Spring Cleaning and Decluttering

Well…it’s that time again. Spring is just around the corner and we’ve got to do some work so we can enjoy our homes. Winter brought us a lot of snow this year in Nebraska which means a lot of the mud and sand came with it and got into our garages and entryways. And don’t forget about the home maintenance that needs doing. We tend to nest during the colder months which means we built up some clutter. And lastly, it’s time to put out the spring decorations and think about what plants we want to have in the yard this year.

Cleaning it Up

As I mentioned, a lot of the outdoors has been tracked indoors during the snowy weather we’ve recently had. That means that there is sand in your garage that needs sweeping, blowing, or hosing, dependent on how much you have in there. I drive a SUV with big tires, so I brought in a lot of debri that needed to be swept and then hosed. It was way too much to blow because I’d get it all over the other things also stored in that space. Removing all that nonsense from the garage floor will prevent it from further getting onto the floors in my home which, of course, now need cleaning. This is especially important if you have hardwood floors because the sand will scratch those if you keep walking over it. I personally like to vacuum the floors using a vacuum setting appropriate for floors and then mop. For my hardwoods, I just use a cleaner made for hardwood which is easy to find in any home improvement or grocery store.

Home Maintenance

Super important to the long life of your home is the maintenance that happens in springtime. You’ll want to caulk around windows and doors in case any of that material has disintegrated during winter. And it’s especially important to check your gutters to ensure they are functioning alright that way there are no wayward leaks that will damage your home. Check hose spigots to be sure they are functioning properly and there are no leaks. Wait until the weather is consistently over freezing before you do so and when it is, start up your sprinkler system. We’ve had plenty of water from the snow this season, but your grass will need the water with the upcoming warmer weather and so will blooming plants. Speaking of which it’s also, it’s time to start thinking about spring planting. If you have some spring bulbs that need planting, put those right into the ground. Think about what you want to put in your pots and make sure you get to the garden center when everything comes out in a couple of weeks. That way you get exactly what you want before they run out. And lastly, you may want to freshen your home with a new coast of interior or exterior paint depending on the age and condition of your existing paint. You’d be surprised at how much difference a fresh paint job can make in the appearance of your home.

Declutter

Getting rid of the things you don’t use often by throwing them away, selling, donating, or putting them into storage is a great way to make your home feel clean and fresh as well as a great way to make some extra cash or do a good deed. It also helps you get organized before summer shenanigans begin and makes your home look fantastic. Try starting with those closets like the coast closet, the one in your primary bedroom and the kitchen pantry. Those are the places that tend to get the bulk of the stuff in them during the winter. Once it’s warm enough, try putting winter clothes in a different bedroom closet so the clothes you use daily are easier to see. I find this helps me better utilize all the clothes I have, and I can more easily put together a cute outfit with something I may have forgotten I have. Cleaning out the kitchen pantry helps me be more organized when cooking my favorite meals and it helps to keep track of what I have so I don’t buy multiples at the grocery store because I didn’t see an item in the closet. Lastly, if you have children, it’s time to go through the toys and decide what to keep and what to get ride of. Kids outgrown toys so quickly and there are many organizations that welcome lightly used donations for children in need.

Spring Decorating

This part is my favorite. After I’ve cleaned my house and decluttered, I love to put out the spring decorations. That means flowers in vases, light, and airy curtains, throw pillows and new bed and bathroom linens with light springtime colors. I even like to switch out area rugs that have a fresher feel to them. Plus, it gives me an opportunity to get the ones I’m not using currently cleaned for next winter. Make sure to have your windows professionally cleaned during this time of year so that sunlight shines in on all the beautiful treasures you’re putting out. And if you need some decorating tips, keep an eye on my blog for more information at www.omahaprioritygroup.com/blog We put lots of great seasonal info out twice a week.

Happy springtime ya’ll!