As the winter season comes to an end, many of us look forward to the fresh start that spring brings. It is the perfect time to declutter, organize, and deep clean our homes. Spring cleaning allows us to create a clean and refreshing environment, promoting a sense of well-being and productivity. In this article, we will look at some practical tips and tricks to organize your spring cleaning in a tidy and productive manner.

Create a Cleaning Checklist

Before embarking on your spring cleaning, creating a checklist of to-do activities is important. This helps you stay organized and ensure you do not miss any areas needing attention. Start by going through each room in your home and note what needs to be cleaned, decluttered, or organized. Split your checklist into manageable sections, such as cleaning the kitchen, decluttering the bedroom, and organizing the garage. Having a clear plan will make your spring cleaning process much smoother.

Declutter First

One of the most important steps in spring cleaning is decluttering. Take the time to go through your belongings and decide what you want to keep, donate, or discard. Start with one area at a time, such as a closet or a drawer, and sort through each item. Ask yourself if you have used or worn the item in the past year. If not, it may be time to let it go. Decluttering creates more space in your home, helps create a sense of calm, and reduces visual clutter.

Clean from Top to Bottom

When cleaning each room, starting from the top and working your way down is best. Kick-start by dusting shelves, light fittings, and ceiling fans. Then, move on to cleaning windows, blinds, and curtains. Next, focus on wiping down surfaces such as countertops, tables, and cabinets. Finally, vacuum or mop the floors. When you clean from top to bottom, you ensure that any dust or dirt that drops while cleaning is captured and removed.

Do Not Forget Neglected Areas

During your spring cleaning, do not forget to pay attention to the often-neglected areas of your home. These include baseboards, vents, and light switches. Use a mild cleaning solution or damp cloth to wipe down these areas and remove accumulated dust or grime. Also, remember to clean behind large appliances, such as the refrigerator and stove, to ensure that no dirt or debris lurks in these hidden spaces.

Deep Clean Carpets and Upholstery

Spring is the perfect time to give your . Thoroughly vacuum your carpets to get rid of any dust or debris. Consider hiring a professional cleaning service or renting a carpet cleaner for stains or high-traffic areas. Similarly, clean your upholstery using appropriate cleaning products or consider cleaning it professionally. You can revive their appearance and prolong their lifespan by giving your carpets and upholstery some extra attention.

Refresh Your Bedding and Linens

Refreshing your linens and bedding is a great idea when doing spring cleaning. Wash your sheets, pillowcases, and duvet covers in hot water to remove any allergens or dust mites that may have accumulated over time. To keep your mattress clean and prolong its life, consider rotating it and using a mattress protector. Do not forget to wash or dry clean your curtains and give your pillows a good fluff in the dryer to restore their shape.

Organize and Declutter Storage Spaces

Take the time to organize and declutter your storage spaces, such as closets, cabinets, and drawers. Remove everything from the area and sort through each item. Donate or discard items that you no longer use or need. Invest in storage solutions such as drawer organizers, boxes, or baskets to keep things accessible and tidy. To make locating stuff in the future simpler, label the storage containers you use. Over time, having a well-organized storage system will save you time and lessen your stress.

Clean and Maintain Outdoor Spaces

Spring cleaning is not just about the interior of your home; it is also a great time to clean and maintain your outdoor spaces. Sweep away any debris from your patio or deck, and wash the surfaces using a pressure washer if necessary. Clean your outdoor furniture and cushions, and check for any repairs or replacements that may be needed. Also, take the time to inspect and clean your gutters and downspouts to ensure proper drainage. When you pay attention to your outdoor spaces, you create a welcoming environment for outdoor activities during the spring and summer months.

Spring cleaning is a great time to give your house a makeover and make it a tidy, orderly place to live. These tips and tricks can make your spring cleaning process efficient and effective. Remember to create a checklist, declutter first, clean from top to bottom, and pay attention to neglected areas. Keep in mind to deep clean carpets and upholstery, refresh your bedding and linens, and organize storage spaces. Last, take the time to clean and maintain outdoor spaces for a complete spring cleaning experience. With these strategies, you can enjoy a fresh and revitalized home as you embrace the new season. Happy spring cleaning!

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With the arrival of spring, it’s time to prepare your home and garden for the coming season. It’s essential to prepare your outdoor space for the change in weather and make sure everything is in good condition so you can enjoy it! In this article, you’ll find tips on how to prepare for spring weather, whether you are remodeling your garden or beautifying your home.

