8 tasks to put on your spring cleaning list

We’re officially two weeks away from spring! As the weather warms and the days are longer, it’s a great time to get your home ready for the new season. As we shift into spring, it’s sometimes easier to find the motivation to start cleaning again thanks to the change in weather. Whether you want to have people over or just want to make sure the sunshine is streaming in through your windows, taking the time to spruce up your home makes it even easier to invite the seasonal change into your home.

To get started with your spring cleaning, put these eight tasks high on your list of to-dos.

Now that spring is here, it’s time to let fresh air in. Give your entire window extra attention by wiping down the window sills and frames and vacuuming the windows. Pop out screens and wash them with soapy water. Dust any blinds and hardware you have on your windows. And make sure you wash any blinds or curtains that need to feel fresh. Finally, clean your windows on both sides of the glass, and make sure you use streak-free cleaner and clothes to keep them looking their best. Then, keep your windows open to feel spring on your skin.

Because fresh produce becomes more readily available in the spring, it’s a great time to put some elbow grease into your refrigerator.  To deep clean this appliance, start by pulling out all of the food and throwing away anything that’s expired. Wipe down the shelves and remove any drawers or shelving that can be washed in the sink. You’ll also want to wipe down the exterior, including dusting the coils on the back. You’ll be able to start the season with a fresh refrigerator that you can fill with farmer’s market goods.

If you’ve been home during the winter and staring at things that need to be put away—or thrown away—there’s no time better than now to get started. Decluttering your home is a great task for the spring. Start by knowing what your goal is for decluttering so you stay on task. Then, begin with one of the smaller spaces in your home so it doesn’t get overwhelming. Sort out your things into “keep,” “donate,” and “throw away” piles, then stay on track to do just that with your things. Be sure to carefully organize what’s left so it’s easily accessible if you need it to be. Decluttering is worthwhile to put you in the mood for spring.

Spring is a great time to remember to dust those hard-to-reach spots before the allergens of the season start sneaking in. Blinds are an easy thing to tackle when it comes to dusting. Make sure you’re also dusting ceiling fans, light fixtures, behind and underneath furniture, and the vents in your ceilings and floors. These tasks can help keep you well during the spring versus fighting the dust and allergies that come with the season. It’s well worth the effort you’ll put in.

Springtime is also a good time to make sure your air conditioner is ready to begin taking on the warmer months. You’ll need to schedule a seasonal service for your air conditioner unless you’d rather do it on your own. Make sure you replace your dirty air filters and clean out any weeds that may be obstructing your outdoor unit. Having a professional service your HVAC system is a great way to ensure it is running properly and that you won’t have problems as the weather gets warm.

Before long, you’ll see green starting to sprout everywhere. Make sure you’re ready by preparing your garden areas for the springtime. Start by giving your soil a bit of a boost. Clear out any organic debris left from the fall and winter and add compost to the top layer of soil to enhance its nutrients. Toss down new grass seed if you have any patchy areas and start planning for a vegetable garden if you have the space. Then, when May comes, you’ll have a lush lawn you’ll be proud of.

When spring hits, people typically want to enjoy the outdoors. Make sure you’re ready for entertaining by giving your outdoor furniture a good cleaning. Remove any debris that may be surrounding your furniture, either with a leaf blower or by simply sweeping it away. Then use warm soap and water to start gently scrubbing. Use soft bristles to do the hard work and make sure to steer clear of abrasive cleaners. If you have outdoor upholstery, follow the manufacturer’s directions to properly clean them. Once done, you’ll be ready to celebrate the season in style.

Springtime means it’s time to put away those heavy coats and boots and start getting out your warm weather outfits and flip flops. It’s officially time to organize your closet for the spring. If you have close you need to purge, be sure to set those aside and store anything you’re keeping. Remember the one-year rule: throw out anything you haven’t worn in at least a year. Once you know what you’re keeping, stay organized with bins, dividers, and by using shelves to keep your closet uncluttered and looking its best.

As you prepare for spring, set yourself up for success by making sure your home is as clean and uncluttered as possible. Then, you can welcome the new season without worrying about the added stress of a home that feels like you’re still trapped in winter.

The Jim Allen Group provides access to information on this blog/website as a public service for educational purposes only. Although reasonable efforts have been made to ensure that all of the information made available is current, accurate, and complete…[read more]