One of pregnancy’s less dramatic side effects is the urge to, as it’s quaintly called, “nest.” I nested right up until my doctor hauled me into the maternity ward. Despite being 4 centimeters dilated (though I didn’t know it at the time), I was happily washing baby clothes, vacuuming, and tidying the nursery (for the 117th time).

But, maybe that’s just me. I know I’m a little (ok, a lot) Type-A when it comes to The Way I Like Things. For instance, I have the urge to tackle “spring” cleaning at least three or four times a year. January is one of those times. The holidays are over, my house is almost back to “normal” (there are always a few errant Christmas knick-knacks that manage to remain outside the cardboard storage boxes), and the air is full of New Year’s intentions and the sharp, tangy smell of fresh starts. I’m ready to sweep away the clutter of the old year and prepare myself for the new one.

So, I purge, organize, and clean … like a maniac.

You wouldn’t think anyone would have this much energy after the holiday season, but a woman on a mission to organize is a force to be reckoned with. Even my nearly six year-old daughter has learned not to get in mommy’s way. She may even be getting savvy enough to hide some of the items that might make it into my purge pile – like the dozens of happy meal toys that accompany her home from outings with my parents.

Though I readily admit that some of my activities are merely thinly-disguised procrastination methods (wouldn’t you rather reorganize your cook books than clean the bathroom?), there’s something almost magical about the way a “spring” cleaning leaves you feeling lighter, less encumbered. Clearing out the unnecessary and bringing order to what’s left gives a sense of empowerment, hope, and peace. How many household chores can boast those benefits?

What’s your favorite organizing task? What’s your favorite organizing tool? Do you do your “spring” cleaning more than once a year? Do the kids help, or hide? Were you always like this, or did you start only after you became a mom?