1. Clean outdoor spaces

The first step to preparing for spring is cleaning up your outdoor areas like your garden, patio, and deck. To protect your plants and improve the appearance of your yard, start by clearing the lawn and garden of debris, such as fallen leaves and branches. To remove dirt and grime accumulated over the winter, you should clean your patio and deck with a pressure washer. Your outdoor space will look cleaner and will be safer for you and your family.

2. Add new plants and flowers

Your yard would benefit significantly from new plants and flowers in the spring. Not only will they bring life and color to your garden, but they will also help it look cozy and peaceful. When choosing new plants, pay attention to the sunlight and shade in your garden and the soil conditions.

To help your plants grow, add some compost to your garden. Not only will this make your existing plants healthier, but it will also encourage the growth of your new plants.

3. Freshen up your patio furniture

If your patio furniture is old and worn out, it is time to give it a new look. To create a warm and inviting outdoor environment, update chairs, tables, and cushions and add fresh accents like rugs and outdoor lamps.

4. Restore and repaint the exterior of your home

Now is the perfect time to repaint the exterior of your home if it’s already looking a little drab. Not only will this protect your home from the elements, but it will also make it more attractive overall. To achieve a warm and inviting look, choose a bright .

Although a pricier update, consider fixing your windows and doors if they appear a bit worn. Not only will it make a better impression, but it will also increase security and energy efficiency.

5. Improve your outdoor lighting

Lighting can play a significant role in creating a cozy and tranquil outdoor space. Consider illuminating your yard with new lights, such as lanterns or string lights, to create a comfortable and inviting ambiance. You could also strategically place lights on your patio or deck to make it more attractive and safer to use in the evenings.

6. Beautify your lawn

Your lawn should be in good condition in the spring, as it is an integral part of your landscape. Mow your lawn first and then remove the dead grass. You can add some fertilizer to make your lawn more robust and healthier. Could you consider sprinkling some lawn seed on bare spots to replenish them?

7. Add new accents to your outdoor space

Sprucing up your outdoor space can go beyond basic lawn maintenance. This can include the installation of a new pond or other water features, a garden, a patio, or a deck. These new elements will provide you with new and fascinating places to enjoy with your family and friends and will aesthetically enhance your garden.

8. Construct an irrigation system

Watering your garden will be much easier and more effective if you install an irrigation system. This system will allow you to water your plants at the correct times and amounts, giving them the moisture they need to thrive. Various irrigation systems are available, ranging from simple hose and to sophisticated automatic systems. You can choose the best option for your watering and gardening needs.

The best way to beautify your outdoor space and make it more enjoyable for you and your family is to prepare your home and yard for spring weather. There are many things you can do to prepare for spring, such as cleaning up your outdoor areas, planting new plants and flowers, updating your outdoor furniture, repainting the exterior of your home, improving the lighting in your yard, beautifying your lawn, adding new garden features, and building an irrigation system. So, take advantage of the warmer weather while it is here! With a bit of work, you can create an outdoor space that you and your family will enjoy for many years.

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Spring is a time for general renewal, and what better place to start than your own backyard? As everything comes back to life, you want to make sure that your own corner of nature is in the best possible shape. After winter, when your backyard didn鈥檛 play a major part in your day-to-day activities, you might consider decluttering it and finding new ways to keep it organized for the upcoming summer, whether you鈥檙e ditching some of the outdoor items for the yard or continuing to use them.

Here are some ideas to help you get your backyard in shape:

1. Clear the Backyard

Clearing the backyard can be intimidating, which is why you should split the process into two steps as follows:

Go Through Large Backyard Items

Check your garage, shed, and greenhouse (if you have one) for all their contents. Decide which items are still in good shape and which can be donated or thrown out. You might discover you have more patio furniture than you need this spring and summer. You can fit some of it in your shed, but if there isn鈥檛 enough room there, you can always put it in . Make sure to explore storage prices to see what solution is the most economical. For example, costs around $182/month and may not warrant keeping extra furniture.

Moreover, go through the outdoor toys and check if they are still in good shape. If your child has outgrown them, you can confidently dispose of them. If the swing set, the slide, and the trampoline are still usable, you can donate them to your neighbors or take them to a donation center.

If you still have small children, keep the toys that are in good shape. For smaller toys, create a storage system 鈥� add a toy box where smaller items can be stored once the children are no longer playing with them.

What about your hot tub? If you鈥檙e no longer using it, you can either dispose of it or take it to a donation center. However, if you鈥檙e a passionate DIYer, you can consider some creative ways to repurpose your hot tub. You can spray paint it and turn it into a mini shed for some tools if you don鈥檛 have a shed already.

