Tips for Spring Cleaning

It’s just about that time of the year to start cleaning up and clearing out to get rid of the old and make room for the new. Yes, it’s time for spring-cleaning. Clean out the closets; box up the winter items and get organized. While many people may dread spring-cleaning because of the work it entails, others look forward to it. Spring-cleaning can also signify a time of refreshing renewal. It is a time for clearing away the clutter and putting forth a clean, fresh approach not only in the area of housekeeping but in your way of life as well. Spring is the season of rebirth. It is the time to make positive changes in yourself and your life. Start with your surroundings and work your way forward from there.

Look at the most cluttered areas of your house. Closets and drawers tend to be stuffed full with useless, outdated items. Closets are usually filled with clothes you never wear or items that no longer fit. We often keep clothes that don’t fit anymore because we have hopes that we’ll lose weight and need them again. It’s definitely the attitude to have but why keep the clothes in the meantime. Give them to a friend or relative. Donate them to those in need. If you have a difficult time parting with things, look at it from a positive perspective. Not only will you be doing a good deed by helping someone less fortunate, you can treat yourself to some new additions to your wardrobe. Do the same with shoes and other items you no longer use.

If you need to make space in your closets, use hanging plastic bags and flat boxes that can slide onto shelves and under beds. Large plastic bags that collapse and flatten can be great space savers that fit into the tightest spots. Plastic containers and wicker baskets, come in all shapes and sizes. They’re decorative and they hold a variety of items, which helps to keep the clutter organized. Use them in the kitchen to hold utensils, in the bathroom to organize combs and brushes and in the bedroom to hold all of your miscellaneous items. You can even use them in the garage to hold paintbrushes and other handy helpers. Plastic bins with different sized compartments are good for keeping pins, paper clips and other small items from getting lost.

Spring-cleaning is a good time to shampoos carpets or steam clean. Remind family members and visitors to remove their shoes and mentioning shoes, you might want to place a large plastic container somewhere near the door to hold shoes. It’s better than having a pile of shoes kicked off inside the door. It’s easy to keep clean; just wipe it out with a damp cloth when needed.

Most people have at least one junk drawer located somewhere in their home. Often it is found in the kitchen. Somehow a variety of miscellaneous items always make their way to this particular drawer. Now is the ideal time to rid the drawer of needless items. Designate those items you choose to keep to their proper places.

While you’re in the mood to clean why not add a few new touches to your surroundings? Splash on a new coat of paint or refresh chipped woodwork. Don’t stop with the walls. A little bit of paint can work wonders for old baskets, flowerpots or even picture frames. A coat of stain or paint can give new life to an old wooden chair, bench or stool. Be creative. Use your imagination.

Of course you can’t complete spring-cleaning without doing the windows inside and out. Renew old window coverings with light airy sheers, window scarves or perhaps a bamboo blind at a large solitary window. Add window boxes or miniature flowerpots in just the right spots.

Finally, clean out the basement and/or garage. After years of being a packrat, basements and garages can become filled with junk and long forgotten items. Now that you’ve finished all the hard work, you’re entitled to reap the fruit of your labor. If you’ve already given some stuff away and donated other items to charity but still find yourself with plenty of things you don’t need, have a yard sale. There are plenty of people out there that can always find a new use for an old item.

Spring-cleaning doesn’t have to be dull drudgery. Take your time; use your imagination and have a little fun while you clear away the clutter.