Recently, I read Atomic Habits by James Clear. If you’re looking for inspiration, you can easily listen to it with a free monthly audiobook available with Amazon Music Unlimited subscription. The central idea of the book is that little adjustments, done consistently, build momentum and create lasting improvements. As a busy parent, this got me thinking about refreshing my space, my routine, and even my mindset in small, manageable ways.
With the days getting longer and that fresh-start spring feeling in the air, now is the perfect time for a spring refresh. This month, I want to share some tips about making simple, easy changes to breathe new life into what you already have, find a few great deals, and make things feel a little lighter and brighter.
I’ve included Amazon affiliate links to my favorite eco-friendly finds for your convenience and inspiration. When you shop through our product links, DuPage Doubles receives a small commission from Amazon, which helps support our club’s operations at no added cost to you.
Let’s jump into the refresh!
1. Refresh & Revive What You Already Have
No need to replace everything -- sometimes a little TLC is all it takes!
Clothing & Fabric Refresh
- Pill-y sweaters? No thanks. Grab a Conair Fabric Shaver and give your knits a second life.
- Mystery stains? (Because kids, coffee, or both.) Mix hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and dish soap, apply it to stains, and let it sit. Or keep it simple with Puracy Natural Stain Remover – because who has time to scrub?
- Gym clothes smelling... less than fresh? Add distilled white vinegar to your wash and say goodbye to that sweaty funk.
- Whites looking sad? Wash with a mix of hot water, Tide Pods Ultra Oxi and a little bit of lemon juice for that crisp, bright look.
Sports & Outdoor Gear Refresh
- Sneakers looking rough? Mix Arm & Hammer Baking Soda with hydrogen peroxide, scrub with an old toothbrush, and watch the magic happen.
- Sole whitening hack: A Mr. Clean Magic Eraser + a little elbow grease = like-new kicks.
- Flat basketballs, soccer balls, or bike tires? Keep an Electric Ball Pump on hand and stop playing the “is this fully inflated?” guessing game.
- Dusty scooters and helmets? A quick wipe-down with Seventh Generation Disinfecting Wipes will have them ready to roll.
- Bike looking rough? Scrub off grime with Finish Line Bike Wash and Muc-Off Bio Bike Chain Cleaner, give the chain some love with Finish Line Dry Teflon Bicycle Chain Lube, and you're ready for a spring ride.
- Water bottles get gross, let’s be real. Fill with warm water and Bottle Bright Cleaning Tablets, let it sit, scrub with a Hydro Flask Bottle Brush, and boom -- like new!
2. Refresh & Upgrade Your Stuff with Resale Deals
Who doesn’t love a good deal? Spring resale events are a great way to score high-quality finds at budget-friendly prices. Did you know that DuPage Doubles hosts its own online resale twice a year to support our club? Join our Resale Info Facebook group to always be in the know about our resale events.
Visit shop.dupagedoubles.com on March 15-16, 2025, for a fun, sustainable, and cost-effective way to shop while giving back to our community. From kids’ gear to clothing and more, there's something for everyone in the family! Item pick-up will take place at the DuPage County Fairgrounds on March 21-22, 2025.
What to Look for at Resale Events?
- Kids' Clothes & Toys – Because they grow like weeds, and their favorite “must-have” toys change every five minutes.
- Outdoor & Sports Gear – Bikes, scooters, and hiking gear -- because adventure season is here.
- Baby Gear – Strollers, carriers, and highchairs -- because new doesn’t always mean better.
- Discounted Branded Gear – Think premium outdoor wear, athletic shoes, and designer handbags (for a steal!).
- Something Just for You – You spend all day shopping for the kids -- get yourself a cute new spring outfit while you're at it!
Don’t Miss DuPage Doubles Resale!
3. Refresh Yourself: Simple Ways to Feel Recharged
Last month, our club hosted a watch party to hear from Smadar Zmirin of Twinful Life, who spoke at a Multiples of America webinar about easing the transition to parenthood, especially for parents of multiples. Central to her talk was the RIE (Resources for Infant Educators) Parenting philosophy founded by Magda Gerber and inspired by Emmi Pikler. One of the biggest takeaways? Sometimes, doing less actually means enjoying more – especially as a parent of twins. Instead of constantly trying to structure every moment, RIE encourages parents to slow down, trust our kids' natural development, and let them explore independently.
So why not try this mindset as part of your spring refresh? Simply being present and prioritizing connections can make you feel good inside and out without being overwhelmed. And just like our kids, we thrive when we take care of ourselves in small, meaningful ways!
Self-Care Refresh
4. Refresh Your Space: Keep Clutter Away for Good
A spring refresh isn’t just about tidying up -- it’s about setting up simple systems to keep clutter from creeping back in. The key? Make organization effortless by creating designated spaces for everything, streamlining what you own, and making decluttering a natural habit.
A little organization now means less stress later. And the best part? You don’t have to tackle everything at once -- just a few smart systems can keep clutter from creeping back in. Whether it’s setting up a system for rotating seasonal items or keeping a donation bin handy, small steps make all the difference in creating a home that feels lighter and more manageable.
Smart Storage Solutions
Easy Habits to Stay Organized
- One in, one out rule: Every time you bring something new into your home, donate or discard something old.
- 15-minute resets: Set a timer once a day to do a quick tidy-up -- keeping things organized without a big effort.
- Monthly mini-purges: Pick one area (a drawer, a closet, a shelf) and declutter a little at a time instead of all at once.
A clutter-free home doesn’t require perfection -- just small, consistent habits to keep things in check!
Ready to Refresh?
Spring is all about fresh starts, and your home, wardrobe, and mindset deserve one, too! So go ahead -- declutter, refresh, and maybe even score some amazing deals. And don’t forget -- DuPage Doubles Resale is March 15-16! Join our Resale Facebook group and save the date to snag some spring finds before they’re gone!
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About the Author:
Natalia is a mom of 18-month-old fraternal twin boys. She has been a member of DuPage Doubles since 2023. She enjoys traveling with her husband, wellness, spending time with her family and talking about her kids.
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