Tag Archives: spring cleaning

Apr3

Simple Ways To Look After Your Home

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Simple Ways To Look After Your Home

Whether you’re renting or you own your home, you surely want to keep it looking good and to take care of it as much as possible. Your environment plays a big role in how you feel and in your overall health and your home is the best place to start. There is nothing better than returning after a long day at work to a space that is clean and fresh. Here are a few easy ways that you can better maintain it as you start your spring cleaning:

Keep On Top Of Everyday Tidying:

One great way to care for your home is to tidy regularly. This is not going to take long because there won’t be time for it to get too messy again. We’re talking about simple things like putting items back where they belong, wiping surfaces, dealing with small messes before they get bigger, and so on – it can all make a massive difference.

Check Things Before They Become Problems:

Another helpful thing to do is spot minor issues around the home early. Things like a loose handle here, a dripping tap there, or perhaps a squeaky door or a slightly blocked drain. These can turn into bigger problems if you ignore them because they don’t seem like they’re causing too much harm. The fact is, spending a few minutes checking (and ideally fixing) little things is going to save you a lot of time and money in the long run.

Look After Outdoor Areas:

Outdoor spaces are part of your home too, and keeping them tidy improves the overall feel. That’s why doing things like sweeping paths, trimming plants, and clearing leaves can all help. Of course, not everyone has the time, patience, or skills to improve their gardens to the level they might want. If you want to go a little further than a quick tidy up, it’s worth speaking to landscaping experts who can give you advice and come up with a plan before getting on with the work themselves.

Keep A Simple Routine:

Having an easy routine (easy to do and easy to remember) can make maintenance feel a lot more manageable, so it’s a good idea to take a little time to create one. Once it’s done, you just have to follow it and everything becomes easier, quicker, and less stressful. For example, you could choose one small task to do every day, or set some time aside each week to do your home maintenance checks. Having a routine in place means the work gets spread out and stops everything from piling up at once, which usually means nothing actually gets done!

Spring is in the air and it’s the perfect time to clean. Keep your home sparkling with the tips above!

Featured Image By: Anete Lusina

Mar12

Spring Cleaning In Small Doses

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Spring Cleaning In Small Doses

Howdy! During my last bout of Spring Cleaning, I had a GREAT SUCCESS because I located one of my favorite tank tops that has been missing for literal years. It was a simple black tank top by Rachel Zoe but it fit so perfectly, went with everything, and was one of my go to tops in the summer. I truly thought it was gone to the world and was beyond happy when I uncovered it amungst the clutter. I have to admit that, since then, my cleaning only went as far as necessary chores but I got back into the swing of things this weekend, baby! I have been using the Small Doses approach to get my apartment back in tiptop shape and this is what has helped me because, let’s be real, Spring Cleaning can be kind of overwhelming:

First Things First:

Sometimes, you just might not have the energy to clean and that is okay! If you planned on deep cleaning after work and had a long day, relax instead. At this point, one more day or two isn’t going to make a difference and you can get back at it better rested. This is something that isn’t worth beating yourself up about so take care of you and you can take care of the rest tomorrow. I have been really worn out recently and every intention I had of cleaning after work went out the window. At first, I was definitely mentally berating myself lol. However, this wasn’t doing me any favors and I made plans to clean this weekend and followed through.

Baby Steps:

I have been cleaning little by little and I love the instant gratification I feel from it. It’s so rewarding and it makes me want to clean more! I also find that I achieve a deeper, better clean when I focus on one thing at a time. I start by targetting one area that I would like to see improved and go from there. This past weekend, there were three things I wanted to do: Clean the bathrooms, clear off my catchall kitchen table, and clear through and consolidate our bedroom closet. I did two of those tasks on Saturday and completed my list on Sunday. Despite the fact that these were smaller chores, the difference was so noticable and it felt good!

Donate/Trash Liberally:

What is your spring cleaning goal? Is it a sparkling home from top to bottom? Getting your yard in pristine condition? In my case, my main goal is clearing clutter. Listen, Johnny and I are packrats lol. After being together for over five years, we have compiled a lot of stuff and we simply don’t need it. By establishing my objective, it definitely made it easier to add to the trash/donate bags and create more tasks with my goal in mind. This is why my next items on the To Clean list are going to be clearing off our coffee table and TV stand as well as going through our multitude of clothing to donate.

