The warmer weather of spring brings with it some familiar rituals for Minnesotans. Tax return deadlines, the return of the baseball and outdoor activities.  But before the planting and yard work can begin, families typically devote a weekend or two to de-winterizing their homes. 

That’s right it is spring cleaning time, a discipline that typically consists of two distinct but related tasks-- decluttering and deep cleaning.  Both can be helpful if you keep in mind a few tips.

Takeaways:

  • Warmer weather has many people thinking about spring cleaning

  • To get the most out of this annual rite, a dual focus is required

  • A few tips and tricks can help you get started

 

Decluttering 

Stated simply, we all tend to keep too much stuff.

We stare at closets full of clothes and can’t find a thing to wear. Our kids pine for the latest and greatest toy, even as their rooms are impassable and cluttered with last year’s versions.

Cleaning begins with de-cluttering, here’s what to do:  

Set a date for a block-wide garage sale- a simple email to a few other families is all it takes. Be sure to set the date at least 30 days in the future. The deadline and group dynamic will hold you accountable, and you can use the month lead-up to and take action defining what stays and goes.

Tour your crawl space and shed with your spouse- share your secret stash with your significant other. If you rent a storage unit, commit to un-renting it. All are filled with items you likely forgot you had and probably don’t need. Put the small stuff in the sale, and the larger on Craig’s list.

Engage in goal-based closet cleaning- instead of traditional closet cleaning where you assess which clothes you “may” sometimes wear, instead clean your closet with a goal in mind. Commit to filling two trash bags up front and you’ll be better able to prioritize. Make your children do the same.

 

Deep Cleaning

Annual spring cleaning is a great time to tackle the items you normally may miss. Here are a few reminders of items that need to be addressed at least once per year. 

Prep for porterhouse- take your grill out of storage and give it a quick tune-up. Check the hoses for leaks by liberally applying soapy water (look for bubbles), degrease the grate and clean the exterior with oven cleaner, water and a brush.

Improve your outlook with clean windows- all you need is a sponge, a squeegee (with a long handle) and some warm water with a little dish soap. Paper towels are great for many tasks, but never for windows.

Clear those gutters- get up on a ladder and ensure you begin spring with clean gutters. The rainy season is upon us, water is your enemy and proper drainage is key.

Check your garage- most counties offer hazardous waste drop-off events and locations. Take an annual inventory of your supplies for the coming year and clear your garage of old paint, lawn chemicals, used motor oil and bug killer. Links to drop-off sites are here- Hennepin County , Carver County , Wright County  

 

If a declutter and deep clean is not enough to make your house feel like home for another year, perhaps it is time to consider other options. Understanding the value of your current home is a good starting point in this process.