Say Goodbye to Clutter: How to Declutter Your Home for a Fresh Start this Spring

Spring is here and you know what that means... It's time for your big spring cleaning.  Spring cleaning has come to symbolize a fresh start and a renewed sense of energy. By clearing away the old and making room for the new, we can reset our space and create a more welcoming and harmonious environment. 

Spring cleaning can even help reduce stress and anxiety by creating a more organized and peaceful home. It's an opportunity to let go of things that no longer serve us, and to create a space that supports our goals and aspirations. Overall, spring cleaning is an important ritual that can help us usher in the new season with a clean slate and a positive mindset. So how do we do reset our space? This blog is about to give the best tips and tricks in the biz on decluttering your space and answering all your questions on how often you should clean each item in your house. 

Fridge Clean-Out: Starting with the refrigerator, 

o Take everything out 

o Toss expired food 

o Wipe down the shelves and bins with warm soapy water or a vinegar spray

o Reorganize the fridge in a way that makes the most sense to you

Pro-tip: If you find yourself letting a certain food go bad in the fridge, maybe try putting it in a different place so your eyes will see it more often  

Pantry/Drawer Organization: The pantry can be done in a similar way as the fridge. 

o Discard old food 

o Wipe down surfaces

o Reorganize by placing similar food items next to one another so each type of food has its own section

Countertops: 

o Clear countertops and do a big disinfecting wipe down

o Make space for only the essentials and try storing large kitchen appliances you don't use as often 

o Scrub and degrease kitchen appliances like the toaster, oven, stove, and microwave 

Other Kitchen Cleaning: 

o Sweep and mop floors

o Clean windows

o Deep-clean the sink with a hard sponge and white vinegar

Furniture:

o Dust all surfaces with a microfiber cloth

o Vacuum upholstered furniture with an upholstery attachment

o Spot clean any stains on furniture with an appropriate cleaner

o Polish wooden furniture with a furniture polish every six months

Carpets:

o Vacuum carpets thoroughly, including under furniture and in corners

o Use a carpet cleaner or professional carpet cleaning service once a year

o Spot clean any stains on carpets with an appropriate cleaner

Curtains

o Remove curtains and wash them according to the manufacturer's instructions

o Vacuum any dust or dirt from curtain rods and hardware

o Dry clean heavy or delicate curtains

Windows:

o Dust window sills and frames with a microfiber cloth

o Clean windows with a window cleaning solution and a squeegee

o Polish any window hardware with a metal cleaner every six months

Electronics

o Dust electronics with a microfiber cloth

o Use a can of compressed air to blow dust out of keyboards and other small crevices

o Wipe down screens with a screen cleaning solution

o Clean remote controls with a disinfecting wipe

Bedding:

o Strip the bed and wash all bedding, including sheets, pillowcases, and duvet covers

o Flip or rotate the mattress

o Dust off bed frame and headboard

o Sweep dust under bed

Pro-Tip: It is recommended to wash bedding every week or every other week

Closet:

o Remove everything from the closet and sort items into piles to keep, donate, or toss

o Dust shelves and closet rods with a microfiber cloth

o Vacuum or sweep the closet floor

o Reorganize the closet with a system that makes sense to you

Dresser:

o Empty all drawers and sort items into piles to keep, donate, or toss

o Dust the inside and outside of the dresser with a microfiber cloth

o Wipe down the dresser with a wood cleaner or polish

Floors:

o Vacuum carpets or sweep hardwood floors

o Spot clean any stains on carpets with an appropriate cleaner

o Use a mop or steam cleaner on hardwood floors

Windows:

o Dust window sills and frames with a microfiber cloth

o Clean windows with a window cleaning solution and a squeegee

Shower and Tub:

o Remove any shampoo bottles, soap, and other items from the shower or tub

o Apply a cleaning solution to the shower or tub surfaces and let it sit for several minutes

o Scrub the shower or tub surfaces with a brush or sponge

o Rinse the shower or tub surfaces thoroughly

Sink and Countertop:

o Remove any items from the sink and countertop

o Apply a cleaning solution to the sink and countertop surfaces and let it sit for several minutes

o Scrub the sink and countertop surfaces with a brush or sponge

o Rinse the sink and countertop surfaces thoroughly

Toilet:

o Apply a cleaning solution to the inside and outside of the toilet bowl and let it sit for several minutes

o Scrub the toilet bowl and the outside of the toilet with a toilet brush or sponge

o Wipe down the toilet tank, lid, and base with a cleaning solution

Mirrors:

o Spray a cleaning solution onto a microfiber cloth and wipe down the mirrors

o Use a squeegee to remove any streaks or excess cleaning solution

Floors

o Sweep or vacuum the bathroom floor

o Wash bathmats

o Apply a cleaning solution to the floor and scrub with a brush or mop

The KonMari method is a popular decluttering approach that was created by Japanese organizing consultant, Marie Kondo. The method is based on the idea of keeping only items that spark joy and letting go of the rest. Here are some tips for using the KonMari method for decluttering:

1. Follow a specific order - The KonMari method suggests decluttering in a specific order: clothes, books, papers, miscellaneous items, and sentimental items.

2. Hold each item and ask if it sparks joy - The key to the KonMari method is to hold each item in your hands and ask if it sparks joy. If it doesn't, thank it for its service and let it go.

3. Don't worry about what to do with items yet - The method suggests that you don't worry about what to do with items until you have finished decluttering. This allows you to focus on the act of letting go.

4. Store items in a way that honors them - Once you have decided what to keep, the KonMari method suggests storing items in a way that honors them, such as folding clothes in a specific way or displaying sentimental items in a prominent place

Spring cleaning can seem like a daunting task, but with the right approach, it can be a breeze. One key factor is having the right cleaning supplies and tools, such as microfiber cloths, a vacuum cleaner, and an all-purpose cleaner. Time-saving tips can also make a big difference in getting through your spring cleaning checklist quickly and efficiently. For example, tackling one room at a time and starting with the most challenging tasks can help you stay on track.

Making cleaning fun and enjoyable can also help make the process more enjoyable. Playing your favorite music, inviting a friend to help, or setting a reward for yourself once you finish can all help make the experience more pleasant. By using these tips, you can make spring cleaning a breeze and enjoy a clean, fresh home. 

Spring cleaning is a great way to refresh your home and create a clean and organized space. By following these tips and checklists for decluttering and deep cleaning each room in your home, you can tackle the task efficiently and effectively. Remember to focus on what brings you joy and let go of items that no longer serve a purpose in your life. With the right approach and mindset, spring cleaning can be a rewarding experience that helps you create a space that feels welcoming, comfortable, and inspiring. So, take a deep breath, put on some music, and get ready to enjoy a fresh start this spring.