Summer is right around the corner, and it’s almost time to kick back, relax and enjoy the warmer months. But before you break out the lawn chair, do a little spring cleaning so you can enjoy the indoors as much as the outdoors and breathe some new life into your space. But, where do you start?
- Make a game plan
It’s easy to get overwhelmed when going through items. Do you keep them, save them for later or throw them away? To combat this, set a realistic goal – like doing just one room to start. Start small; then expand.
- Get help
Do you have items in your home that are too big or too heavy for you to handle on your own? Enlist the help of friends. Who knows, they might even want something you’re getting rid of.
- Recycle/Reduce
Instead of throwing an unwanted item in the trash, recycle it at a local recycling center. Note that in some areas, it may even be illegal to put consumer electronics in the trash. And for big appliances, look to your energy providers for help. They may have free haul away programs or incentives for upgrading your old appliances.
- Donate
Unwanted clothes? See about donating them to a homeless shelter. Extra notebooks, pens, pencils, crayons or markers? Look into an after-school program, summer camp or daycare that may need extra supplies.
- Sell
Do you have items that have some extra life left? Consider selling your items online, through a garage sale or at a consignment shop. Reselling your items gives others the opportunity to get what they need at a lower cost, frees up space in your home and doesn’t put extra waste into landfills.
- Clean as you go
Nothing is worse than decluttering your space, only to realize you have boxes to get rid of or piles of trash to throw away. As you clean, take moments to throw away trash, sweep your space and wipe surfaces.
- Enjoy
Take the time to enjoy your new space. You did it!
WBTL-0844 (May 21)