Preparing Your Small Space for Spring
Spring is on its way and you’re looking
forward to getting your small space ready for warmer weather. Whether you’re
living in an apartment,
condo or a small house, use these tips to get your
space ready for the warmer months ahead.
Spring Cleaning Tips
You had to know this one was first! If you’re
living in a small space, then you know how
important cleanliness and organization are for helping your living arrangements
feel larger and more at peace. Use the tips below to help keep your spring
cleaning hassle free and – who knows?- maybe even rewarding.
Stock
up on supplies before you begin. There’s nothing worse
than getting into a project and realizing you don’t have all of the supplies
you need. Same goes for cleaning! You’d hate to put your cleaning clothes and
gloves on, ready to get to work, only to find you’re out of glass cleaner or furniture
polish. Take inventory of your cleaning supplies and stock up before you get
into the dirty work. Similar to groceries, keep a running list of
cleaning and home
supplies on the fridge or on your phone.
Consider
making your own cleaners. Making your own cleaners can
be an eco-friendly and cost-effective method for having a
cleaner home. In fact, most home cleaners can be made with a handful of
ingredients you probably already have on hand. These include: lemon juice, baking soda and vinegar. Click here to learn more about making
your own multi-purpose cleaner from natural ingredients.
Make a
list. One of the easiest ways to stay motivated in any
task is to make a to-do list. Be sure to include everything you would like to
accomplish with your spring cleaning. Consider organizing your list by room and
writing down everything you would like to accomplish when cleaning each room.
Add check mark boxes to your list so that you can check things off along the
way. Doing so will help you feel more accomplished and keep you motivated. If
you’d like to save even more time, use this list that we put together for
you!
Make a
schedule. Rome wasn’t built in a day – and chances are
you’re not going to clean all that you need or want to in one day either. Break
up your spring cleaning into digestible pieces and schedule different tasks
throughout the week. One way you might consider scheduling is by designating
each day to a different room. Breaking down your to-do list and giving yourself
realistic deadlines will make the process less stressful.
Look
up. During the winter months, it’s easy for dust and spiderwebs to accumulate
overhead, in the corner of the room, and on the ceiling where you’re not often
directing your attention. Look up while you’re cleaning to catch lingering dust
and cobwebs.
Wash
walls & baseboards. Similar to the ceiling, it’s
easy to forget or overlook the dirt and grime that accumulates on your walls
and near the floor on the baseboards. Make sure to add these overlooked areas to your spring
cleaning checklist for a thorough clean.
Quick Space Refreshers
Spring is a time of growth and rebirth. It’s
only natural that it often inspires us to refresh different aspects of our
lives. Use these simple DIY ideas to give your home a
much-needed refresh after a long winter season.
Add a
houseplant or two: Bringing greenery into the home is one of
the simplest ways to add a feeling of freshness to your digs. There are a
variety of houseplants that you can choose from, based on how much space you
have and how green your thumb is. While all plants add a pleasant aesthetic,
some even pull double duty and also clean the air – literally refreshing your
space! Visit your local greenhouse, florist or farmers market to find your new
green friend.
Buy or
make new pillow covers. Something as simple as
updating the covers on your throw pillows can make a huge difference in the
look of your living space. Pillow covers are relatively easy crafts to complete but they’re also
inexpensive if you’re lacking the desire (or a sewing machine) to make them
yourself. Shop around for some that you love! Other textiles you might consider
refreshing include throw blankets and quilts.
Add new
scents. Scents such as lemon, mint and lilac can evoke
a sense of freshness and can help you feel more energized. Try a flameless solution like an oil
diffuser to add a refreshing new scent to your space. You might be surprised by
the difference it makes in your state of mind!
Change
up your bookcase. If you have a bookcase in your home,
try re-styling it for a fresh take on your decor. Reorganize books and figurines in a new
layout. One fun trend you might try is organizing your books by color.
Reorganizing will not only refresh your space, but will also give you an
opportunity to give the shelf a thorough cleaning and eliminate any clutter
that may have built up over time.
Try a
fresh coat of paint. A fresh coat of paint can do
wonders for your home’s vibe – especially if you live in a small space. Try a
lighter color to make the room feel bigger, or vibrant colors to give you more
energy. If you own your home, then you have the freedom to paint your home
whatever color you’d like. If you’re a renter, be sure to check in with your
landlord before heading to the paint store. As you plan for a spring refresh,
be sure to check out these decorating tips for renters
that will give you creative freedom without sacrificing your security deposit.
Home Maintenance Check-In
You know those tasks that you’re never in the
mood to do but know you should? Unsurprisingly, these tasks are easy to put off
and forget about. Ease into home maintenance by using these spring home maintenance tips to get
you started:
Clean
out the dryer vents. Did you know that 2,900 home fires caused by clothes
dryers are reported each year? If you own a dryer, use the change in season as
a reminder to remove lint build up and lessen your chances of having a home fire.
Check
in with your landlord. If you’re a renter, then you probably do not
have control over when certain items get cleaned, fixed or undergo maintenance
check-ups. Make sure to check in with your landlord from time to time,
especially if you have items you are concerned about or would like fixed.
Test
your smoke detectors. Never pass up an opportunity to
test your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. These alarms are critical
to your home safety and – in the event of an
emergency – can potentially save your life. Even if you live in a small space,
make sure you have enough alarms placed throughout your home. This includes
placing an alarm inside every bedroom, outside sleeping quarters and on every
floor, including basements.
Stay
protected. The best way to prepare
your home for any season is by making sure it’s appropriately covered. Check
your home insurance or renters policy and make sure that
you’re getting everything that you need. It’s also important that you
understand your policy. Be sure to talk to your agent
or insurance company representative if you have any
questions or have an interest in updating your policy.
