Still finding tinsel in parts of your house you didn’t know existed? Heart-shaped glitter from Valentine’s Day still haunting every corner? And what about those boxes in the garage you promised yourself you would organize before Winter…of 2012?
Well if you’ve already forgotten your New Year’s Resolution, there’s another opportunity for a fresh start— Spring Cleaning! Just imagine being able to run your fingers along window sills without getting dusty fingers, or even discovering misplaced mail! You might even save money by not having to keep buying that one thing you know you have, but put away in such a safe place that even you can’t find it.
From ambiguous origins that may relate to The Persian New Year which brings with it the practice of “shaking the house” clean, to the Jewish Passover or even weather patterns, Spring Cleaning is a tradition that can have a de-cluttering effect on your internal wellness as much as it does on your furniture.
So in the spirit of this tradition, Bonadelle Neighborhoods would like to offer up some of our favorite tips to get you started:
LOOK NO FURTHER THAN YOUR PANTRY
Not a fan of harsh chemicals to clean your house? Want to save money? As any web search has probably taught you, there are multiple DIY solutions made with items you most likely have in your pantry or refrigerator. You can use white vinegar to clean almost anything or even get rid of odors— spray it onto your grill and scrub with half an onion to get off impossible buildup, soak in a ziplock bag and hang it on your showerhead with a rubber band overnight to dissolve mineral buildup, or even fill a bowl with it and leave it in a space that is scent-challenged (whether it be smoke or other) and let sit overnight to clear the air.
Baking soda also has a number of handy uses— dissolve a teaspoon in 8 oz of water to relieve heartburn, wet your stainless steel sink and faucet, add salt and clean with a sponge or paper towel to scrape off buildup, or use ½ cup of it mixed with warm water to mop tile floors. In other words, all the resources you need to clean are right at your fingertips. With the help of lemon juice, olive oil, essential oils, salt, cornstarch and water, you can clean your home with natural solutions that are safe and environmentally-friendly.
USE THIS AS AN EXCUSE TO RE-ARRANGE
Bring the excitement to your current residence by re-organizing your living spaces. Maybe the desk can go over there— or go altogether? Maybe a family DIY adventure can turn the light oak bookshelf into a blue entertainment center, or you can convert your children’s “Wall Art” into an excuse for a new shade throughout the room. If you happen to be financially-gifted, or have saved up for a home-overhaul, then having a paint party and painting the walls, or even swapping out furniture can completely change the aura of a home. Maybe it’s time for a move altogether! We are offering incredible prices if you are in the market for a new home, and each comes with standard features that go above and beyond what other homebuilders in the area are offering.
ORGANIZE. ORGANIZE. ORGANIZE.
Spring Cleaning is about more than just freshening up the floors. Give away clothes you never wear. Organize boxes of things you know you don’t need into a donation pile and a trash pile, while re-packing those boxes with items you want to store. Shred, file, and organize all your mail and important documents. De-clutter your living spaces so you can have room to do the things you love and relax with peace of mind now that you know where things are. Imagine the reduced anxiety, improved sleep, and boosted productivity in a home that is not only free of dust, but provides a minimalist environment that frees you to think clearly. Now make it happen— it’s only a decision away!
START SMALL
Unless you have that go-big-or-go-home personality and want to blitz your home in one weekend, look at Spring Cleaning as you would any type of budget-planning— start with the small tasks and work your way up. Turn on your favorite podcast or playlist and commit to one goal today. Maybe even make a list so you can feel the satisfaction of checking these things off as you go. Whatever you do, the goal is an allergen-reduced home and an anxiety-reduced soul. Enjoy Spring Cleaning and Happy New Start!
