Spring Cleaning Tips for a Fresh Start in Your New Home
Spring is one of the busiest times in the real estate industry. The season offers a unique opportunity for buyers to view homes in their best light, as the flowers begin to bloom and the trees start to bud around them. If you’re one of the many people moving into a new home in the next few months, it’s always best to start off on a good note with some spring cleaning.
Start with a plan.
As with any large-scale project, you should always create a step-by-step plan before you begin. This will help you ensure that you don't overlook any important tasks. Start by making a list of all the areas of your new home that will need the most attention, and make sure to prioritize them over the smaller details.
Declutter and organize.
If you’re moving into a new home, decluttering is a must — and spring cleaning is the perfect time to get rid of any items that you no longer need or want. Start by going through closets, drawers, and cabinets. Donate, give away or sell items that are in reasonable condition, and discard anything that's beyond repair. By decluttering first, you'll have fewer items to organize, package, move and unbox.
Once you've decluttered, it's time to organize what's left. Consider investing in some organizational tools such as shelf dividers, hanging organizers, and storage bins to maximize your space.
Deep clean your appliances.
Your appliances are some of the most important and heavily used items in your home, so it's important to give them a thorough cleaning. Not only that, but they’re often a focal point of the decor and a large part of your home’s look and feel. In the kitchen, this typically includes your refrigerator, oven, microwave and dishwasher, but it can also include appliances like kettles and toasters.
Start by removing the food and shelves from your refrigerator. Then, wipe down the interior with a mixture of water and vinegar. For your oven, you can use a mixture of baking soda and water to create a paste that can quickly remove any built-up grime or grease. To clean your microwave, place a bowl of water with squeezed lemon slices inside of the appliance and heat it for a few minutes to loosen any food residue that’s been stuck to the inside. For your dishwasher, run a cycle and add a cup of white vinegar to remove any built up food residue or odors.
Refresh your windows.
After a cold, dark winter, spring is the perfect time to let the fresh air and sunlight into your new home — but not through dirty windows. Give them a good cleaning, both inside and out. Use a squeegee and a mixture of water and vinegar or a specialized window cleaner. Don't forget to clean the window frames and sills, which can accumulate a lot of dust and grime over time.
Freshen up your floors.
Floors can take quite a beating, so remember to give them some extra attention. Depending on the type of flooring you have, you may need to vacuum, sweep, mop or even steam clean. Pay special attention to high traffic areas and spots that may accumulate dirt or grime, such as the entryway or your kitchen floors.
Questions?
Spring cleaning is a great way to start fresh in a new place. By creating a plan and following it accordingly, you can give your new home the attention it deserves. Don't forget to enlist the help of any willing family members or close friends to make the process more enjoyable and efficient. Happy cleaning!
If you have any questions about buying, selling or moving, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’ve got a qualified team of experienced agents ready to help you with your next steps.