We’ve had some weird weather leading up to the beginning of spring this year, but we still made it! We often get the urge to start cleaning with the return of spring, while shedding the layers we’ve accumulated over the winter months – literally and figuratively.
So we’ve compiled some spring cleaning tips to help you do just that! Keep reading for a few things you can literally do to help your home and spaces feel lighter, brighter, and tidier this season.
It’s usually a good idea to start with just one location and work through that space from start to finish. That way you can devote your attention entirely to that space and feel accomplished once you complete your spring cleanout in that area.
Kitchen Refresh
Each season it’s a good idea to go through your pantry and fridge to take inventory of all the foods you have available, throw away expired items, and move items that need to be used sooner rather than later to the front of your shelves. Vacuum out any crumbs and wipe down shelves with warm water, adding a touch of dish soap if there are any stubborn areas.
Run a clean cycle in your dishwasher while you organize your kitchen – simply sprinkling a layer of baking soda at the bottom and run the hottest cycle setting on your dishwasher does the job.
If you have a miscellaneous drawer in your kitchen empty it out and get rid of old coupons, test any pens and throw out any that don’t work anymore. Clear out any extra utensils that have gone unused and place them with items you plan to donate. Drawer organizers and dividers can be super helpful in keeping everything where you can find it.
Wipe down the fronts of your cabinets and knobs with warm soapy water and any appliances that live on your counters. Finish off by storing anything extra that doesn’t live on your counters and giving them a wipe down so everything feels fresh and clean when you’re done.
Entry Way Cleanout
There still may be a few colder days ahead of us, nevertheless getting your hall closet or entryway ready for warmer weather can help make the seasonal transition smoother. Wash heavy winter jackets, hats, and gloves and relocated them to the back of your closet or store elsewhere if you have the space, and donate items that haven’t been worn or that have been outgrown.
Cleaning out your heavy winter gear will create room for you to move your lighter jackets to the front of your space so things like umbrellas and rain boots will be easy to get to as soon as they are needed. Using baskets and storage containers can help corral seasonal items so they don’t get lost or strewn all over the place.
Living Space Sparkle
First, take a visual sweep of your living area and then remove and return any items that are out of place to their proper homes. Recycle old magazines and papers and wash blankets and fluff pillows.
If you wish, you can rearrange bookshelves, donate any books you’ve already read or don’t need any longer, and relocate decorations so your space will have a fresh new look and feel when you enter it.
If you have an area rug take some baking soda and mix in some of your favorite essential oil and sprinkle it across your rug, let sit for a bit then vacuum. You could even do this to your couch cushions if you have a hand-held vacuum that you can use. Take down and wash curtains or blinds to get rid of accumulated allergens then wipe down all surfaces and electronics.
Bathroom Spa
Refresh your bathroom with a simple cleanout and amp up the spa vibes. Getting rid of old products and clearing out storage spaces to only house the items you use regularly will go a long way in making your bathroom feel more like a spa. Adding baskets or storage bins for items that live on your counters can help make your space more visually put together, bonus add a candle or two of your favorite scent to really amp up the spa feel.
For even more of a spa atmosphere, consider using towels of all the same color that blend well with your other bathroom accents. Bring it all together by giving it a deep clean, so everything is fresh and clean smelling – a simple solution of 1:1 water and vinegar with your favorite essential oils is all you need!
Bedroom Oasis
Same as in your living space, take a visual sweep of your bedroom and clear up any clutter, storing items where they belong and donating items no longer needed. Wash all bed linens and curtain/blinds and switch to a lighter weight and color palette for your bed coverings if that’s your thing!
Wipe down all surfaces, store laundry baskets out of sight, and rearrange decorations (maybe even moving some items to other areas of your home and vice versa) so your eyes have something “new” to look at. A few well-placed candles and accents can elevate your space without you having to do too much, or even spend any money if you relocate decorations from other areas of your home.
And there you have it, some simple ways to brighten and enliven your home spaces! Make sure the items you plan to donate get taken to the donation center the same week of your spring cleanout. You’ll feel so light and accomplished when it’s all done and your home will feel fresh and happy, ready to welcome your renewal.
