Spring Cleaning and Getting Organized Made Easy

With the coming change in season, longer days with more sunlight illuminating our homes, also comes the dreaded spring-cleaning. This is the time of year we feel rejuvenated. We have excess energy and vigour and feel quite capable of taking on insurmountable tasks and projects. Ah, spring is in the air and so is the dust, dirt and debris, inside and out that has accumulated over the dismal winter months.

Pick your weapons. Extendable poles to reach those high areas with ease; dry cloth sweepers to get under difficult to move furniture; light weight vacuum cleaner; leaf blower with bag for quick yard cleanup and a power washer for easy removal of dirt, mould and stains on cement patios, garage floors and vinyl siding. Try using a small painter’s bucket or ice cream pail, they fit nicely in smaller sinks and under faucets, and will help reduce back fatigue with less weight and bending. Use a microfiber cloth, well wringed out, on mirrors, tiles and windows to avoid streaking. On large mirrors and windows, use a soft, rubber blade squeegee, which will help make the job seem effortless.

Storage solutions are vital for any home small or large, and they do not have to be expensive. Make use of all the attractive, and versatile storage boxes and containers available at many department, hardware and pharmacy stores. Be creative, find uses for them throughout the home, garage and out of doors. For instance, I found an inexpensive small, vinyl deck box which also combos as a seat, to put my watering jug, plant fertilizer, yard gloves, etc. in.  I have also discovered that those ready to assemble wardrobe units work great in the garage for brooms, rakes, mops and large items that do not fit on a shelf. Wardrobes can be found in varied widths, and on sale at most department and hardware stores.

With a little brainstorming I found the perfect solution for those clothing items, which may be deemed wearable again before throwing into the wash; an ottoman or storage chest placed at the foot of a bed, with a hinged lid will keep them out of sight. Using an ottoman at an entrance also works great for storing away, while not in use, the pet bed and blanket. Closet space can also be repurposed, in addition to outer jackets and footwear a rectangular laundry hamper fits nicely next to the shoes and a larger closet will accommodate a sewing machine cabinet for easy use.