Check the Smaller Backyard Items

Once you get the larger items out of the way, it鈥檚 easier to focus on the smaller ones. Inspect the gardening tools for rust or broken pieces and discard those that can鈥檛 be used anymore. The same goes for broken pots 鈥� broken ones can look unsightly and let鈥檚 be honest, when will you make the time to fix them? Recycle them (if possible) or throw them away.

You might also want to check the garden hose. If it shows signs of deterioration, you鈥檙e better off replacing it with a new one. This time, find a storage solution for the times when you鈥檙e not using it. A smaller decorative chest could do the job perfectly!

2. Tackle the Lawn

With clutter out of the way, you can easily focus on your lawn, which is the backdrop of your backyard. Mow the grass, making sure that rocks or smaller toys don鈥檛 get in the way. Next, weed out any spots where the unwelcome plants have grown. If you have roses or any other bushes, now it鈥檚 the time to trim them to make sure every corner of your backyard gets the TLC it needs. Not to mention, having a well-landscaped lawn can increase your home value.

If you live in an arid area and your lawn is sporting brown spots because of drought, you could consider lawn alternatives. Artificial turf, for instance, requires zero watering and less maintenance than real grass. Besides, you are also playing your part in conserving water and caring for the planet if you go this route.

3. Start a Compost Pile

Once you鈥檝e mowed the lawn, trimmed all the bushes, and picked up all the dead leaves from the previous season, you can take this opportunity to get started on your own compost pile. Pile up dry leaves, twigs, and any charcoal left from the previous season. This might go well if you鈥檝e switched to a gas grill and you now have the charcoal ash on your hands.

4. Spring Clean Walkways and Decor

Springtime is also a good time to tackle other areas of your backyard too. If you have a stone walkway or a cement patio, you can power wash it to give it a refreshed look. Additionally, your backyard might sport statues that are most likely in need of cleaning. If you鈥檙e not sure how to clean cement statues, you can consult this to help breathe new life into your outdoor d茅cor.

5. Reorganize Your Outdoor Kitchen

If you have a larger outdoor area where you entertain or an outdoor kitchen, now is the time to reorganize it. Keep the essentials close but utilize drawer organizers and baskets that you can put in a cabinet to prevent clutter. This will keep your counter free and ready to entertain your next guests!

6. Keep Deck Accessories Stored

Invest in a deck box so that you can put cushions and blankets, matches, and more away. This is perfect for daily storage or for rainy days when you don鈥檛 want your outdoor paraphernalia to get wet (especially if your deck isn鈥檛 covered). Additionally, putting away items you don鈥檛 use all the time will keep the space tidy both for your family and for your guests.

7. Create an Organization System for Fire Pit Essentials

Even though fire pits require very few items to function, you still need to keep matches, wood, and kindling on hand. You could keep them somewhere on your patio, but there鈥檚 a chance the area will feel cluttered again. Instead, you can consider a storage basket or a lidded container to keep the fire pit essentials dry and ready to use.

8. Add Finishing Touches

If you鈥檙e a big fan of DIYing, you can think about adding recycled yard decorations using bits and pieces of old tools, or you can paint various stones to create your outdoor collection of stone pets. Additionally, hanging baskets and newly potted plants next to a lovely herb garden can enhance the look of your backyard. They will provide a pop of color and style to your outdoor space. Make it your own, and the place will feel warm and welcoming to your guests.

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While many of us would like to lounge outside and soak up blooming flowers and sunny skies when spring rolls around, it can sometimes be hard to do when there is a laundry list of lingering tasks. This is when spring cleaning often takes place, almost like a rite of passage, during the months of March, April, and May.

While a good case of spring cleaning can be subjective, it generally consists of cleaning the things you rarely do throughout the year. Here’s a roundup of the spring cleaning tasks to remember that extend beyond the typical decluttering process.

1. Clean Your Washing Machine

Too often, the only time we clean our washing machines is when they start to smell, and even then, you might put it off for a later date. The may be as simple as running an empty load with white vinegar to help combat any growing mildew or build-up. From there, you can spot clean with a water, vinegar, and dish soap mixture for any problem areas. Be sure to get in between the folds of the rubber seal along with the opening where moisture is prone to building up!

