Spring Cleaning
Warmer Weather Perfect Time
To Clean and Get Rid of Clutter
By Pat Wattam
RE/Max First
Ah yes! The azaleas are in bloom; the birds are singing … I think spring is here which means it’s time for SPRING CLEANING!
If you are like me you are thinking, “Where do I start? My house is just full of STUFF!” Of course, that’s the first problem. We have to de-clutter the house – you
know – get rid of all those magazines, books, toys, etc., which you just don’t need. That sounds great, but where do you really start?
One book suggests getting three boxes – one labeled “KEEP,” one labeled “TOSS” and one labeled “Garage Sale/Goodwill.” And you can’t put everything back in the “KEEP” box!
If it has been boxed up for several years, or if you haven’t worn it in two years, it is time to toss it. Sometimes children have a hard time giving up their toys, but you can make them a part of the process. Give them their own three boxes to fill and play up the importance of sharing with others. Get them involved in the garage sale, and let them keep some of the money from the sale of their toys. They will learn two lessons that way!
Once you get the clutter out you will finally SEE your rooms. But there are some places that people forget to really clean such as:
• Baseboards
• Window blinds
• Ceiling fan blades
• Glass lamp globes
• Air return grate
(don’t forget those air filters)
• A/C vents
(take them down and clean them)
• Window blinds
• Ceiling fan blades
• Glass lamp globes
• Air return grate
(don’t forget those air filters)
• A/C vents
(take them down and clean them)
Most of us remember to clean the oven and redo the caulking in the bath, as well as give the house a good deep cleaning. But if the house is all cluttered, you won’t be able to enjoy your sparkling clean home!
It’s funny how we just keep gathering more and more stuff until at some point we finally want to start simplifying our lives. Gaining control of the “stuff ” in our lives, and getting the house in order will really make spring feel like a renewal! As Nike says, “Just do it!”
If there is a topic that you would like to see addressed, please send me an e-mail at Pat@PatWattam.com.