Regular Upkeep:

I like the Small Doses approach because I think it’s totally easier, but also because it gives me a chance to make better choices with the upkeep. Doing a little bit at a time helps me establish good habits with what I have already done and gives me the opportunity to practice them before adding something new. For example, after getting home from work I put everything back in its proper place rather than all over my catchall table. I am also putting all of the clothes away immediately after doing laundry to prevent any pileups. Once again, small chores but a big effect!

Spring Cleaning isn’t just about cleaning, but about making better habits too. I am really happy with my progress so far!

Have you started any spring cleaning? What is your least favorite chore? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Feb27

Spring Cleaning Surprise

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Spring Cleaning Surprise

Howdy! I got home from work way earlier than normal on Monday and had three or so hours to kill before Johnny’s shift was over. I’m not really sure why, but out of nowhere, I got a strong desire to clean. I’ll be perfectly honest with you, it can be very difficult for me to find the motivation to clean outside of necessary chores. Feeling mentally and physically exhausted just seems to be the norm for me as of late and it sucks. It’s not like I don’t want to clean but the energy to do so is nowhere to be found. So, when this overwhelming urge hit me to clean, I went for it!

I decided to tackle one room before clocking in again to work from home and that was mine and Johnny’s bedroom. I cleared up any trash, did several loads of laundry, and organized the closet. I also was able to put Johnny’s clothes in some semblance of order because he needs a freaking dresser lol. As I was doing that, I found an incredible surprise: One of my FAVORITE tank tops that I thought I left in the Poconos when we went on vacation a few years prior. I looked everywhere in my apartment for it and came up empty so leaving it behind seemed like the most reasonable explanation. I guess I didn’t look everywhere, though.

After finally having found my black Rachel Zoe tank top, I was elated. The motivation to clean was there and I was rewarded for it. In fact, after this find, I found myself looking forward to tackling my office next! I genuinely thought that the cherry on top was being reunited with my beloved tank top. However, the cherry on top came after the bedroom was clean as a whistle. I had open access to an outlet again and I was eager to put a new Bath & Body Works wallflower into my Halloween plugin. The room looked so fresh and good that I decided to accentuate it with a Fiji White Sands wallflower. The spotless room combined with the crisp, beachy scent made me so happy!

I guess the moral of the story is, that if you are lacking motivation for a deep cleaning session – it really is okay. However, my first hand experience is that you will start feeling fantastic as you go through the process. Even if it is one room or one task at a time, you are accomplishing something that needs to be done and that is rewarding. There is no need to beat yourself up if you don’t have the energy to clean. Do what you can, revel in your success, and you are on your way to forming a good habit.

I really am proud of myself for getting an early start on my spring cleaning and giving the apartment the love it deserves doesn’t feel nearly as overwhelming. In fact, it is a welcome change of pace!

What is on your spring cleaning agenda? Have you found anything recently that you thought you lost? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Sep19

Clean Out Crew

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Clean Out Crew

Hello!!! Johnny and I have been living in our bigger apartment for over two years and it has been great. We moved from a one bedroom loft into a three bedroom, one and a half bath space and it is such a gift to have all of the extra room. While we were in the process of moving, we had a huge clean out and were able to clear up a lot of excess clutter. Since then, we haven’t had a good haul away in a while – only added and I can definitely tell. It feels like there is stuff everywhere! On Monday, I began doing a clear out of my belongings and it was kind of difficult at first. However, it got much easier as I went along and followed these steps:

Start Small:

Johnny and I are honestly both pack rats and I had no idea where to even begin. So, I started small and worked my way up to bigger items. For starters, I decided to go with things that indisputably needed to be tossed – old makeup. I had tubes of lipstick that haven’t been used in years and I’m sure were well beyond an expiration date. Yes, it was a baby step but it got me used to the feeling of letting go of items and I was in a more comfortable place for harder decisions.

What Can’t Be Repaired?

