Spring often brings that urge to do some cleaning, purging, and updating. It’s also a great time to check your home for safety issues and make upgrades. These tips will help you prioritize and get the most out of your springtime clean-out.
General Spring Cleaning
While you probably have your own routine, there are some tips that help make this chore easier.
- Keep a list of the things you want to do. When the task is complete just add in the date so you will know when it was last done. When you come across projects that you might not have time for now, add these to your list so you don’t forget about them.
- Make sure you have all the supplies you need. It is so frustrating to be ready to tackle a project only to find you’re out of cleanser or dusters.
- Split it over time. Spring cleaning usually signifies deep cleaning and lots of work. Break it up into manageable pockets over a few days or even a week.
Do a Safety Review
Review a safety checklist for each room if young ones live or visit your home. Include things like:
- Checking outlets. Do you have covers in place? Does anything look burnt or charred?
- Checking electrical cords. Is anything frayed? Under carpets which could lead to wear and fire hazards? Tripping hazard?
- Window coverings. This is a big one as corded window covering products may pose a strangulation hazard to infants and young children. Replace corded window coverings with today’s safer cordless products that are easy to find at all major US retailers – look for the Best for Kids certification label.
- Change the batteries on smoke detectors and carbon monoxide monitors (every 6 months)
Make Upgrades to Save Money
With rising energy costs, consider making investments which will pay you back in comfort and in your wallet.
- Did you know that window attachments – such as blinds, shades and shutters can help you save energy? Not only that, energy efficient window attachments make it easier for you to control the temperature of your home for added comfort. Find out how you can increase your energy savings and comfort with AERC certified products.
- Install a smart programmable thermostat. You don’t need as much heat (or cold air) when you’re asleep, and even less when you are out of the house. A smart thermostat solves these problems by automatically adjusting the temperature settings for you.
- Replace your light bulbs. LED light bulbs are 90% more efficient than traditional incandescent bulbs and can last up to 20 years (about 100,000 hours of operation).
Purge and Organize
Do you find yourself making piles of things to sort through? If so, this is the perfect task to add to spring cleaning. Follow the 3 Ps:
- Purge items that are broken or no longer usable and get them out of your home.
- Pack up items to donate and place them in the back of your car or schedule a pick-up from charities that collect these items. Challenge your family to go through their items and clear anything out for trash or donation.
- Post to sell anything that still has value to someone else. If you are really motivated, you might even make some extra money finding items for a garage sale or to list online for sale. You might not have use for that chair anymore, but if it is in good shape, it can be re-homed.