend the week racing around trying to get everything done. LOL!!!
Mary

Heather S-G said...

I am really, REALLY feeling the need for sweeping out the old and cleaning and reorganizing...I think it'll be good for my soul. Luckily I get extra week off work once kiddos return to school...so I can do it right...the whole house needs a good cleansing! Looking forward to a prosperous New Year :D

Lisa said...

I'm not a Virgo, but I get that same urge. I've been enjoying the long weekend to redecorate and hopefully I'll get some organizing done in the coming week. Congrats on moving. I plan to do that in the Spring.

ONe PiNK FiSH said...

I just posted my new year goals on my onepinkfish blog. I have very similar thoughts friend, but I think my will take me most of year to complete. I want to clean out my life... literally and make way for some simple living. I think cutting down and getting back to the basics are going to help get my family moving and interacting on a totally new level.

I wish you the best of luck on your organizing adventure. A new house is always fun if you can take the time to organize it how you want it the first go round. I unfortunately did not.

Jessica - Magical Mundane said...

Yep I need to do this too. Especially since I go to work full time in a few weeks (tax season is up on us).

Kekibird said...

Oh!!! Me too!! We've been at it all day today. Everything is being scrubbed, vacuumed, put in it's proper place and lots of items are being evaluated. Good luck with the move and the new home blessing. I'm huge on burning a white sage smudging stick in my new place as I move my things in.

Dede said...

I started cleaning and organizing yesterday. I don't know where we get so much stuff, but I do know where it is going. Congratulations on the new home! Your New Year is certainly starting new with a home and a business.

(((HUGS)))

brandi said...

~this has been all to familiar path for me...something about a new year and started fresh..a chance all over again...cheers to bright magical spaces...may you have much fun creating spaces within your new home. brightest blessings~

Lyon said...

lol not in the bedroom indeed!

I don't get the urge to do all that sweeping out the old and reorganizing until somewhere around Imbolc. I think I just take longer to warm up to the idea. I'm Sagittarian and organization is NOT my strong point at all times. hehe ;-)

Good luck to you in getting all moved into your new place! You're right, moving IS a pain, but also exciting.

Debra She Who Seeks said...

Yes, the LAST kind of stimulation you want in the bedroom is MENTAL, lol! Have fun arranging things in your new home!

Anonymous said...

Good luck with getting your place all unpacked and clean! Thanks for some of those ideas when cleaning I'll be sure to check out that link you posted too.

Tracy said...

As a Virgo myself, I totally get this. I am itching to clean out the entire house and pitch the fluff that is filling it to the brim. And doing so at this time of the year in preparation for a fresh start is a wonderful idea!

Tamara said...

Great post about cleaning....i need to do the same. I want to start out the new year clean, fresh and new. We had a rough year and I'm excited about having a great year ahead.
Happy New Years!!! and good luck with your cleaning :)

Judith said...

Always happens to me too!!!!

Anonymous said...

I feel the exact same way - my moon is in Virgo, so I'm an organizer, too! I love the post-Christmas organizing!

suzanne said...

I feel the same way. The New Year is one of two times of the year in which I do some serious organizing (the other is Labour Day - the beginning of the school year, which is a "new year" of sorts). I really look forward to the process. And yes, I'm a Virgo too :)

Bridgett said...

I'm just like you, in that all my cleaning and organizing happens AFTER the holidays, when I'm trying to find places for the kid's new toys.

That's the time when I also clear out their rooms and anything that hasn't been played with that year, goes in to the 'yard sale' bin.

I hope you have a blessed 2010!

Big hugs to you!

)O(
boo

motheralice said...

Oooh, I love reorganising!! Especially when I have no reason whatsoever to leave the house. I just spazzed out entirely and did my basement and kitchen cabinets. Have a marvelous time setting up house, and a fabulous New Year!!