When the weather outside makes you want to stay inside, it’s a perfect opportunity to clean. Staying productive and active is important for your mental health during winter months, and the byproduct is getting your home into shape. Here is some inspiration for ways to clean away the winter blahs.
Organize Closets
Organizing a closet can become a very time-consuming task, depending on various factors such as the size and shape of the closet, the nature of the contents, and the frequency with which this chore has been performed in the past.
Take these points into consideration before undertaking the project. It’s frustrating and de-motivating when you run out of steam halfway through the endeavor with the contents of your closet strewn throughout a room. If it’s a big job, tackle it in smaller parts.
The point of cleaning out a closet is to evaluate the usefulness of stored items and eliminate any that are not of value to you. Fatigue sets in quickly if you have to make many decisions over and over again about whether to keep objects. Tackle the task in increments that you can handle.
Clean out the Pantry
This is a great time of year to systematically go through all your food cupboards. Pull everything out and get rid of items that are expired. Wipe off cupboard surfaces before replacing items, reorganizing as you go.
Organize Drawers
Sort through dresser drawers, kitchen drawers, the junk drawer in the hallway. There’s little in life quite so satisfying as opening a drawer and being able to view the contents without having to rifle around for the object you seek.
Dust Walls and Drapes
Use a rag secured over a broom to sweep away cobwebs and dust on ceilings, ceiling fans, light fixtures, walls, and drapes. Get into corners. Dust chair rails and baseboards. Remove and (hand) wash glass light shades if they need freshening up.
Vacuum Furniture
Use your upholstery tool to vacuum all surfaces on upholstered furniture. Turn over cushions. Vacuum underneath sofas and chairs while you’re at it.
Vacuum Mattresses
Vacuum and flip mattresses. Vacuum or launder bed skirts, duvet covers, pillow shams, and other bedding that doesn’t get washed regularly.
Dust Book Shelves
Thoroughly dust bookshelves: remove books and bric-a-brac, dust shelves, dust and replace books and bric-a-brac.
Look Around
Finally, take a look around to see what else needs help. Dust, dirt, cobwebs, and clutter hide under beds, in corners, and behind furniture. Sometimes they are even right in plain sight. Examine your living space with a critical eye and do what needs doing while you have the time.
The winter blahs will give way to satisfaction at a job well done, and before you know it winter will have changed to spring and your house will sparkle!
Want more organizing and house cleaning tips and ideas? Check out my author page. My books include De-Clutter and Organize Your Home in 7 Simple Steps, Clean Like A Pro: Tips and Techniques for Cleaning Your Home Like a Seasoned Professional, and How to Become a Cleaning Pro: the Ultimate Guide to Starting and Operating Your Own House Cleaning Service.
