Despite that recent snowfall, there’s no doubt that spring is on its way – which means it’s time to dive into your yearly cleaning sweep. We’re big fans of maintaining your home throughout the year to avoid one big clean, but it’s also a great idea to mark spring as a time to refresh your space in preparation for warmer days.

We’ve got some suggestions on how you can clean, organize, and invigorate your home this spring:

CLEAN

Take a walk-through of your home and note which spaces and details could be given some attention. Baseboard ledges, space under furniture, tops and sides of appliances, blinds – there are lots of surfaces you may miss in your regular cleaning routine. Even wire closet shelving could do with a wipe-down now and again. Take a good look at your furniture, as well, and read our previous blog post on caring for and cleaning your furniture.

Here’s a thorough list from Martha Stewart to get you started on cleaning activities.

Cleaning your home is going old-school, with natural, home-made solutions becoming popular again. Your home can be spotless with just a little vinegar, baking soda, or lemon. Check out this blog from Wellness Mama for recipes of basic and effective cleaning techniques.

Before you get started, open your windows to welcome fresh air as you scrub, dust, and wash various areas of your home.

ORGANIZE

Now’s a great time to de-clutter your home. Pull out your clothes and sort through what you wear and what you don’t. Commit to donating or consigning the garments, shoes, and accessories that haven’t seen the light of day for months or even years. Expand your organizing to kitchen and desk drawers, storage lockers, and other areas where your possessions seem to have piled up over the last year. Here’s a great resource on where you can donate your unwanted items in the Lower Mainland.

You’ll definitely feel lighter with all this purging.

If you’re still in need of places to put your belongings, just a few adjustments to your space can increase your storage options. Read through our recent blog post on how to combat storage woes with smart organizing solutions.

INVIGORATE

Once your home is clean and organized, consider steps you can take to infuse more life into the space. Even small updates, like new throw pillows, colourful kitchen dish cloths, or proper hangers, can elevate your living experience. Think about painting a statement wall or applying wallpaper. And introduce fresh flowers or potted plants to your space. (P.S. It’s tulip season – don’t miss Tulips of the Valley and the Abbotsford Tulip Festival)

To keep this from being a daunting experience, spread your tasks out over a few weekends. Make a list of what you’d like to accomplish and schedule each into a time slot. And be sure to pick some upbeat tunes to get you in a motivated mood.