After working on smaller odds and ends for a while, I turned my attention to the things that I planned on getting around to repairing and didn’t. The primary culprit was shoes. I have a handful of pairs that needed some semblance of repair done to be able to wear them again. A plethora of time had passed and they had not been taken to the shop down the road. It would have been a ten minute errand to run and I chose not to. With that in mind, the busted shoes went next and it felt good to be rid of them once I thought about it from a more logical perspective.

Unworn (In A While!) Clothing:

By the time I was done in the shoe department, I was on a roll and felt ready to tackle clothing next. The standard rule for getting rid of clothing is “toss if you haven’t worn in X amount of years”. I followed that as best as I could and ended up with a bagful of clothes to be donated. As I dived deeper into drawers, I found items that I didn’t even realize I had kept and into the bag they went. If I didn’t like them enough to remember having them, then I certainly don’t like them enough to wear now!

Sentimental Items:

Over an hour into my clear out, the last thing on the agenda was some sentimental items and I am so glad that I started the process with baby steps. The main thing I knew had to go was some of my old warm up gear from my days as a competitive figure skater. I think back on that time most fondly (For the most part!) and have always just hung onto the clothing from the skating club I was in. At this point, I was able to recognize that all they were doing was taking up space in my drawers and was able to toss them without a second thought. I did, however, hold on to my favorite skating dress and don’t ever plan on letting that go. 🙂

I was very much out of practice when it came to a good old fashioned clean out and it was hard at times. Once I was done, though, I felt so invigorated and can’t wait to go for Round Two this weekend!

How often do you clear out unwanted items? What are some of your pro tips for a haul away? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan4

Spring Cleaning Tips You Need For 2024

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Spring Cleaning Tips You Need For 2024

We’re moving into a new year which means that you have to start thinking about how you want it to begin. Some people want to start their new year with a huge bash but who wants to start with a house they have to clean up?! Getting your home cleaned at the beginning of the new year can make a huge difference to your health and well being but it can also make a difference to the way you choose to get organized.

We may still be in the midst of winter and spring is a few months away, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t get the house cleaned up and ready to go for the season. In fact, with the tips below you can ensure that every inch of your home is cleaned out and is ready to feel great. Let’s take a look at some tips that’ll help you to kick off well:

Start from the ground up:

The first thing is to get the vacuum cleaner and rid your home of dust and that starts with the floors. You need to vacuum everything from carpets and tiles to window tracks and skirting boards. Cleaning along all of these areas prevents the dust building up any further than it already has. Go cordless if you want to get everything done but always have a corded vacuum cleaner in the background just in case!

If your carpets have ground in stains or are a far cry from their original color, vacuuming alone is not going to give you the deep clean you are looking for. If this is the case for your home, simply enter a search for “Carpet Cleaning in Round Rock” (or your local area). You will be amazed by the results when your carpets are looking as good as they did when you first moved in.

Wash the walls:

Not many people think that their walls need to have anything done to them but washing the walls down is a great idea. Mixing a sugar soap solution in a bucket of warm water is the first step, the next is a flat mop. This will help you to wash the walls top to bottom without streaks being left anywhere.

Clean the bathrooms:

Bathrooms are germ cesspits and yours is no different no matter how often you clean it. Don’t just clean the bath and shower or the toilet, but clean the extractor fans, too, as this will stop any dust flying through the air and misting your bathroom with more dirt.

Bring in the cleaning experts:

Getting help with your cleaning can be a smart move if you’re short on time and energy. It will help keep things in order while giving you time to relax so it is well worth the money. Look into apartment maid services or cleaners locally, or you could hire specific help like an oven cleaning company or an ironing company.

When it comes to carpet cleaning you can either hire someone to do it for you or you can hire a carpet cleaning machine and do it yourself. This should be done every three to six months because of dust and mite build up in the fibers. Cleaning out the carpets can also be done with steam cleaners and shampoo, but you need to make sure you don’t over wet it. The last thing you need in your quest to clean up is mold growth in the carpet and that musty smell that follows.

