Spring is just around the corner and it’s time to get the spring cleaning started. Many people would prefer to skip this traditional springtime activity, but it can be a productive and exciting way to get some outside time.  In this blog, we will tell you the ways to begin the process and the best steps to make spring cleaning as productive as possible.

Begin with decluttering:

Decluttering can be a project that takes up most of your time. However, think about working on the inside when the weather outside is cloudy and dreary. The best way to begin is to choose one room at a time so as not to get overwhelmed, and then rotate throughout rooms. When looking through your kitchen cabinets, coat closets, etc., ask yourself “when was the last time I used this?” If an answer doesn’t come to mind, it’s probably time to donate that item. Sort your items into categories like keep, sell, and donate to effectively organize your space.

In order to keep from getting overwhelmed, start out with a schedule: Monday – declutter kitchen, Tuesday – bathrooms, Wednesday – bedrooms, Thursday –  common areas such as the living room and basement, Friday – closets. 

Once the decluttering is finished, you might feel like you’re on a roll! Move into deep cleanings.  Similar to decluttering, deep cleaning can be done throughout the entire week or in one day. Make it a family affair and assign a cleaning job to each person. Take before and after pictures and see who did the best job. Make it fun!

Tips for cleaning your outside:

Start your outdoor cleaning by looking at your roof. Roof maintenance is important, especially in the Midwest. Snow and cold weather can lead to  a buildup of debris in the gutters. Another outdoor feature to add to your spring cleaning list is your windows. After taking care of your roof, this will seem like a breeze! The outside of the windows often get neglected, so use this time to make your windows truly sparkle! Here’s a cleaner recipe that is easily made from household items: mix one cup of water, one cup of rubbing alcohol, and one teaspoon of white vinegar. Find a soft cloth to clean with and your windows will sparkle. While cleaning your windows, be sure to check for cracks and leaks to avoid air loss throughout the year. 

If you have a deck, now is the time to maintain that as well. Take the broom out of the garage and sweep off the dust and cobwebs. Hook up the hose and wash the deck before you put out the deck furniture.

Lawn clean up:

Lastly, turn your attention to your lawn. Now is the time to create the lawn you’ve always wanted and really catch the eye of people driving past your Gerstad home. Be sure to mow, get rid of any weeds, and start planting some beautiful flowers to add color to the outside. Also, now is the time to add crabgrass pre-emergence. Ordering seeds online is always an option. If you are not ready to start an outdoor garden, order some seeds online and start your gardening indoors. Another fun option is to consider an indoor herb garden. It will brighten up your space and also promote healthy airflow throughout your home. Some of the best herbs to grow indoors are basil, parsley, thyme and oregano.

Spring cleaning can feel overwhelming at first, but there are so many ways to make it easier! We hope that you found something beneficial in this article and will apply it towards your own home. At Gerstad Builders, we know how important a home really is. We are always available to help with your homebuying process. To learn more about Gerstad Builders, visit our website or give us a call at 815-385-4495.