It is about this time of year that strange sounds begin to come from dark corners of the pantry, garage, or attic. Yes, it’s spring cleaning time!
As a realestate salesperson, I see homes being emptied of stuff and people moving homes every week. Here are some helpful hints that I have learned to make things more streamlined.
1)Formulate an attack plan.
Take 30 minutes over a cup of coffee before ANY moving, boxing, heaving, or cleaning is done. Have all family members involved. Nothing is more aggravating than having something you treasure accidentally turfed out.
2) Delegate
Get family members to take charge of their own bedrooms. Provide each child with a black rubbish bag to be filled with stuff that is definitely going to be thrown out. Also provide them with a cardboard box for toys and clothes that are still in good working order so they can be found a new home.
3) Top down approach
Start at the top (or front) of the house (the attic???) and move to the basement (or back) one room at a time. Have a collection point out of harms way in the middle of the garage to accumulate stuff that is going to be given to new homes. Once a room is done, put your seal of approval on it by shutting the door or blue taking a big tick on it.
4) Forget wheelie bins, go for a skip!
Have a skip delivered and parked ready on the driveway. Nothing says that you mean business like a skip! This will save you heaps of time running to and from the refuse tip with the back of the car filled up. Believe me, you will need a skip!
5) Spend on suitable storage
Stackable and sealable 10 and 20 litre plastic boxes make the ideal containers for the sorted stuff you want to keep.
Teamed up with a label maker, they make a formidable duo for more efficient, dry, clean and dust free storage and less search stress when you need to find stuff later.
6) Mean business!
When you are motivated to “turn out” the house, don’t do it in a half hearted way. If you haven’t used the item for at least two years then it probably needs to go. This applies especially to clothes!
Exceptions to the rule are camping equipment, emergency supplies, and sports stuff in good nick. At this point, make a mental note to use some of this stuff this year! While you are looking at the emergency supplies, now is the time to check use by dates and refresh any water you are storing.
7) Clean as you go
Here is the chance to clean all those spots that generally get missed. Behind beds and furniture, in high corners, and don’t forget the window sills, door handles, and light fittings (you may not notice the fly spots and missing bulbs but your guests will!).
Have the vaccuum cleaner and surface cleaners handy in a portable plastic box of their own. And make sure there are rubber gloves and face masks available for family members who have allergies or asthma. Spring cleaning gets the dust moving!
7) Put some music on
Get the family moving with some up beat music to keep them working. Bribe younger family members with pocket money or a family dinner out to keep them focused. Make it fun, don’t get stressed!
8) Maintain focus.
It is very easy to get side tracked. Keep the team on task. Old photos, books, toys are very tempting. Allow family members to put a small pile aside to go through AFTER the spring cleaning has been done. It will give you are great evenings entertainment and a family bonding experience.
Hopefully spring cleaning your place will be an energizing experience that will declutter your home and take stress from your life. Often a true turf-out doesn’t take place till the family home gets sold, you don’t have to wait that long to minimize and freshen. Make the decision to do it this week!
