Spring has finally arrived and with the new season also comes the time to clean out our cluttered living areas. For many people, spring cleaning can be a difficult task which requires organizing and deciding what belongings you can be without. This article will provide you with a basic 5 step process which you may use as a reference in order to help clean out your home so you can live a cleaner and clutter free lifestyle.
STEP 1: Air It Out
Open the windows, and use any kind of air circulation system that you have to clear out any bits of dust and cleaning chemicals. Depending on the age of your current air conditioning system, a replacement may help more efficiently filter out allergens. With the new fresh air, your home will smell like new!
Step 2: Vacuum and Wipe
Vacuum everywhere! As long as it is not detrimental to your physical health and safety, vacuuming behind and underneath furniture can help suck up all the dust in your home. Dust can often find its way underneath furniture and in those hard to reach places, making it more difficult for you as a homeowner to keep your home clean. Wipe down your countertops with non-toxic cleaners which are safer for you and softer on your furniture.
Step 3: Sell Some of Your Things
Organize an estate or yard sale! As a homeowner with many “things” to dispose of, you can often sell many of your things for cash. Hire a professional estate liquidator such as Estate Liquidators Hawaii to help you with this task. Or, if you prefer, organize your own yard sale. If you need an organizer, feel free to contact Steve Tokita, President of Caring Transitions Honolulu.
Step 4: Maintain Your Landscaping
Single-family homeowners will, most likely, have a yard to maintain. If you have not maintained your yard, you most likely have subjected your home to excessive overgrowth. For those living within an association, this may subject you to various fees. If you can, hire a professional landscaper or gardener to keep things in order.
Step 5: Do Not Forget the Fridge
One of the most overlooked places for “things” is your refrigerator/freezer. Use a large garbage bag and throw away everything that is past its expiration date. You will find that your refrigerator is much more organized and will not release an odor every time you open it.
A Word of Caution:
Whenever possible, always hire a professional to complete the more specialized tasks. Spring cleaning can be an exciting activity. It is often easy forget that safety should always be a top priority. It is important to remember that many homes carry harmful and/or deadly chemicals or devices (e.g., asbestos, lead based paint, electrical panels, etc.). When approaching these elements, it is best to hire a specialist who can either directly handle or remove the subject of concern.
