When winter comes to an end, you might cringe when you hear the words “spring cleaning.” According to Google Translate, spring cleaning is a thorough cleaning of a house or room, typically undertaken in spring. This time of year might be difficult for you, as you feel overwhelmed by the contents of the rooms in your home. Spring cleaning is definitely a challenge and you shouldn’t be ashamed to admit that you don’t know when or where to start. Spring is a time to refresh your home; you will feel much better when everything is clean and in the right places. We are here to help you get through this time in an organized manner by providing useful tips that exude productivity.
Before you start anything, make a checklist. It may seem simple, but a checklist can give you the motivation you are looking for. Leave a space next to each task to “check” them off as you finish them. Keep in mind that you shouldn’t rush through each task. Take your time to evaluate and clean any necessary items. Furthermore, figure out what time of day will be the most productive for you. For example, if you work in an office environment, do you get more done in the morning, midday, late afternoon, or night? You can parallel your work ethic for getting things done at home as well. In addition, a good incentive for getting spring cleaning done is rewarding yourself afterwards. Enjoy a delicious meal or watch one of your favorite shows.
Once you have your checklist ready, you can begin gathering necessary supplies that you may need, such as any cleaning materials. Below you will find a few tips inspired by an HGTV blog post on spring cleaning.
- After South Florida’s version of winter, it is not required for you to air out your blankets, pillows, and comforters, but it is still something important to start the spring cleaning process.
- Dust everything throughout your home. “Take everything off shelves, tabletops and dressers to dust. Now is also the time to get to all the places you’ve been neglecting throughout the year, including ceiling fans, above kitchen cabinets and baseboards and doorways.”
- Move furniture away from walls. This is another neglected area that needs cleaning and attention for this time of year.
- Get important papers in order. As the deadline for taxes approaches, it is very important to set aside all the tax information you and your family need. Keep any files from the last year that you may need as well.
- Clean your upholstered furniture. Make sure to use correct care instructions for the corresponding fabric.
Virginia Brown, a South Florida professional organizer and the owner of Miami Neat, offers her advice for spring cleaning time. She suggests donating or putting away your winter clothing for your warm weather clothing: “The seemingly universal rule of 80% of what we have we don’t use can be applied here. Definitely give away the non-classic and unused pieces because it’s going to be winter elsewhere and someone can use these clothes.” In essence, focus on the current season. If you don’t see yourself wearing some of these clothes again, you know what to do.
Last but not least, organizing your items for storage purposes is an essential task of spring cleaning.
Buffets and sideboards are significant during family gatherings. They allow you to keep your dining items in order. Now that the holiday season is over, go through these and eliminate any plates, place mats, or silverware you do not see your family using in the future. The Hudson Sideboard features adjustable shelves and four drawers for you to consider.
Cabinets embody the essence of storage. Your needs can be met by categorizing like items together. Make a list of items you would like to include in your cabinet. The Mangue Cabinet offers nine drawers for ample storage space.
Bookcases and shelf stands allow you to display anything you want. Organize your items based on certain books, work files, old recipes etc. The Standalone White Shelf Stand has a plethora of shelves for a number of items.
A curio is an essential piece to have in your home. We all gather figurines, collector items, and other miscellaneous pieces. Take time to eliminate any items you no longer care for or need and display your favorites instead. The Lucerne White Curio features three glass shelves and a storage drawer for your items. These items will be surrounded by tempered glass for a clean, organized look.
In essence, spring cleaning is a time to revitalize your home and organize your life. We hope you keep these tips in mind and we wish you the best of luck!