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Spring Cleaning Guide
It's
that time of year again. Temperatures are creeping
up, birds are starting to make themselves heard, snow
is disappearing, trees are budding, and people are
getting outside more and more. Springtime! For so
many, this is an exciting and energizing time of year.
What a great time to channel this energy into spring
cleaning projects around the house - projects that
you've maybe procrastinated all winter (or longer)
or simply had wait to for it to get warm enough to
accomplish. Spring cleaning around the home can help
clear up the clutter that invades your house and sits
in the back of your mind as to-do lists that never
get done. It can also help spruce up the interior
and exterior of your house with a fresh and clean
look.
We've put together a spring cleaning checklist for those of you who might need some help organizing how best to channel your spring cleaning energy.
Interior:
Closets - As the winter season turns to spring, this is a great time to analyze your closet to pick out any cold weather clothes you didn't even touch all season. Jackets, sweaters, pants, long sleeve shirts, socks, shoes, boots - if you didn't wear them this winter, what makes you think you'll wear them next winter? This clearing-out process helps create space in your closets and provides an opportunity to re-organize, maybe rearranging drawers and eliminating loose piles. You can donate your clothes to a charitable organization for a tax-deductible receipt or arrange for a clothes-swap with your buddies. Whatever you choose to do, do it very soon, otherwise the piles will sit around until your next burst of inspiration.
Shelves - Take a look at the shelves and counter tops in your home to see what's really on them. If it's your kitchen counter, are you actually using the items you leave out on the counter on a daily or at least a weekly basis? If not, then find a place to store them out of sight but accessible for when you might need them. If it's a living room shelf or coffee table, have you piled it with too many knick-knacks, picture frames, magazines, and odds and ends that you've become blind to what's actually on the shelf or table? If so, then maybe stake out other places in your home that could benefit from some homey touches and spread the love, thinning out the shelf top or tabletop clutter to help accentuate what you really want to showcase.
For more tips on clearing the clutter, please refer to our Guide to Down sizing.
Windows - OK, this is not something I've personally made a habit of doing, but I remember a college roommate's mom coming to visit us in the spring and insisting that we clean the windows, inside and out, to truly benefit from spring cleaning. With her help, we got that done and I think it really made a difference. You don't even realize how much dirt, grime, and pollen builds up on your windowpanes. Creating a cleaner window to the outside world really helped brighten our inside world.
Exterior
Pressure Washing - Pressure washing the exterior of your home is a surefire way to wash off the grit and grime of the winter and achieve a clean, fresh appearance for your home. You'll be amazed at how dirty your house was before you pressure washed it! It might be worth it to purchase a pressure washer from a home goods store like Lowe's or Home Depot if you have somewhere to store it. Otherwise you can borrow your neighbor's or hire a painting company to come out and get it done for you while you're at work.
Mulching - Help define your outdoor landscaping by mulching areas around gardens, flower beds, shrubs, and trees. A fresh layer of mulch looks great and the smell will remind you of warm, happy days. While you're at it, you can trim back your shrubbery and plants, depending on the particular plant and what kind of trimming is good for it. Rake up loose leaves and debris and even mow your lawn if the grass is high enough. All of this will make a huge impact on the curb appeal of your home and will help raise your spirits every time you enter the house or look out the window toward the back or side yard.
Outdoor Furniture - Setting up outdoor furniture is a great way to encourage you and your family members to escape the indoors and get outside. Instead of plopping down on the couch for the evening, you might be inspired to relax outside for some fresh air and a chat with the neighbors. Either drag the furniture out from storage and pressure wash it while you're doing the house or purchase inexpensive - but comfortable - furniture that will last the season.
We're not sure how long your spring cleaning ambition will last as the weather gets warmer and you want to get out and play rather than work, so this list should do as a good starting point. You could even start with some of the interior cleaning before spring to spread out the work a little more. Enjoy and Happy Spring!
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