2. Empty the Fridge & Pantry

Yes, the dreaded kitchen deep clean seems to be neglected for months (years) at a time. If this isn’t something that you do regularly, consider adding it to your spring cleaning list. Begin this process by removing all items in your fridge and pantry while paying attention to expiration dates. Throw out expired foods as well as food items that you won’t eat. After all the items are removed (or working shelf by shelf), clean the empty shelves, the sides, and the backs of the fridge, pantry, or cupboards. When placing the items back in, try to use some organization method to help condense space and make it easier to find things. For example, all sauces in the door, all cheeses in the right drawer, and vegetables in the left drawer.

3. Deep Clean the Furniture

Most hard surfaces are easy to tidy up as it just takes a spray and wipes, but for soft surfaces, the process is a bit more exhaustive. For items like sofas, you’ll want to take some time to vacuum the surface in between cushions, paying special attention to crevices where items are prone to fall. If you don’t have a vacuum with the tools to reach in and get trouble areas, you might consider renting one. Similarly, spring cleaning may be a good time to shampoo any upholstered items if it’s been a while since the last cleaning. If you don’t have a shampoo vacuum, they can be rented. Otherwise, you can opt to .

4. Pull Out the Furniture (Clean Under & Behind)

Cleaning under and behind furniture, especially large pieces like a sofa, entertainment system, tables, and bookcases, is something that is often neglected but needs to be done to ensure no excess dust accumulates. You might need a helper for this one, but simply pulling the furniture out far enough to expose the area it once occupied and cleaning the floor and wall it covered will ensure all unwanted dust and particles are removed from your living space. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, the oven, fridge, and beds are all areas that could probably use some love!

5. Tidy Up Mattresses

Speaking of cleaning under beds, a deep clean of the mattress itself would be a huge relief for fresher sleeping conditions. Ideally, most anything will be caught by your mattress pad, if not the sheets on top of it, but it’s not always the case. Every once in a while, such as when spring cleaning rolls around, it’s time to bust out the vacuum for a general skim of debris off the top and then spot cleaning depending on any stains. For extra assistance, be sure to spray some fabric freshener before reassembling the layers, or sprinkle baking soda before vacuuming to help soak up odors.

6. Use Professional Services

You may want to commission a professional for more complex jobs, such as maintenance of your chimney or HVAC system. While these can be done any time of year, there is no better time than before the summer. That’s not to say you can’t do general upkeep like replacing filters and removing soot from fireplaces but leave the heavy lifting for the professionals.

Spending a little time spring cleaning will help you ease into warmer weather without a list of chores weighing on your mind.  We hope you use this list to tidy up your home for spring and keep it in mint condition all year long!

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Springtime is here, meaning more time spent outdoors and perfect weather for renovating or enhancing your backyard. During the last few years, homeowners have been getting creative, finding more ways to make their own personal oasis just right out their back door. One of these creative improvements is the 鈥渟he鈥� shed, a classic tools shed that is transformed into the homeowners own personalized shed meant for relaxation, girls night in or a space for hobbies and favorite activities. Let鈥檚 take a look at some tips for making the perfect 鈥渟he鈥� shed!

Renovating or Building

The first and most important decision you will have to make when making your shed is if you have a current building in place that can be renovated or if you will need to either order a shed 鈥渒it鈥� that includes all the materials needed or hire a local builder. Each option will vary in effort and in price. Hiring a builder will most likely be the most spendy, but allows for customization at every part of the process. As for kits, there are lots of different sites that offer them but we recommend reading reviews before purchasing. Lastly, if you already have a shed you can save a lot of money by renovating it yourself! Putting in new flooring, purchasing new windows and a fresh coat of paint will have your shed looking brand new in no time.

Find its Purpose

Everyone鈥檚 she shed has its own purpose. Some homeowners like to use it as a space to relax after a long day鈥檚 work, away from the hustle and bustle of family matters. Others may use it as a paint studio to practice their art or a gardening house to practice their green thumb. Whatever the purpose of your shed is, make sure it fits either a passion of yours or fulfills a need. 

Make it Thrifty

Because this space is meant just for you or few friends, there鈥檚 no reason to spend tons of money on new furniture and accessories. Try going to your local favorite thrift store or antique shop to find unique items for less. These stores will offer knick knacks, furniture and more in all types of styles. Plus a lot of items can be bought and redone to fit your style with paint or new fabric. Another great reason to make your shed thrifty? It鈥檚 sustainable! You鈥檒l feel great knowing that your shed isn鈥檛 hurting the environment that you鈥檝e built it around.

It鈥檚 About You!

