The temperatures are cooling and the leaves are turning — it’s #fall. Before you head indoors for the chilly weather, however, consider making a fall #deep-cleaning checklist. Start outside, says The Spruce: Clean and store any outdoor furniture; service and store gardening equipment and tools; #clean gutters and downspouts; drain pools and water features; swap out screens for storm widows; and wash windows. To be absolutely certain you’re ready for winter, ask a professional inspector to check your roof, foundation and weatherproofing. And to ensure optimal comfort, schedule a maintenance checkup for your HVAC system. #FallCleaning
Tag: cleaning
Dog Days: Decluttering With Pets
If you have #pets, you know that they can contribute to the #clutter and #grime that your home attracts. And the “dog days” of summer are as good a time as any to discover a few strategies to keep your space #organized and #tidy — whether you have a #dog, #cat, or some other furry, scaly or feathered friend.
First, tackle #decluttering #KonMari-style. “When going through your dog or cat’s items, focus on which of them bring your pet the most joy or serve a true purpose,” FreshPet says. “They usually make it pretty clear what they like and don’t like. Keep only the items that make your #pet the happiest.”
Try not to get too sentimental about pet possessions. If there’s something that has particular significance such as your pup’s first collar, frame it. Most other items can be discarded; #donate lightly used items to a local animal shelter or ClothingDonations.org. If something holds memories but is of little use, take a picture of it before letting it go.
Life Storage suggests creating pet “stations” around the house, designating bins and baskets for grooming items, outdoor/exercise needs, toys, and food and treats. If you house your pet in a crate, cage or aquarium, keep any related supplies #organized nearby for convenient care and maintenance.
PopSugar offers a list of 10 pet #organization products “sure to make your life easier,” or you can DIY your own storage solutions. Get creative with #thrift-store finds, shop the container section of a local hardware store or build an organizer. Consider labeling all boxes, baskets and bins as an additional #streamlining strategy.
Once your pet #stuff is organized and in its proper places, you won’t be tripping over toys or wasting time wondering where the leash went. And your home will be easier to #clean, too! Pets shed, track in dirt and leave other messes in their wake. But that’s a topic that The Organizing Blog will revisit another day. Enjoy the dog days!
Clean House, Clean Living
A #spring #scrubdown doesn’t have to be interpreted as #cleaning things and spaces only, Redbook says; you can also bring a sense of #cleansing and renewal other areas of your life. It’s a great time to start meditating, get things fixed, discard old paperwork, catch up on your sleep, and disconnect from devices or bad relationships. Of course, it’s a good time to evaluate your wardrobe for things you no longer wear don’t wear, too: “Haven’t worn it in a year? It’s time to #donate or sell it,” the story says. “Whatever you do, don’t toss apparel — old #clothing often ends up in landfills.”
Don’t Put off Household Cleaning Chores
You’d think that the work-from-home revolution that launched alongside the #pandemic would inspire people to #clean more. But there are many household #cleaning chores people put off because they just don’t like to do them, says a survey released by homebuilder Lombardo Homes. No. 1 on the list is #cleaning the bathroom, followed closely by #washing dishes, doing laundry, cleaning the fridge and doing yardwork. While 85% of survey respondents admit they avoid doing chores they don’t like, the pandemic has made a majority “more diligent” about cleaning their homes.
Focus Your Household Deep-Cleaning
Any #spring #scrubdown should target areas of the home that have seen heavy use over the winter, the Iowa State Daily says. Clean and deodorize rugs and carpeting, clean the oven and the refrigerator, and clean and freshen drains. Also wash the windows — inside and out, if possible — to let the sunlight in. The change of seasons is also a good time to clear out and #donate extra #clothing: “Free up space in your closet or dresser by going through old, unused items,” the story says. “If you haven’t worn something in the last year, consider #donating it to someone in need.”