Spring is often seen as a time of rebirth and renewal because it marks the end of winter and the beginning of a new season. During the winter months, much of the natural world goes into hibernation or dormancy, and the landscape can appear barren and lifeless. As the weather begins to warm up and the days start to get longer, new growth and life emerge, and the world comes back to life. The idea of this rebirth is spread across many cultures and religions, and the idea of “cleansing” our lives and giving birth to a new year full of possibilities. For centuries, people have taken this cleansing literally by making time for “spring cleaning”.
In Western culture, the practice of spring cleaning became more widespread during the 19th century, particularly in areas where coal was used for heating during the winter months. Coal would leave a layer of soot and grime on surfaces, which needed to be cleaned off in the spring. Spring was also a time when people could open up their homes and air out the space after being closed up during the winter.
Today, spring cleaning remains a popular tradition in many cultures, and the concept of deep cleaning and decluttering at the start of a new season has become a common practice for many people. It's a great way to refresh your space, get rid of any accumulated clutter, and start the new season off on a clean and organized note.
In this post, we'll share our top tips and tricks for tackling your spring cleaning to-do list and making your home feel brand new.
Decluttering Your Home
One of the first steps in spring cleaning is to declutter your home. This means going through your belongings and deciding what to keep, donate, or discard. Start by creating three piles: one for items to keep, one for items to donate, and one for items to throw away. Go through each room in your home and evaluate each item in the space. Ask yourself if the item has been used in the past year, if it still brings joy, and if it serves a purpose. If the answer is no, add it to the donate or discard pile. Once you've decluttered your space, you'll be amazed at how much more organized and peaceful your home feels. Looking for a little more help? Check out our blog about Decluttering Your Home.
Deep Cleaning Your Home
Once you've decluttered your home, it's time to focus on deep cleaning. This means tackling areas of your home that may have been neglected during your daily cleaning routine. Some of the key areas to focus on include the bathroom, kitchen, floors, and walls. For the bathroom, focus on cleaning the toilet, shower, and sink. In the kitchen, deep clean the stove, fridge, and countertops. For floors, vacuum and mop all surfaces. For walls, wipe down baseboards, light switches, and any scuff marks.
Tackling Your Home's Exterior
The exterior of your home is just as important as the interior. To get your home's exterior ready for spring, start by cleaning outdoor furniture and grills. Use a hose or pressure washer to remove any dirt or debris. Power washing the exterior of your home is another way to freshen up the exterior. This can help remove any dirt or grime that has accumulated over the winter. Finally, don't forget about your yard and garden. This is the perfect time to plant new flowers or vegetables, remove any debris or dead leaves, and mow your lawn.
Cleaning and Organizing Your Home's Storage Spaces
It's easy to overlook storage spaces during regular cleaning, but they can quickly become cluttered and disorganized. If you're feeling overwhelmed, take a deep breath and focus on one space at a time. Start by removing everything from the space and sorting through each item. Ask yourself if you really need or use each item. Consider donating or discarding items that no longer serve a purpose in your life. Once you've narrowed down your belongings, use storage containers and organizers to make the most of your space. For your garage or basement, create zones for different items, such as sports equipment, tools, and holiday decorations. This will make it easier to find and access items when you need them.
Green Cleaning and Product Recommendations
When it comes to cleaning your home, using natural products is not only better for the environment, but also better for your health. You don't need harsh chemicals to get your home clean and fresh. Some natural cleaning products include vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice. You can also find many eco-friendly cleaning products on the market that are effective and affordable.
Spring cleaning may seem like a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be. Start small and focus on one area at a time. Declutter, deep clean, and organize your space to create a clean and organized home that you'll love spending time in. Reward yourself once you've completed your spring cleaning tasks - whether that's taking a relaxing bath, going out for a nice dinner, or simply enjoying your newly clean and organized home. Remember to enjoy the process and take pride in your hard work. Happy spring cleaning!