We know the last thing you want to do when the gentle breezes and bright sunlight of spring hit is spend all day inside cleaning your apartment! But don’t be afraid – with a few simple tips, your apartment can feel as fresh and clean as the weather outside.
Be prepared
Save your time and energy for the cleaning itself by assembling your arsenal ahead of time. Old ready-to-work clothes, rubber gloves, scrub brushes, cleaning cloths and various cleaners (the less toxic, the better) are a good basic beginning. Amazing things can be accomplished with vinegar, lemon juice and baking soda.
Having all of your supplies with you in an easy-to-carry container saves you from making multiple trips to the cabinet under the sink. Also, grab two garbage bags to add to your carryall. Use one for garbage and use the other to store things you’re not certain you want to keep but are still useful and can be donated, passed on to friends or sold.
Remove clutter
Spring cleaning time is a great chance to get rid of some of the clutter in your apartment. Don’t be sentimental in your sorting process. If you haven’t used something in a year, it’s time for it to find a new home! Think about how much less you’ll have to dust with fewer knick knacks around.
If you use a small appliance less than once a week, put it in a cupboard. You’ll be amazed at how much counter or table space you can reclaim. Be sure to go through your apartment with an eye to removing unused items that will help keep your space cleaner and uncluttered.
Storing winter items away
Putting away winter clothes and bedding is another part of getting ready for spring. Be sure that all clothing is clean and mended and that anything that can be attacked by moths is put away in a protected bag or box. Also be sure that all bedding is washed. This is a good time to sort through the linen closet to repurpose worn-out sheets and blankets. It’s also the season to flip your mattress to give it even wear.
Get to work
Turn off the TV, unplug the phone and open up some windows to let in that spring air. The more focused you are on your work, the sooner you’ll be done. Playing some upbeat tunes while you clean can help lift your spirits and your energy level. You’ll also be glad to know that you can burn calories while you’re at it!
Unsure where exactly to start? The bathroom is usually the toughest, so that might be the first room to attack. There are some great resources on the Web with step-by-step guides of what to do first in each room, such as Flylady.net’s detailed cleaning lists.
Clean each room in your apartment thoroughly before moving on to the next one. If you compartmentalize your space, it will be less overwhelming. Progress through each room in a steady direction; you’ll save time and avoid cleaning the same spot twice by not crisscrossing the room multiple times.
Also be sure to clean the window treatments in every room of your apartment, dusting or removing and laundering, as per manufacturers’ recommendations. This is the time, too, for a professional carpet cleaning.
Spring cleaning isn’t always easy, but there are ways to minimize the chore. By reclaiming your apartment from winter dirt and doldrums, you’ll be ready to greet the warmth of the seasons to come!
Source: http://moving.apartmentguide.com/settling-in/spring-cleaning/
No comments:
Post a Comment