Sparkling windows:

When was the last time you had your windows professionally cleaned? It could be a great gift to yourself this year to have them cleaned on the inside and the outside. You won’t really notice how dirty the windows have become until you give them a proper clean. You can vacuum the tracks and then go through with warm water and detergent to scrub the windows, tracks, and the windows themselves. Always use a squeegee to remove any water so that you can get rid of any streaks.

Kick start your spring cleaning now for a squeaky clean home to welcome the new year with!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Apr10

Bunnies On The Town

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Bunnies On The Town

Hello!! This past week has been very difficult for Lil Red and Johnny has definitely made things so much easier/better for me. He worked hard while I was gone to spring clean our apartment, make minor repairs, and transform our bunny proofed area the way I always envisioned it! When we first brought Melvin and Penelope home, we put them in a play pen for their recreation time for about two days before we realized it was not the move. Then, Johnny bunny proofed and they were able to free roam while their play pen turned into the corral for all of their supplies.

This week, Johnny took it upon himself to make the changes I wanted but simply didn’t have the time or energy for. He bought storage bins for all of the bunny supplies, moved them to the closet, and used parts of the play pen to create a protective barrier around the couch which they so love to hide underneath. This was all well and good but we agree that the best improvement was the fact that the bunnies could finally play on their safety town rug… and Johnny too:

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Johnny invested in this nostalgic safety town rug when he was buying bunny proofing gear at Menard’s. It had been sitting sentinel in the play pen for so long underneath all of the bunny supplies that I almost forgot about it! Now, it is cleared off and ready for the bunnies to take over the town. Of course, Johnny had to have the first go at playing on it and took his pinewood derby cars for a spin. It was so cute and the test drive was very well deserved. ❤

After Johnny had his turn at safety town, it was time for Mel and P to explore their new digs and guys… They freaking love it. As soon as we opened the door to their hutch, they both ran right towards the rug and all of the free space that they didn’t have before. While Pen took a leisurely stroll around town, Mel just went insane lol. He was showing off with huge hops, running around in speedy circles, and destroying everything in his path on the rug! The Chewy boxes are cool and all and Penelope still remains very partial to them but I think we found Melvin’s new favorite activity. 😀

Having Johnny put my grand plans for our bunny proofed area into effect was such an amazing surprise for me and our little gremlins. And Johnny got to enjoy the fruits of his own labor too so it was a win/win/win. Chez nous is turning into the ultimate hangout for bunnies and humans alike!

Did you ever go to safety town? What is something nostalgic to you? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan11

How To Prevent Dust In Your Home

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How To Prevent Dust In Your Home

Dust can find its way into any space, explaining why even with closed doors and windows, you may still find a thin layer on your surfaces. Dust generation in your home can negatively affect your family’s health and well-being. That is because dust contains harmful pollutants and allergens which can trigger allergic respiratory responses. According to research, the average home collects 40 pounds of dust annually, indicating how essential it is to know how your home generates dust and how to prevent it. Here are a few tips to help guide you:

Tiny openings and cracks:

Gaps around your windows, doors, vents, and your home’s foundation, can provide small openings for dust. Although these tiny openings may not be noticeable initially, they become conduits for significant amounts of dust to enter your home. That explains why people who travel away from home for long periods cover their essential items to protect them from dust. You can help reduce the dust that comes through these openings by weatherstripping and sealing gaps. After taking care of the cracks and tiny openings, consider alternatives like screen installation to limit indoor dust accumulation.

Air vents and HVAC systems:

Another way your home can become dusty is through the air vents and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. These ventilation appliances interact with outdoor air to function, which sometimes leads to dust accumulating in the ducts of your HVAC system. Aside from causing mechanical problems (for which you may need to hire a repair company like Sandri Energy), this dust can remain afloat for longer hours and breathing it in increases the risk of respiratory problems, especially in children, aging adults, or persons with weakened immune systems. When your HVAC system is on, its air circulation function forces dust from the vents into your living space.

Experts recommend cleaning your home’s air vents and HVAC system often. Doing this will enhance appliance performance and also improve indoor air quality. You will be amazed by the difference after your scheduled appointment. Do you need a HVAC company? Make sure you do your research before selecting a professional as you will want someone who comes highly recommended. Ask friends and family members if they have any leads or simply enter a search for “HVAC service Florence, SC” (or your local area) to take a look at online reviews.

