Yesterday we talked extensively about purging and cleaning and organizing. But we all know ACTION is what really gets things done. So each week we’re giving a little homework assignment on Tuesdays (do you feel like you’re in summer school yet?) to work on that week. Honestly you can make these as simple or challenging as you like, while keeping in mind that we’re hoping the work you put into #cljsummerschool will help you develop a deeper love and appreciation for your home. And also, let’s have some fun with it! It’s summertime after-all. We’re doing this with you. Let’s go!

With this week’s focus on purging, organizing, and cleaning, we’re going to do exactly that:

• Look around your house and find a problem area that might be standing in the way of some un-tapped potential in you and your home. This is going to look different for everyone. Maybe you’re feeling ambitious and are ready to tackle the laundry room that’s been out of control for a while. You could also focus on a front entry closet if that’s more your jam. Or you might need to think smaller with a big impact–a nightstand. Be practical with how much time and motivation you have. If you need a little momentum to get started, then I would suggest starting small and seeing where it takes you. Take a look at the rapid-fire purge items we talked about yesterday here for more ideas.

Here are a few throwback projects from the archives to inspire you, too! 

The Great Purge: How to Decide What to Sell, Donate, & Keep?

My 5 Closet Rules

A Newly Organized Pantry

Organizing the Fullmer’s Kitchen Cabinets

Organizing Our Cleaning Supplies

Organizing a Toddler’s Closet

Storage & Organization in the Garage

• This step is absolutely crucial! Take a before photo. Whether you post it or not is up to you, but believe me, once you have the after, you’ll be wishing you documented the before. So just take a second to snap a few photos.
• Get excited! Light a candle, open up the curtains, turn on your favorite podcast–whatever you need to do to have fun with it!
• It’s go time. Go through and cut out all the things that either don’t belong there, aren’t serving you, or that don’t make your heart sing. No more placeholders! If you don’t love it, it goes.
• Now that you’ve sifted through your things and all that remain are either essential or joy-sparkers (as Marie would put it), it’s time for a quick wipe-down before we put it all back. Don’t go crazy! I’m talking about just wiping the inside of a drawer out with your favorite multi-purpose cleaner. Think of it as a refreshing new start.
• And now you’re ready to give your belongings a new home. Be meaningful and creative with how you do this, and make the space work for your unique life.
• Time to clean. Give the space either a thorough deep clean, or a surface clean–whichever you have time and energy for. Your home deserves some physical touch.
• Sit back and enjoy the fruits of your labor. Are you feeling inspired and creative? Soak it in.
• Optional: Take an after photo and use our template to share on Instagram stories. Be sure to tag @chrislovesjulia, and use the hashtag #cljsummerschool so we can share in the joy with you (We’ll be reposting these all week!).