Just how each she shed has its own purpose, each one should have its own interior and exterior. This space is about you and only you. It’s a space that allows you to not have to worry all about functionality and instead about fun. Pick your favorite color for the outside and fill the inside with things that fit your purpose and your personality. Do you like modern or traditional styles? Luxury chandeliers or simple reading lamps? Each decision made should be faced with what makes you happy or helps you fulfill the shed鈥檚 purpose while there. If you鈥檙e stuck for inspiration, Pinterest is a great resource with ideas for every style.

Enjoy this spring and enhance your backyard with this incredible space that allows you to step out your door and into comfort. Invite your closest friends over and be the hostess with the best pad or just enjoy some peace and quiet, either way make this she shed one of your favorite parts of home. 

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Your garage can seem like a catch-all for your things that don鈥檛 quite fit right inside the home. Seasonal decor, outdoor furniture and all types of storage containers can fill up the garage space fast. In order to make the most of your garage and to not be tripping over containers every time you go out to look for something, it鈥檚 important to have a system. Here are some tips to help you get your garage looking neat and organized.

Out With the Old

Just like when you are trying to declutter or organize your interior, you need to go through your belongings to see what you want to keep and what you can get rid of. For example, you may have kept tubs of old baby clothes or toys because they are sentimental, but they take up a lot of room and often don鈥檛 get used or looked at. Try picking out a few things and then donating the rest to a good cause.

Once you have a keep, sell and donate pile, go ahead and start putting your keep pile into different categories such as: gardening, seasonal decor, memorabilia, sports, etc. This will make the next few steps much easier going forward.

Create the System

We have all heard 鈥渆verything has its place鈥� and that goes for your storage and garage items as well. Once you have your items sorted into specific groups, the next step is decide how you want to store each group. If it鈥檚 something you use on a regular basis, it wouldn鈥檛 make much sense to have it tucked down into a tote. Have your daily use or semi-daily items near the door and accessible. For items you rarely use, go to your local retail store and buy some clear, stackable containers. Being able to see what鈥檚 in them without opening will save you time and won鈥檛 cause you to make a mess when looking for something. Stackable totes or smaller containers also can be lined up against the walls, saving floor space.

Storage Options

We鈥檝e mentioned clear containers as a great option for garage storage but maybe you are looking for something else that won’t take up as much room. Some options other homeowners have used include:

Open Shelving: Shelves are affordable and relatively easy to install, making them a home favorite. Open shelves allow for everything to be seen and grabbed easily.

Pegboard: Another inexpensive and multi-use choice is pegboard.  You can use this to hang all types of  everyday items or tools, as long as they aren’t too heavy.

Up and Above

If you look up in your garage, there is a good chance you will see lots of potential for ceiling storage. Your house may include an attic space that you can use for rarely opened containers or larger pieces that take up a lot of floor space, such as ladders or seasonal gear. Are you handy around the house? You can install hooks and straps to the ceiling to hang gear if you don鈥檛 have the attic space! Just make sure you watch out for the garage door and don鈥檛 prevent it from opening or closing with the above storage.

Overall

As you begin organizing your garage, keep safety and efficiency in mind. Going through these tips will help you stay on track and find a space for each 鈥済roup鈥� of belongings, making it easier and safer for the whole family to enjoy the space.

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Spring motivates a lot of us to do some much needed deep cleaning. It鈥檚 a good idea to take a few days to really cleanse your space and revamp your style. Cleaning and decluttering is a great way to start off the new season and fill your time. Not only does it clear your house, it also clears your mind!

Clean Baseboards, Cabinets, Doors, Windowsills, and Walls

Sound like fun yet? These are not typically chores we do on a regular basis, but a lot of crud builds up here, especially in kitchens and bathrooms. 

Baseboards and window sills accumulate dust, dirt, hair and can become discolored. You鈥檒l be amazed how much cleaner and brighter your space looks with freshly scrubbed baseboards and window sills.聽

Don鈥檛 forget to do the ones in the kitchen, too. Sticky food residue easily accumulates here and can attract bugs when the warmer weather sets in. Wipe down your walls and doors to get off the dirt and grime, especially the parts closer to the floor where the foot traffic is coming and going.聽

Dust

Dust everything you see! 

This is especially important if you have allergies or have pets. Blinds and vents are notorious for accumulating thick layers of dust. Have you looked at your ceiling fans lately? Chances are they are caked on with dust, hair, dead skin particles and pet hair. Don鈥檛 forget to change your air filters while you鈥檙e at it so you won鈥檛 be circulating in new dust right after you clean!