Human and pet activities:

Daily activities in the home, like cooking, cleaning, and even walking around, can generate dust. Food particles released into the air while cooking may land on surfaces and accumulate into dust over time if not cleaned. If your windows have nets, these particles could also get trapped in them and, due to their oily nature, may eventually trap dust. Meanwhile, sweeping and vacuuming can stir up a significant amount of dust which can stay on surfaces for a long time. It is best to thoroughly clean exposed surfaces immediately after cooking to reduce the dust generated by these home activities. Sometimes, a multipurpose surface cleaner is best, especially because it can cut through grime.

If you have indoor pets that shed, they may also contribute to dust in your home. That is because their fur traps dust and dust mites when they’re outdoors and they inadvertently transfer it indoors. Dogs and cats, especially, shed wherever they go. It will help to brush their fur regularly to capture loose hair and dander straight from their bodies to prevent dust from getting trapped in their fur.

It’s important to take a multi-faceted approach to reduce dust in your home. Making a conscious effort to keep your home clean at all times will help create a home with better indoor air quality for all!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Apr16

Newly Organized Jewelry Tower

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Newly Organized Jewelry Tower

Hello! Johnny and I are moving at the end of the month, which means that it has been a frenzy of packing and organizing in the apartment almost formerly known as ours. Every day, I have been trying to make a dent in the packing process during my times when I’m working from home and have a break. One task that I recently completed is one that I am particularly proud of because it’s something that I’ve meant to do for forever. And, that is to finally make good use of the makeup/jewelry organizer that Johnny got me for my birthday a few years ago:

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When it comes to my bits and baubles, I am usually meticulously organized. So, don’t ask me why all of my most worn earrings and hair accessories ended up in a Dolls Kill box on my kitchen table… Especially when my jewelry container was literally sitting on the ground a few feet away from it! I knew that this simply wouldn’t do for the move for fear of my accessories getting lost and so I got to work.

The container that Johnny got me is marketed for makeup but I thought that putting my jewelry in it would be a much better option. I don’t have too much makeup but jewelry? That’s a totally different story! I don’t think I ever really realized how many accessories I had thrown into my makeshift jewelry box until I began sorting through it because, although it was shallow, it seemed never ending.

When I have the time for it, nothing pleases me more than an organizing sesh and as I began arranging my container, I felt so pleased with myself. It was so nice to make good use of a gift from Johnny and actually be able to see everything that I have in an organized fashion. In fact, I daresay that filling up my jewelry container felt even better than making a new and improved beauty stock pile and that’s really saying something because I love that too!

For fast access to your favorite accessories or makeup products, I can’t recommend a container like mine enough. I never would have known how great it was to be organized until I was running late and was able to find the pair of earrings I needed in record time! 😀

How do you keep your accessories organized? What about your beauty products? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Apr11

Spring Cleaning Check List

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Spring Cleaning Check List

Even though it’s still chilly out, it is most definitely spring time! While the rain and cold keeps you bundled up at home waiting for sunshine and flowers, it will give you ample time to complete your spring cleaning. Is it the most fun thing to do? Not really! But, there is nothing more refreshing than a newly cleaned house to relax in. Don’t forget these tasks as you make your house sparkle:

Do A Walk Through:

Before starting a deep clean, it’s best to perform a walk through of the house to see what needs your attention the most. You will probably find that certain rooms need more care than others or see that appliances aren’t functioning properly when you take a closer look. You might be DIYing your spring cleaning, but fast appliance repair technicians Miami will be necessary to get everything working as it should.

Your walk through is a good time to do any decluttering, clear items off of the floor, and make space on your shelves to dust. Prior to starting any cleaning, decluttering is key because why clean more stuff than you have to? Spring cleaning is all about making your home feel more spacious and open so clearing clutter is the ideal first step.

