Winter has finally made her way out. Like any storm passing through, the season has left a mess, and I’m not just talking about the salt covered roads. There’s that pile of papers that you just didn’t have time to put away or that chair in your room that has a stack of clothes. Your apartment is in a different, more cluttered state and its time to restore your place to its mostly clean state! Winter is out and spring is definitely in. It’s time to create a fresher and more organized environment, it’s spring-cleaning time!
Your bedroom
The best way to start is with your bedroom. I trust you wash your sheets and pillowcases every week or two. Spring cleaning is time to also wash your mattress pad, your comforter and all your washable pillows. (Remember to use couple of clean tennis balls in your dryer to fluff up your comforter and pillows as they dry.)
Before you make your bed with your clean, freshly-laundered bedding, you have two other spots to clean. First, tidy up under your bed since you never know what accumulates under there plus you might find something that you have lost, like a pair to your work shoe or an important document that slid past you. Next, bring out the vacuum and vacuum your mattress, both sides. Then, turn your mattress over so it wears more evenly. Finally, make your bed and give your pillows an extra fluffing.
Get rid of clutter
Another point to spring cleaning is to dispose of unwanted or, most importantly, unused items. Get rid of that stack of old magazines you are saving because of some great article you wanted to keep, but have long forgotten what it was. And your old make up or shaving lotions from your college years. And whatever is your own secret clutter habit. (For more clutter reduction inspirations, click here.)
Your closet
After general de-cluttering, you now have room to sort out your over-flowing closet.
It’s perfectly normal to have an attachment to that skirt you bought your freshman year of college because you always got so many compliments whenever you wore it or the lucky shirt from your high school years that made you look so cool. The bigger question is, have you worn it in the past year? If not, get rid of it!
There are various ways to get rid of your clothing and even make some money while you are at it. You can make donations to Goodwill or Salvation Army, or other local charity and get a tax deduction equal to the value of your donation. (See Goodwill’s Guide to valuing your donation.) You can sell items on Poshmark or Ebay to make a few extra bucks, or bring them to a local consignment shop. Another fun way to get rid of unwanted clothing is to make a social event out of it and host a clothing swap party at your newly cleaned apartment. Invite several friends and ask them bring a few new or lightly used clothing items to swap with. Make it a productive get together with friends, finger foods, and cocktails! After those clothing items you never use are gone, its closet reorganization time!
Kitchen
Toss all the expired food from your fridge. You can even go a step further and also get rid of all unhealthy snacks, to jump-start your diet for a more fit lifestyle and the upcoming bathing suit season. After the fridge is wiped clean, put a box of baking soda in the far corner to trap odors. One of my greatest kitchen essentials while cleaning is lemon. Use it on cutting boards or even your sink for a fresh scent and a solid clean. Finally get to that pile of dishes and run the dishwasher. After clean dishes are out, pull out the bottom rack, clean the drain and sprinkle a little baking soda in the bottom to give your dishwasher a fresh smell.
Lastly, give your entire apartment place a good dusting and vacuuming, especially in the areas that you can never get to.
There is no better way to welcome a new, beautiful season than waking up to a clean apartment in your cool, clean bed!
Even if you keep your home relatively neat, it’s still a good idea to do some spring-cleaning! This is your chance to get rid of things you don’t want and to also deep clean the apartment. Pay attention to those neglected places while cleaning, such as light fixtures and underneath the furniture.