Go Through Your Closet

We accumulate a lot of clothes over the year from birthdays, holidays, hand-me-downs from friends and shopping. Most of the time we keep a lot of stuff in our closet that we never wear or look at. Make some space in your closet and donate or sell your clothes you don鈥檛 wear. Throw out those holey socks and undies. Box up your winter coats and sweaters to make space for your summer clothes.

Rearrange the Furniture

If you have the option to, switch around your furniture arrangement in your living room and bedroom! It will make the space feel fun and new. Play around with it to find your personal feng shui. Hang up some new decorations or pictures. Fairy lights also make a great addition to any room by adding soft, mellow lighting.

Bust Out the Vacuum

Most of us vacuum throughout the year, but for your spring cleaning, there are some can鈥檛 miss spots to go over with your vacuum. Vacuum all rugs and carpet and don鈥檛 forget to get under those couch cushions! Always make sure you wait till after you finish dusting to vacuum to ensure that all the remaining dust particles get sucked up.

Clean Out Your Fridge, Freezer and Pantry

Take out everything from your fridge and freezer. Wash the interior of the fridge and defrost the freezer. You鈥檇 be surprised how much sticky food residue gets stuck well, pretty much everywhere. Next, take everything out of your pantry and toss anything expired or unwanted. Organize food by package shape, food type or any other way that makes sense to you.聽

Clean Out Your Home Office  

It鈥檚 easy to let the paper clutter get out of hand. Shred all your unneeded documents, throw out the junk mail, and opt in for paperless billing if you haven鈥檛 already. Dust the keyboard and around the computer. You鈥檒l be able to focus much better with a clear space! This is the perfect task during a time when plenty of us are working from home and need a nice space that allows you to focus.

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Spring is finally here, and that means it鈥檚 time for spring cleaning!

Here are some spring cleaning and organization tips to help you feel motivated and refreshed at the start of a new season.

List Your Priorities

First thing鈥檚 first: you should make a list of your goals and priorities for your home this season. Do you have enough time for a thorough, deep cleaning of your home, or do you instead want to target specific areas and rooms? Do you have a lot of things you need to donate or throw away, or are you focusing more on getting organized? List your spring cleaning priorities in order of importance so you can tackle everything as needed.

Put Away Seasonal Items

Before you start cleaning your home, it can be helpful to first put away the things you don鈥檛 need for this season. Set aside all of the winter items in your home so you can organize them and put them away since you won鈥檛 be needing them this spring. By putting away seasonal items, you can visualize your home as it will look in the spring without seeing any of the clutter that winter decor and items may have caused.

Do a Once-over of Each Room

As you get ready to clean and organize, you can go through each room one by one, assessing what needs to be done. Chances are, some areas of your home are in need of more TLC than others. As you go through each area, you can throw away anything that you know is garbage, set aside the things you want to donate, and make a more specific note of what needs to be organized.

Clean Larger Appliances and Furniture

Cleaning larger appliances and furniture can often be tiresome and eventful, but you could feel a great sense of accomplishment after you tackle these time-consuming chores. Cleaning the fridge and stove, vacuuming under large items like the sofa and dining table, and giving bulky furniture pieces a good dusting can almost instantly breathe new life into your home. Bonus points if you dust your blinds and have your curtains washed!

Organize Your Fridge, Pantry, and Other Storage Areas

If you want to take spring cleaning as an opportunity to get organized, start with the areas of your home that you frequent the most: your fridge, pantry, and other storage areas. In your kitchen and bathroom, move the items that will spoil or expire sooner toward the front, along with anything you are frequently using. You can also purchase drawer or cabinet organizers so and label your shelves or storage bins to encourage you and your household to continue to keep organized. Organizing the areas you access most often may even inspire you to tackle the areas of your home that you may tend to forget about, or even the ones that may overwhelm you, like your closet.

Don鈥檛 Feel Pressured

Finally, don鈥檛 let the idea of spring cleaning cause you to feel pressured or overwhelmed. Cleaning and organizing your entire home can often be a stressful task, so it鈥檚 important to recognize when you need a break. If spring cleaning is overwhelming to you, tackle each area or item one by one, or recruit a friend to help you in the process. You can even get the whole family involved to make spring cleaning feel less like a chore that you are doing all on your own. Remember that you are in control of your home.

This post is intended for informational purposes only and should not be taken as professional advice. The point of view and opinions expressed in this post are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the position of 皇冠体育app International. This post was written by Bailee Abell.聽Bailee Abell is a writer born and raised in California. A graduate of University of California, Santa Barbara, she loves reading classic literature, sipping warm beverages, and visiting theme parks every chance she gets. Find her at聽

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A good old-fashioned spring cleaning does the home, and the homeowner, good.