Start From The Bottom:

It is usually preferred to start cleaning from your floors and work your way up from there. A pass of your vacuum on your carpets and rugs will work just fine. But, if you have tiles, laminate, or hardwood flooring, a Swiffer WetJet will be your new best friend. The WetJet will help pick up all of the crumbs, hair, etc. from your non-carpeted areas and, honestly, makes cleaning kind of fun! If you plan on working in sessions instead of doing one massive cleaning day, it will be the perfect time for a break once your floors are nice and clean.

PS: If you have higher areas in your home to dust (IE: windows, chandeliers and other light fixtures), do that before cleaning the floors so you can sweep up any dust that has fallen afterwards.

Work Your Way Up:

The next step in spring cleaning includes everything that isn’t the floor! This includes cleaning your appliances, dusting shelves and tables, the dreaded cleaning of the bathroom, tidying up your yard, and even your car. If you have decluttered beforehand, your chores will be much easier and, as mentioned before, take some breaks. Spring cleaning doesn’t have to be done in one day and you’ll get better results if you’re focusing your attention on one area at a time.

Before venturing off to other sections in your home, make sure you have all of your cleaning products ready to go. Different appliances, furniture, and surfaces all require different products so make a list and grab what you need at the store beforehand.

Delegate, Delegate, Delegate:

If you have a partner, children, or friends to help the cleaning process, then delegate different chores as needed. You will be amazed at how quickly you get done once everyone has a task of their own to complete. If you are living alone, a cleaning check list will work wonders to keep you on track. Break the cleaning up into smaller pieces by writing down which room or chore you want to tackle each day. You will be glad you did and it will feel so good to cross each task off of your list!

Fresh and light is the name of the game when it comes to spring cleaning. Lift your curtains and blinds and let that glorious sunlight bounce all around your freshly cleaned space!

Mar15

Spring Cleaning? Check Out These Tips!

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Spring Cleaning? Check Out These Tips!

Spring is the perfect time to start fresh and get rid of all the clutter with some good old fashioned spring cleaning. Spring cleaning is not just about getting rid of clutter from your home but it’s also about organizing everything you have, from the garden to the car. With these tips, you’ll be able to declutter your house and life in no time:

What Not to do When Spring Cleaning Your Home:

There are many things that you can do to clean your home. However, there are some things that you should not do. Here is a list of things that you should avoid when cleaning your home:

  • Don’t use bleach or ammonia on hardwood floors
  • Don’t use ammonia on a toilet bowl
  • Don’t clean with hot water and don’t scrub with abrasive cleaners

Instead, it helps to try and use more natural options to protect your home and your health.

Tips for Getting Started with Spring Cleaning:

Spring is the ideal time to give your home a thorough cleaning. It’s a great way to get rid of the winter blues and start fresh. Some of the best ways to approach it include:

  • Start with high traffic areas such as the kitchen, dining room, and living room.
  • Make sure you have enough trash bags, boxes, and containers on hand to take out all of your old stuff.
  • Start with the floor and work your way up. Vacuum or sweep before mopping or dusting.
  • Don’t forget about windows and furniture! Wipe down surfaces with a damp cloth or towel.

Tips for Cleaning & Sprucing Your Car at This Time of Year:

Many people are taking the opportunity of spring cleaning to clean out their cars and spruce them up for the summer too. It could even be the time to make some upgrades. Maybe you want to add XXR Wheels or make other improvements to your ride? But first, the cleaning!

To get started, you’ll want to check your car thoroughly for any leftover items from last year. These could be old receipts, food wrappers, or even forgotten items like sunglasses or a favorite hat. Then, use a vacuum cleaner to get rid of any dust or dirt on your seats and in your car’s nooks and crannies. You can also use a damp cloth to wipe down your dashboard (although this may not be sufficient if you have spilled coffee or other liquids on it).

Signs To Start Your Cleaning:

Spring cleaning is an important process of organizing your life and getting rid of those things that are weighing you down or taking up space in your home. It’s not always easy to know when to start spring cleaning, but there are some signs that indicate it might be time to do so:

  • You have been feeling overwhelmed by clutter
  • You have been feeling as though you have too much on your plate
  • You feel like the clutter in your home has been affecting how you feel

So get started today and enjoy a calmer mind and cleaner environment!

Featured Image By: Unsplash