4 Ways to Be Successful At Spring Cleaning
After the dreariness of winter, which is thankfully coming to an end, the bright and sunny weather of spring is more than enough to put anyone in a good mood. It is finally warm to wear shorts and feel the warmth of the sun on your skin, smiling up at the bright blue sky. With the new season comes a renewed sense of productivity, and desire to explore new adventures. In order to make the most out of this burst of energy, it is a good idea to tackle your spring cleaning project at this time… a most useful adventure, especially if you are planning to sell your home!
If this is your first time to take on such a big cleaning project, it is okay to feel overwhelmed, but remember… How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time! Fortunately, to best take that first bite, you have come to the right place! The tips below will make the daunting task less overwhelming and stressful. And who knows? This year’s spring cleaning might turn into an annual ritual to welcome the new season!
Sort and De-Clutter
Going through everything you own should be your first step in spring cleaning. If it’s available, grab four bags or boxes, sort through the small items, clothes and growing knickknack collection you own, and divide them in piles of “keep,” “store,” “donate,” and “throw away.” To make the task easier, go through your stuff while listening to music. Make it fun, sing and dance along. It’s also helpful to remember Marie Kondo; if it doesn’t bring you joy, it’s just taking up space. When you’ve sorted through everything, you will feel lighter, the space will feel lighter, and, next thing you know, you are done, and you can clearly see where you need to sweep and mop now.
Create a Basic Cleaning Kit
After decluttering, round-up the supplies you might need in order to clean every surface of your home. Make sure that you have an all-purpose cleaner, disposable gloves, disinfectant, glass cleaner, microfiber cloths, a sponge and a small duster in your kit. Some of these items may be hard to find now, but there is a bevy of home remedy recipes for cleaners including ingredients such as vinegar and baking soda, items which may be easier to find and still do the trick. Once you’ve amassed your cleaning arsenal, you don’t have to run to the store to buy any cleaning supplies when you are already knee deep scrubbing your floors. When you’re in it, and going strong, you won’t want to lose your momentum.
Take On the Task Room By Room
Thinking that you have to clean an entire house is enough to discourage anyone. Much like the project, as a whole, treating your home like that same elephant, and eating it bite by bite, will help you get through much easier. You are only one person – and there are just too many nooks and crannies to go through. This is why it is smarter to clean room by room. Set a schedule. You can set an hour or a day per room – it doesn’t matter the length as time as long as you’re consistent. This will make the task far less daunting.
Reward Yourself
Spring cleaning is not easy. Especially if it’s your first time, but after it is done – it deserves a reward. Buy yourself a good cup of coffee or a bouquet of flowers that will enhance your new clean space. Want to use your newly shiny kitchen? Make a martini or enjoy a delicious snack made from your newly cleaned appliances! You deserve it! Make your spring more productive by finally taking the time to organize and clean your living space. With the tips above, it shouldn’t be much of a problem.
Spring Cleaning and Selling Your Home
If you’re curious about selling your home and how these tips are helpful, that’s an easy answer! One of the key components to selling a home for maximum dollars is presenting a product that is desirable, spacious and clean. Among the home sale process, one of the biggest challenges is decluttering, and if you’re already on the road to cleaning your home, this is just one more step to consider when you break up your belongings into the “keep,” “store,” “donate,” and “throw away” piles! With all of this great work, it will not only be fulfilling for you, but will likely add value to the sale of your home, and save you time in the staging process for when you’re ready to go on the market and start showing the property. In short, spring cleaning both gets your home in order AND adds value in the sale process… WIN! WIN!
Would you like to learn more?
Are you curious about your home’s value or features? Are you looking to buy, sell or invest, but don’t know where to start? If you are in my service markets of Northern Virginia, Frederick, Loudoun, Clarke, Warren, Shenandoah and Page Counties, I’m happy to help! Outside of this area? Contact me and I will connect you with a real estate professional in your area at NO COST TO YOU!!! We are here to help you get one step closer to your goal and set you up for success!
Nicole Lewis, REALTOR® — www.happyhomesva.com / (c) 540-431-9239 / (e) nicolelewis@premiermove.com