Some spring cleaning tasks tackled 鈥渢he old-fashioned way鈥� bring tried and true results. While other chores have a modern day, high-tech upgrade that can make your life easier. Keep reading for more options to help you accomplish some of the most popular spring cleaning tasks.

Vacuuming and Cleaning

There鈥檚 no escaping the need for vacuuming and general cleaning year-round. But spring cleaning is the time to get to hard-to-reach places and give your floors a refreshing, deeper clean.

Old-Fashioned

The old-fashioned way to vacuum and clean the floors is, well, to just do it. It sounds simple enough, but it can take a lot of effort.

Get out your vacuum with all of its extensions along with your floor cleaner of choice, whether that鈥檚 a combination sweeper/duster, a mop, or a bucket and a rag, and roll up your sleeves. The trick is to get all the nooks and crannies that easily get overlooked during regular cleanings by removing obstacles in your path. Those areas behind the couch, in between counters, and under all the beds will benefit from an old-fashioned cleaning.

An old-fashioned cleaning agent to consider using is. This time-tested method may work just as well, and some even say better, than many modern day cleaning products. It can be used in many ways, including for:

• Deep carpet cleaning
• Window cleaning
• Stain removal
• Dish and glass cleaner
• Tarnish removal
• Grout/mildew cleaner
• Unclogging shower heads and drains

When your spring cleaning tasks call for shining up, clearing away stains, sanitizing, and removing odors you can also tap into to solve a wide variety of household chores you only tackle once or twice a year. Just be sure to do your homework first as there are some surfaces and materials that may be damaged by lemon juice.

High Tech

While an old-fashioned vacuum you鈥檝e had on hand for years might be perfectly sufficient, our high tech age brings many cleaning appliance options to help make things easier. Taking advantage of vacuums and cleaners that make Judy Jetson鈥檚 set-up a reality can be a smart choice for busy people.

Consider vacuums that are easy to maneuver, have different floor settings, various add-ons and extensions for electric dusting, steaming, and cleaning, all while vacuuming up debris with a high-powered motor.

Some of the most high-tech vacuums that will kill bacteria and other germs on your floor. If that wasn鈥檛 high tech enough, there are also that will vacuum and clean the floors for you. Homeowners can plan to put in less effort for routine cleaning as many of these robotic appliances can be set on a timer to go through your home and do the daily dirty work.

Since spring cleaning is the time to give your carpets a good, deep clean, renting, buying, or paying someone else to use a high-tech deep carpet cleaner on your hidden and high-traffic areas can get the job done thoroughly.

Outside

With all the cleaning and organizing happening inside year-round, many homeowners find the outside of their home deserves a lot of attention when it comes time for spring cleaning.

Old-Fashioned

Some outdoor tasks to do the old-fashioned way include:聽 raking leaves, replacing your welcome mat, wiping down the garage door, and changing the outdoor light bulbs, just to name a few.

Vinegar and lemon can also come in handy for many outdoor cleaning tasks. You can use vinegar to kill weeds and unwanted plants in your yard.聽 To gear up for your spring and summer BBQs, to get your grill ready.

High Tech

Landscapers can make your yard and garden look ready for spring after a hard winter. Investing in professional services or in high-tech lawn tools and appliances may be worthwhile for those looking to make the whole process easier and quicker.

Power washers can help clean your porch or your deck to get rid of deep stains and crud that鈥檚 built up over the year. Window cleaning can be made easier with a high-tech window cleaning robots, similar to the vacuum robots we mentioned earlier.

Decluttering

Going through all of the stuff that you鈥檝e accumulated each year can be a daunting task, especially if you like to hold on to things. But it鈥檚 well worth it to either throw away or donate things you don鈥檛 need or use; it will free up a lot of space and make your home feel less cramped.

Old-Fashioned

The old-fashioned route of decluttering, while time consuming, is a great way to go. Start by getting out three bins: one for giveaways, one for trash, and another for storage. Then, go through each room in your home and sort your belongings that you are getting rid of into these three bins.

Go through your bedrooms, closets, living areas, garage, bathroom, and kitchen to uncover many forgotten yet space-consuming items. Donate clothes you haven鈥檛 worn in the last year. Throw away expired or old products. Becoming very critical about what you keep and only storing what you really need and what your family actually uses will leave your home less cluttered and more functional.

High Tech

Don’t forget to take the time to clear out or clean up your tech gadgets as well! Nothing can really replace the human eye to carefully sort through your stuff, but decluttering your high-tech belongings is a modern addition to spring cleaning that many generations never had to worry about.

