So what is spring cleaning? Does it mean we have to clean up around the outside of our house? Use vinegar on the windows? Beat the carpets? Or is it that desire to air out our homes and hang our linens on the clothesline for that crisp clean smell?
I guess it means something different to everyone. Here's what I like to do once the snow has melted and the temperature rises:
Get outside and play & pick-up sticks with my kids. Literally, have them help you pick up sticks that have fallen all winter. Set a timer and make it a game or have a contest to see who gets the most. Then tie them up or put them in a trash can and dispose of them.
Give the house a thorough cleaning from top to bottom. Start on the top floor, and clean each room until you reach the basement. This may take a day, a week or a month. Also, look up in your rooms - at the light fixtures or tops of shelves. These places are often neglected during your regular cleaning. And move the furniture to vacuum underneath.
Clean out the closets - This is a great time to purge your clothes and the kids'. My method is to take everything out and put back what fits, box up what doesn't and give it to charity. Make a list of what staple goods you need for spring & summer and reward yourself with a little shopping spree. But bring the list!
Dare I say it? Put the shovels, the ice melt and the Christmas lights away. Use a cord wrap for the lights and tuck them away in the garage. Make sure spring items are easily accessible: bikes, baseball gear, roller blades, gardening supplies, etc.
Air out & switch out your linens. Time for lighter blankets & sheets so wash the winter ones and tuck sheets sets into a pillowcase, making it easier to find the sets together next time. Just for fun, wash the curtains, area rugs and maybe put out some spring throw pillows and blankets. Crack the windows on a nice day and you just might & catch it - spring fever!
As you are going through the house make a list of “fix-its” or projects you would like to accomplish this season. Then discuss priorities & budget for these with your spouse. I always get 3 quotes and then tackle one project at a time. Plan to finish before your summer vacation!
Debbie Lillard Professional Organizer NAPO-GPC Professional Development Director Author of "Absolutely Organized" www.spacetospare.com
The first days of spring each year finds us filled with hope for positive change. A wonderful way to mark the passage is to bring order to your clothes closet. If you get dressed with ease all year, you will save time and energy. You will also save money. How? When you see those beautiful black pants in the boutique window, you won't be tempted to buy them. You will remember you already have 3 pairs at home.
Here are some tips and tricks professional organizers use to make closets not only organized but beautiful.
Group clothes by type. You can save time if all of your slacks, jeans, blouses and suits are together in one section.
Within the clothing categories you create, keep everything in the same color order. I use: white/off white; beige/brown; blue/purple; pink/red; green/yellow; and grey/black. What order will you use? Be creative and consistent.
Get your shoes off the floor! Use a shoe rack for every day pairs; hang sports/exercise shoes in an over the door canvas shoe holder and store dress shoes in an acrylic shoe drawer. These can be kept on a shelf or stacked on the floor, depending on the number of shoes and the available space.
Use one style hanger. I prefer wood myself but plastic, tubular and the hangers from the Home Shopping network all have their place.
Toss the plastic cover and the wire hanger your cleaner sends home with you. The former takes up room and seals in potentially carcinogenic cleaning agents. The latter quite simply destroys your garments.
Line your purses in color order on your closet shelf. A little tissue paper inside will help them keep their shape. Store your evening purses in an acrylic container. They will stay clean and you can admire them all year long.
Separate the items you keep on your shelf with a shelf divider. You don't want your sweaters falling onto your purses.
Sweaters can be stacked by color on a shelf, folded in a dresser drawer, tucked into sweater bags or stored in stackable acrylic shelves. It all depends on how may you have and how often you wear them. Don't forget a few cedar or lavender chips to protect them. Avoid moth balls at all cost.
Finally if you have a huge space between your existing shelf and the ceiling, pop in another shelf. It can provide a convenient area for off season storage.
For detailed instructions on how to organize your closet, pick up a copy of my New York Times best seller, One Year to an Organized Life. Looking for a specific type of tip for future newsletters? Send your ideas, comments or queries to me from my website: www.reginaleeds.com.
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