As temperatures rise and flowers begin to bloom, it's time to say goodbye to the winter blues and welcome the new season. And what better way to welcome spring than with some good old spring cleaning?
Although the thought of cleaning the whole house can be overwhelming, it doesn't have to be a daunting task. Spring cleaning can be a lot of fun if you have the right attitude and approach because a clean home can bring a sense of calm and balance. As the saying goes, you won't eat a mammoth amount all at once - but bit by bit, you can! Here we explain in three steps how to get started, and before you know it, there will be order and cleanliness all around you. So what now? Get to work tidying up!
A good plan is half the battle. Before you start cleaning, take a few minutes to prepare. Decide which rooms or areas you want to tackle first, and make a list of the tasks you want to complete in each area. A plan will help you stay organized and focused, and give you a sense of accomplishment as you check off each task. Let's go!
Step one: Come Baby.... show what you've got!
Spring cleaning is the perfect time to get rid of anything that is taking up space and serves no purpose. Before we reach for the bucket and mop, we have the arduous task of checking all the closets, shelves and drawers. Go through each room and throw away anything you haven't used in the last year, such as old clothes, books or toys.
This is a great way to declutter your living space and a good start to reorganizing more than just your closet. Donate or sell things that are still in good condition, and throw away anything that is broken or beyond repair. You'll find that you can make quite a bit of money with these "extras." And you might even get that dream bedding you've been dreaming about.
Once you have your possessions and items sorted, you can get to work on a thorough cleaning of each room. This includes dusting, scrubbing and wiping down surfaces such as cabinets, countertops, floors, window sills and lamps. Don't forget to clean areas that are often neglected, such as behind the toilet or under the bed.
The key to maintaining a high level of motivation when cleaning your home is to regularly take a few minutes each day to work through the next items on your list. You'll be surprised how many things you can get done in 20 minutes a day.
Step two: What's squeaking in the lawn?
Spring is the perfect time to get your yard ready for grilling season. It's also the time to plant new flowers and vegetables: So take a moment to tidy up your beds, prune your trees and shrubs, and prepare the soil for planting. If you're not a fan of gardening, maybe hire a gardener for a few hours.
In the meantime, once you've finished gardening, check the outside of your home for any damage that may have occurred during the winter months. Check your roof, gutters or exterior blinds for cracks or leaks and repair them if necessary. If the weather cooperates, after the repairs are made, it's time to clean your doors, windows and, of course, exterior blinds. We have written several times in our posts about the importance of cleaning. We would like to warn you that shutter maintenance is a significant expense that you should avoid if possible.
When the climate changes, you should also not forget about a well-functioning air conditioner. Spring is the perfect time to service your air conditioner. This will ensure it's working efficiently and effectively when you need it most.
Don't forget about the garage. Sort out the old stuff you no longer need and make sure all your tools are well secured. In the garage is the car, which also needs your attention during this time. Change the oil, check the brakes and tires, and make sure your car is in good shape for the warmer months ahead and for all those weekend trips you have coming up.
Step three: get your head in order!
Yes, you read that right - get your head in order! Spring is a perfect time and the perfect moment for this task. We're not talking about re-evaluating and re-setting your priorities here - but if you feel the need to do so, there's nothing stopping you! Spend as much time there [in your head] as it takes.
What are we talking about here? Spring is a great time to review your finances and make the necessary adjustments. Review your budget, review your investments and start planning for upcoming expenses or events. Planning for family life is very important and, despite appearances, takes a lot of time.
To truly enjoy the upcoming season, start planning outdoor activities and events now. So make a list of places you want to visit and activities you want to do and start scheduling them on your calendar.
And what do you like about the plan to clean in three steps? Which step do you find the most difficult? Spring cleaning can be a daunting task, but with a little planning and effort, you can get your home looking clean, fresh and functional. So grab a sheet of paper, pack your bags and cleaning supplies, put on some music and head out to greet spring at the clean and organized doorstep of your home.