Those old DVDs and VHS tapes you have in the back of your closet? Your 5 year old iPhone? A thumbdrive from college? An ancient stack of floppy disks? It might be time to let go of those and free up some space on your desk and in your closets.

Consider donating your old electronics to charities once you鈥檝e removed all of your personal information. As for those gadgets you intend to keep? Delete some of your old files or apps on your computer/smart phone to free up some memory space.

You can even clean your technology with a machine that uses UV light to destroy germs and bacteria that have built up on the screen and keyboard. Always tech connected, that’s a cleaning task most of us can benefit from implementing all year long.

This post is intended for informational purposes only and should not be taken as professional advice. The point of view and opinions expressed in this post are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the position of 皇冠体育app International.

This post was written for 皇冠体育app by Elliot Walsh. Elliot is a dual-degree graduate from the University of Rochester with a B.S in Cell Biology and a B.A in English Literature. He is a full-time freelance writer from Boston, specializing in veganism, humor, and health. His articles have appeared in The Rival Rochester and his work experience can be found here:.

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According to , spring cleaning typically takes at least four hours per 1,000 square feet.

鈥淵ou can clean virtually any house in about four hours a week. I learned this when I had a residential house cleaning business,鈥� says . 鈥淭he keys to being able to clean your house are organization and consistency.鈥�

Although you don鈥檛 have to spring clean your home every weekend, getting organized and optimizing the task to make the process more efficient should help keep it as short and sweet as possible.

Select chores based on how much time you have to clean

What to clean depending on how much time you have available:

Time	Kitchen	Bathroom	General
1 鈥� 3 hours	鈥� Wipe down kitchen counters 鈥� Clean/disinfect kitchen sink 鈥� Clean inside microwave 鈥� Wipe down stove top 鈥� Clean garbage disposal	鈥� Wipe down bathroom counters/vanity and mirror 鈥� Clean/disinfect bathroom sink and toilet 鈥� Scrub tub, shower walls, tile and grout 鈥� Clean shower racks	鈥� Declutter 鈥� Dust furniture and surfaces 鈥� Sweep, mop and polish floors
4 鈥� 8 hours	鈥� Clean/polish kitchen appliances 鈥� Clean stove top, drip pans and knobs 鈥� Clean inside refrigerator and freezer 鈥� Clean the oven		鈥� Vacuum floors and upholstered furniture 鈥� Polish/treat furniture 鈥� Disinfect door knobs, light switches, remote controls 鈥� Dust/clean cords and cables 鈥� Clean door frames
9 鈥� 12 hours	鈥� Wipe down and clean inside kitchen cabinets 鈥� Clean behind oven and refrigerator 鈥� Clean fridge's condenser coils or fan 鈥� Clean dishwasher 鈥� Clean/degrease range hood and filter 鈥� Empty and clean pantry, including floor and door	鈥� Clean inside bathroom cabinets	鈥� Vacuum mattress 鈥� Wash pillows 鈥� Clean windows and window screens 鈥� Wash and replace curtains 鈥� Clean blinds 鈥� Clean lamp shades, light fixtures and ceiling fans 鈥� Vacuum and wash rugs/carpets, including stairs and closets 鈥� Clean behind and under furniture 鈥� Wipe down walls, including areas around plugs/switches 鈥� Dust vents and replace air filters 鈥� Clean dryer vent 鈥� Sanitize wastebaskets

How to maintain your appliances without voiding your home warranty

Use apps and checklists

Top-rated apps like (free, Android) and ($3.99, iOS) have everything from checklists and reminders, to cleaning playlists and how-to videos. You can gamify your spring cleaning, split chores up between everyone in the house, or schedule them out.

Cleaning hacks

鈥淣obody wants to spend all their time cleaning,鈥� says blogger and life hacker . Her cleaning hacks range from removing water stains from a table with a blow-dryer, to cleaning tight spaces with the tip of a ketchup bottle, and have been pinned 70,000 times.

YouTube is a good resource for cleaning hacks that have been tried and tested, with how-to videos typically offering detailed instructions that are easy to follow.

Take strategic breaks

Research shows that productivity increases if you incorporate frequent breaks into your work. 鈥淓very 90 minutes, our body tells us to take a break from what we鈥檙e doing because it鈥檚 getting tired,鈥� explains productivity expert , adding that breaks a good way to refresh your focus.

Breaks are also a good time to hydrate and eat something to replenish your energy.

Do you have any spring cleaning tips to share?

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