Tips for getting ‘spring clean’
Has winter left your home not quite as clean and organized as you like?
You’re not alone.
While we’re stuck inside from months on end, sometimes things just seem to, well … accumulate. With spring just around the corner, now’s the perfect time to get your place back in order and sparkling clean.
Here are a few simple tips to help get you started.
• Tackle the piles
If what began as a way to organize your stuff has slowly gotten out of control, now’s the time to go through it. If it’s something you haven’t needed—or even thought about—in months, think about recycling or donating it. If it is something that is truly important to you, take the time to properly file it away or store it in a safe place. Once you do, you’ll then be able to dust and vacuum without any unwanted obstacles.
• Go through the medicine cabinet
The medicine cabinet can be one of those places you don’t think about until you actually need something. Take the time now to get rid of unneeded prescriptions and check for expired over-the-counter medications. While you’re at it, make a list of everything you’re getting rid of so that you know what you need to restock so that you’ll be ready when the time comes.
• Give the fridge a deep clean
Sure, every week or so you go through the fridge and toss out the leftovers, but when was the last time you took everything out, cleaned the shelves and did a little reorganizing? You may be a little shocked—and maybe even a little repulsed—at what you find. In the end, you’ll be happy you took the extra effort.
• Get your financial information in order
While you were going through those piles, chances are you probably found some financial information you needed to file. With Tax Day here before you know it, go ahead and pull all of those documents together to avoid any last-minute panic.
• Ask for help
Don’t feel like you have to go it alone, especially if you have heavy or awkward obstacles in your way. Call on family, friends or even professionals to lend you a hand. Not only will it make the job go faster, but it can also keep you from potentially hurting yourself.
Last but not least, take your time. Your home didn’t get like this in one day, so don’t expect to magically make it all disappear in just an hour or two—remember to pace yourself.
Happy cleaning!
