1. DREAM BIG, BUT PRIORITIZE
In an ideal world, we would all have endless amounts of time to clean and organize our homes (or maybe just time to curl up on the couch with a glass of wine and your favorite TV show!). The reality: Spring cleaning is something we all have to juggle. What are the areas that bother you or slow down your days the most? Whether it’s clogged gutters or overflowing piles of mail and paperwork, focus on just a few areas, and then decide how much time you can realistically dedicate toward spring cleaning (I’d recommend at least a day or two) and put it on your calendar.
2. HELP YOUR CLOSETS WORK FOR YOU
Getting your closet organized can add meaningful time back into your day. If you maintain seasonal wardrobes, the best time to go through your clothes is when they are fresh in your memory, not when you’re taking them out for a new season! As you put your spring and summer clothing into your closet, ask yourself if you’d be willing to part with an item if it was going to a close friend. If this helps you, then schedule a swap. Focus on specific categories (say, women’s clothes and accessories, home decor or children’s toys) to make it more manageable. This way, some of your most-loved items can find an appreciative new home (and then you can donate everything else).
3. BE PREPARED FOR EMERGENCIES
While I’m not a Doomsday Prepper, with hurricanes and other hazardous weather on the horizon, consider putting together a “go” bag or bin. The CDC has a full list of helpful items, but some essentials include enough food, water and prescription medications for each family member for several days (don’t forget your pets), copies of important documents like ID cards and immunization records, safety supplies like a first aid kit and emergency radio, as well as some cash. Make some space for this in an accessible location like your garage or a coat closet, and talk with your loved ones about what to do in an emergency. Already have a kit? Don’t forget to go through it periodically, since items like canned food do expire.
4. MAKE CLEANING OUT YOUR PANTRY A COMPETITION
The start of a new season is a perfect time to clean out your pantry and freezer. Check expiration dates, clean shelves, group foods by category and use up any seasonal ingredients that won’t last until next year. Want to include the family in the fun? Consider hosting a cooking competition (like “Iron Chef ” or “Chopped”). Select ingredients, divide into teams and give awards for the tastiest dishes!
5. TURN YOUR HOME INTO AN ALLERGY-FREE OASIS
If you or a family member is sensitive to pollen and other sneeze-inducing allergens, clear out the dust and cobwebs! Change your home’s air filters, and wipe down baseboards, bookshelves, electronics and anywhere else that dust tends to collect. Vacuum or shake out area rugs and upholstered furniture and give wall-to-wall carpeting a deep clean. Wash or replace your pillows and consider investing in mattress covers.
6. REMEMBER: PROGRESS, NOT PERFECTION
The goal of spring cleaning isn’t to turn your home into a Pinterest-worthy space – it’s to make it more comfortable and livable for you and your loved ones. If you don’t get to every item on your list, don’t beat yourself up. The seasons will change in just a few months, so you can roll up your sleeves then, too!
Hillary Bruce is a Durham-based professional organizer helping clients across the Triangle sweeten their spaces at Honey Hive Home Professional Organizing.
