Home Spring Cleaning

Home Spring Cleaning is a tradition that lets out the stale winter air and brings in the fresh spring

smell. Cleaning and organizing our home lifts our spirits, and opens us up for fresh new ideas and activities. However the thought of such a task can feel overwhelming. There are some things you can do to get the job done, and help it take place smoothly and quickly.

Action Plan

The first thing you need to do is create an action plan. Set aside a full day for this, get others involved, assign tasks to specific family members. To help make the day more palatable to resistant family members, break the chores down into 15 minute cleanups. About.com has a list of 15 minute cleanups on their site to print out and delegate to family. Play some upbeat music to get everyone going, and create a celebration reward when the job is done. Maybe taking the family out for a treat, or to dinner.

Tip: Get everyone to agree to turn their phones off until their chores are completed. Also you can take turns playing family members favorite music

 

Make a List

Ok so you have a day picked out, and family members has agreed to participate, what exactly should you include in your cleaning? Normal spring cleaning includes tasks such as storing winter clothing, washing windows, vacuuming; outdoor chores include things like cleaning grills, and patios. If you are unsure of what all to include on your cleanup day you can download some checklists a the ScJohnson consumer website.

However it’s important to remember items such as:

·         Clean dryer vents

·         Change return air vent filters

·         Schedule inspection of cooling systems

·         Drain sediment from hot water heaters

·         Refrigerator: Check the Drip Pan and Vacuum the Refrigerator Coils

Tip: As always, read the labels of any product you use so you fully understand all directions and precautions. Consider, too, whether you’ll need special equipment, like safety goggles or rubber gloves, to protect your eyes and skin.

Garage Cleanup

Garages can really collect an array of stuff, so it’s best to separate the garage cleaning from the

family spring cleanup day. Again get family members to pitch and create rewards for the completing of this task. Start by creating a plan of attack, otherwise it can easily feel overwhelming. To help make the day a bit easier have a cooler with favorite drinks available and remember to have on hand those popular snacks.  Purchase some containers ahead of time for sorting purposes. As you asses your task, you may want to think about having a garage sale or simply create a giveaway pile for your local charity.

It’s good to do some reminiscing and joking so that the day goes by more quickly and becomes filled with welcome memories. However try not to get too distracted while sorting through the pile of items you may not have seen for a long time.

Maintaining a home is a big job, keeping the clutter down and belongings organized can really help.

Tip: Setup and organize the supplies before you get started. Trying to run around and find the sharpie for marking containers will cut into your time.

The Don Callahan Real Estate Group

Keller Williams Realty

o: 912-232-8580 | f: 866-832-5321

www.DonCallahan.com