Spring cleaning. It’s the time to tackle those annual hot
spots so you can come out on the other side and feel like your home has gotten
that deep down scrubbing that makes you feel very accomplished. The usual list involves windows, under and
behind the heavy stuff, the drapes, closets, under the beds, and of course your
regular chore list on steroids. It can
be a lot to tackle. And yet, there could
be more . . . Since the basics feel
pretty, well, basic, let’s cover another short list of spring cleaning mini-projects
that can each have you feeling like you’ve tackled something big and won.
The Jewelry Box – It can be
an overstuffed, overflowing, tangled mess we’ve woven over time. Sift, sort, decide to keep or give away, and
then properly store what you’re keeping.
Ideally, hang necklaces, pair earrings in divided boxes in a drawer, and
stack bracelets in trays or bins. When
you purge what you don’t wear and arrange what you do so you can easily see it,
you’re set to accessorize your future outfits.
Media – How many CD cases and
DVDs are taking up storage space in your entertainment center or
elsewhere? Free up space by storing
music files digitally and parting with movies that won’t see a screen again.
Magazines – How do they
become these piles in four different rooms in the house? Donate back issues of magazines to a local
doctor’s office or recycle them. Afraid
you’ll part with something you intended to reference again? Don’t be; you’ll probably just Google it if
the topic comes up again.
Office Supplies – If you
never have the right size of envelope or can’t find a stamp when you need one,
take stock of your home office supplies and purchase refills where needed. Store them neatly for easy home office
access.
Cleaning Products – In the
midst of spring cleaning, empty out your cleaning products stored away under
the sinks and access your use. If it’s
old, nearly empty, or has been forgotten and replaced by a new bottle or brand,
clear it out. Purchase new sponges and
bar rags to start fresh.
Tools – If your junk drawer
could warrant its own zip code, or the bin you pull tools from is a disastrous
mess, take the time to organize.
Determine what basics need to be at the ready in the house and what is
better stored in the garage for periodic use.
Compartmentalize picture hanging supplies, nails, and nuts and bolts so
you know what you have and can pull from your supply easily when needed. Replenish your stock of batteries while
you’re at it.
Paint – A collection of cans
in the garage with runs all down the sides may not lend itself to quick and
easy touchups. Determine what paint is
still good, and label the lids with the house location in permanent
marker. If a lid has been cracked and
air has allowed a thick film to form on the paint’s surface, remove it; it
won’t do you any good for future touchups.
Consider buying a quart of it as a new replacement. When buying new paint, keep the paint swatch
and write on it what you got in the way of finish for reference.
Think out of the box for some
easy-tackle, nice-payoff projects to go along with your spring cleaning to-do
list.
DesignInMind column; appeared in the Valley Morning Star March 8th.
