Every spring, nature revitalizes itself. Old, dead leaves are dislodged with new buds. Brown grass is replaced by fresh green grass. New animal babies are born. And, even we humans, feel the need to refresh our own surroundings each spring.
It can be a daunting task. Winter is all about comfort and coziness. Winter is sweatpants and cookie crumbs. No one notices the layer of dust on the ceiling fan or the stack of movies lingering on the entertainment center. So, when we open the windows to let the spring air in and the bright sunlight shows us exactly how much work there is to be done, it’s almost terrifying. Follow these steps to spring clean your home the smart way:
Prioritize your efforts
There are a million “spring cleaning” checklists if you search Pinterest, but simply choosing one at random may not suit your needs and could result in your spending all afternoon completing tedious tasks and running out of productivity quickly. It would be a waste of time to re-organize, say, the garden supplies in the shed if you don’t actually use them or spend much time there. But if you’re constantly shoving scarves and shoes back into the hall closet it would be way less stressful if that area were de-cluttered. Work smarter, not harder is our mantra for this spring cleaning project. In this case, that means focus your efforts where you will actually enjoy the outcome. Create your own To-Do list starting with the tasks you consider the most important at the top.
One thing at a time
Don’t become distracted by trying to do too much. It’s not uncommon for me to start organizing my closet, find a pair of shorts that don’t fit anymore, take them to my “giveaway” pile I’ve started in the other room, and then end up online shopping for a new pair from my phone instead. Stay on track by focusing on one thing at a time. You can choose to make your list by task or room. For example, dust the whole house before moving on to vacuuming. Or go room-by-room, start with the bathroom and finish the whole area before moving to the kitchen. Place everything that doesn’t belong in the room you’re working on in a basket near the door rather than leaving to go put something away 15 times. Then when the room is complete, take the basket and put everything in it away at one time.
It’s a marathon, not a sprint
It is unreasonable to expect to complete the whole spring cleaning process in one day. You’ll only get frustrated, tired, and annoyed in the process. Space out your tasks over the course of several days or weeks, a few hours at a time. Try setting a timer for 15 minutes and getting as much done as you can before the timer goes off. Then take a 10 minute break. And then re-start the timer and go again. Make it more fun by streaming your favorite playlist or podcast with a Bluetooth Audio Receiver.
Don’t forget your electronics
Electronic devices often get forgotten in the spring cleaning process. Maintain their lifespan by taking proper care of them. Dust can accumulate in and around your television, computer and other devices and overheat and ruin your electronics. Clean screens with a microfiber cloth to remove oily fingerprints.
You should also consider using this time to declutter cables near your computer, bedside tables and behind the entertainment center. Inspect your charging cables for frays or excessive wear and replace as needed.
Enjoy your freshly cleaned space
Once you have reached the end of your spring cleaning list you get to take a well-deserved break and enjoy your efforts. Treat your patio to a refresh by hanging Enbrighten Café Lights as part of your spring cleaning process. With new vintage styles and accessories such as shades and replaceable colored lenses you can make your outdoor space incredibly inviting for spring. Patio lounging and warmer weather are the ideal way to celebrate a job well done.
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