Spring.
The time for renewal and fresh beginnings.
The time for warmer weather, Easter dresses, and outdoor activities.
For a lot of us, the warmer weather brings out our “inner perfectionist” in the spring cleaning department. Many retailers begin featuring plastic bins and organizing items to help your process get started.
Everyone’s home and situations are different but we all need to complete a deep cleaning on occasion. Grab a notepad, pen, and a cocktail. It’s time to learn how to effectively clean and organize your home this spring!
Make a Plan
It may sound simple but it’s highly recommended. Be sure to make a plan before starting! Do not plan to do everything in one day. You won’t get a proper deep cleaning if you rush.
Start with mapping out your home. A simple sketch will suffice. Make a shortlist of what you know you can accomplish that day. Trying to do too much at once can be overwhelming and sometimes lead to throwing in the towel altogether. Once you decide on that days’ plan, map out your next available day to continue deep cleaning.
Do you need a bit more guidance in your life? Maybe you need a pre-made list to work with. If that’s the case, there are plenty of options on the web for printables of every kind. Check out this website for some great FREE printables to get started.
Buy Your Necessary Supplies
You can’t give your home a good spring cleaning without proper supplies. Before you even remotely start cleaning, be sure that you have everything that you need. Below are some great ideas to get you started.
- Detergent-Cleaning your bed sheets, towels, and dishcloths
- Multi-Surface Disinfectant-To deep clean all of your hard surfaces
- Bathroom Cleaning Supplies-Deep-cleaning the shower, toilets, sink
- Large Storage Bins-Organizing and Storing
- Trash Bags-For throwing away and donating
Everyone has their own preference for brands and scents to choose from. Many people enjoy using eco-friendly products that are good for the environment and for their families. Want a large assortment of green cleaning products shipped right to your door? Be sure to visit Grove Collaborative. All new customers receive a free gift with their first purchase.
If you prefer a little assistance in cleaning your home, check out Zen Home Cleaning. This NYC company only uses green cleaning products and its staff is highly vetted.
Repurpose if Possible
Are you the crafty sort? Do you have a lot of things in your home that you really don’t want to throw away?
If so, consider repurposing them! Many older items can be made into other, more useful household items.
Old books can be fashioned into shelves. An old ladder can be turned into a bookshelf. Plastic spoons can be made into a lamp. For these great ideas and more, click here.
Donate
One of the best things you can do with your unwanted items is to donate them to a great cause. Many wonderful organizations are just waiting for your gently used items to give to those who are in need. Some places accept donations and resell them. The proceeds are then used to provide for families that are less fortunate.
**Be sure to call ahead to your chosen organization. Some have specific drop-off times or pick-up services.**
Some great organizations in and around NYC are:
- The Bowery Mission
- Habitat for Humanity NYC
- Goodwill NYNJ
- The Salvation Army
- Housing Works
- Big Reuse
Disposal of Unwanted Items
If you wish to throw away some of your unwanted items from your home, many items can be picked up with your standard trash pickup. Click here to be sure your items are eligible to be picked up by the sanitation department.
Cleanout Express may be the answer to all of your junk removal needs. This Queens-based company proudly services all five boroughs. This company can remove all of your unwanted items from apartments, construction sites, businesses, and more. Cleanout Express recycles over 60% of the unwanted items that they remove from homes.
Powell and Sons is another great company that can remove trash and unwanted items from your residence or business. Powell and Sons provides service to all five boroughs as well. You can fill out a form on their website to get a quick, free quote. Their junk removal specialists are ready to provide you with quick and effective service.
Now that you are fully prepared with your list, cleaning supplies, and plans for junk removal, let the spring cleaning commence!
Kristi Hill is a freelance writer who loves to travel, cook and watch college football. When she isn’t writing, she’s usually listening to classic rock and spending time with her dog, Chico.