Monday Market Update: How The Pros Prepare For Spring

Spring is truly in the air, flowers are blooming and the patio furniture is about to come out (if it isn’t out already!). Many homeowners find this season to be one of the best times of year to refresh and re-energize their interior and exterior spaces. In that theme, we wanted to summarize the tips from a recent Real Simple article titled ‘We Asked a Pro Cleaner, Organizer, and Decorator How They Get Their Houses Ready for Spring.’ Enjoy! 

When we think of spring cleaning, we often think of mass donation bags and trash hauls, right? But truly, spring ‘cleaning’ is a combination of the actual tasks of cleaning plus organizing and decorating. Therefore it makes complete sense why Real Simple organized the tips from professionals in these 3 areas. 

What Professional  Cleaners Say 

There are many home cleaning tasks that you tackle daily and weekly – vacuuming, dusting, mopping, etc. But spring cleaning is more indicative of the duties that often go by the wayside.

#1: Cleaning out the bathroom cabinets. This is when you toss out the expired sunscreen (and really any expired medications and lotions/soaps), plus any products that have not been used in the last year. This is also an ideal time to take stock of band-aids, bug repellant and allergy medications. 

#2: Window washing. Rain, dirt and dust have no doubt left a layer of film and spots on your windows – in a time of year when there is much to be seen. Please consider enlisting the help of a professional window washer if you have a two-story home – safety should always come first! 

#3: Swap bedding.  ‘Tis the season to wash and store the heavy blankets and flannel sheets, and get out the lighter, layered linens! Lighter fabrics often evoke a desire for lighter tones and natural hues with regards to color too! 

What Professional  Organizers Say 

While in a perfect world, home organization is an ongoing task, spring is really when we find our groove as after we clean – we strive to organize! 

#1: Focus on high-clutter areas.  Not all messy spaces are created equal, right? We all have that one ‘drop zone’ by the front door, the ultimate kitchen junk drawer or overflowing hall closet that is in greatest need. Start there. The rest will seem a bit easier after that! 😉 

#2: Say ‘see ya later’ to rain & snow gear.  Heavy coats, clunky boots and stacks of scarves and gloves take up a lot of physical space. This is a great time to give away what warm layers you did not use or do not fit, and organize the most-used, out-of-season items in clear, labeled bins in your garage or attic. Out of sight and out of mind also means out of the space you need for flip-flops and cooler clothes! 

#3: Focus on function. It’s not always about what you are organizing – but HOW. The types of bins, baskets and even furniture can make a huge difference in how accessible and searchable your closets and dressers are. 

What Professional  Designers Say 

Decorating often comes last in the spring-cleaning process – but it makes a first impression to those who walk through your yard and in your front door. Here is how decorators and designers suggest you help your home sing spring…

#1: Bring the outdoors in. Refresh those indoor plants, put some wildflowers in vases and add in some seasonal candles. Evoke the smells and textures of spring in tiny touches all around. 

#2: Take a big look at the little knick-knacks. Chances are you have some little décor pieces and touches that aren’t making a big impact for spring. Less can be more so experts say to only leave out ‘tchotchkes’ that inspire joy and remove those that take up space without bringing you anything in return. 

#3: Re-arrange furniture.  Using what you have in a new layout is one the most impactful and most affordable ways to bring about a fresh look. Try a different set-up of your living room and/or bedroom furniture and consider swapping artwork among the rooms in your home. 

Well, what do you think? Does your spring home refresh feels fabulous with these tips from professional cleaners, organizers and designers? We sure hope so – and know that these tips are inspiring us too! 

Cheers to feeling renewed and ready for spring,

Bobbi 

Bobbi Decker
DRE#00607999

Broker Associate, Bobbi Decker & Associates
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