Refresh Your Home This Spring
By Tammy Nikou
I can’t believe we’re already in May and halfway through spring! If you haven’t already, now is the perfect time to start thinking about doing some spring cleaning around your home. It’s a great opportunity to put away all of your winter things and get your home fresh for summer. Life is hectic and often we push things aside to tackle later or shove things into cupboards and drawers so that we don’t have to deal with them. But what’s that saying again – a tidy home is a happy home? Could they have been on to something? In fact there are actual scientific studies that indicate that mess and clutter are causes of stress and anxiety and that having a tidy and clean space to live in leads to greater calm, joy and relaxation.
Since you’re spending a lot more time in your home now, what better time to tackle the clutter, get organized, and give your home a deep clean. Trust me, it’ll be cathartic. Plus, we owe it to ourselves to enjoy a clean and clutter-free home and it’s not as hard as you might think. Here are some of my top tips to get you started!
Make a List
It all starts with a list. During a time when many of us feel we don’t have much control over things, this is one thing that will give you back a sense of control. Make a list of every space in your home and the different areas that need some organizing, de-cluttering and a deep clean. Go through each room and list what you need to do. Prioritize the areas that need the most work or that you normally would skip during your regular cleaning. If you have a list and plan it will help you stay focused.
De-clutter & Get Organized
Before you do anything else, spend some time to organize your current space. This may sound really simple and obvious, but just getting organized and de-cluttering what you already have will make a huge difference. Sort through drawers, toys, games, clothing, and books and determine what to keep, throw out, or donate. Once you’ve gone through that process, you should have a much clearer and less cluttered space to work with. Then, invest in some storage solutions like bins and dividers – whatever makes sense in your space to get things organized.
Deep Clean
Now the fun part, roll up your sleeves and get ready to give your home a deep clean. Wipe down window sills, doors and baseboards. Even wipe down the walls and ceilings and wipe away and dust and cobwebs. Dust lights and lamps and replace any bulbs. Vacuum under all beds and couches and mop floors and clean those hardwood floors. Don’t forget to wash your windows – yes, both inside and out. Now that your home is clean, you want that bright light shining in! Plus, open all the windows to let some fresh air in.
Tackle the Kitchen
The kitchen is the heart of the home and let’s be honest, it’s the one area that’s hardest to keep clean. Wipe down your cabinets and your countertops. Then, give all of your kitchen appliances a deep clean both inside and out. Next, de-clutter and clean out your refrigerator and pantry. Throw away old, expired items and wipe down the shelves. If there are non-perishables that are still good, consider donating to your local Food Bank. Finally, invest in some storage containers to get your pantry organized.
Attack the Bathroom
Don’t be afraid of cleaning the bathroom! Wipe down the vanity and countertop. Dust your vanity lights and replace any bulbs. Mop the floors. Give the tub or shower a deep clean, clean your grout, and replace caulking as needed. Finally replace your shower curtain with a new fresh one.
Wash the Linens
This is the time to switch out all of your heavy linens, pillows, and blankets and bring in your lighter ones for spring and summer. Take this opportunity to wash your drapes and clean your blinds too. It’s also a great time to wash all your bedding and sheets and get your linen closet organized.
I hope these tips will help you tackle spring cleaning in your home. Now the fun part – planning how to enjoy living in your clean home the rest of the spring and summer!
~ You can see Tammy’s work at nikoudesign.com