It seems like its been a loooong winter but tomorrow marks day 1 of Spring 2021 which means it’s time to clean up and get organized! I have The Home Edit book sitting in my living room (if you haven’t checked it out, you should!) but I don’t always have the time or energy to organize to their amazing standard. Although I am a sucker for their rainbow order color organization like one of our clients did in the home we recently sold for them! 📕📙📒📗📘
Not every strategy works for everyone but here are some tips and strategies I’ve found helpful before the big spring clean.
- Decide what spring cleaning means for you. Maybe in quarantine you kept up with cleaning but need to organize cupboards and get rid of excess in your home. Or, maybe you’ve gotten rid of things but need a nice deep clean for a fresh start. Either way, set your intentions and stick to them.
- Create a list of areas to clean or go through. I personally like to create a list of rooms and spaces so I can check them off one by one. Having a check list is a great way to make sure you don’t miss any areas and will make you feel accomplished by the end!
3. Make sure you have all your supplies before you begin. There’s nothing worse than being in the middle of a project only to realize you don’t have all the things you need. Ask yourself, are you planning for a deep clean of every room? Or more of a touch up and declutter? Decide to what degree of cleaning and check your home for the proper supplies as well as storage and donation bins so you are ready when the process begins. A few essentials: washcloths or rags, white vinegar, storage bins, donation boxes
Purchase organization bins AFTER you go through inventory so you know how many and what size bins you may need. I recommend clear bins from The Container Store, located in Lincoln Park, South Loop, and Oak Brook!
4. Donate, donate, donate. We could all purge some things in our home but its hard when you don’t know what you have. Spring cleaning is a great time to eliminate items that are no longer useful to you and your family or don’t bring you joy. Be sure to donate to local Chicago organizations. These Chicago charities and organizations will pick up your donations for FREE!
5. Ask for help! Spring cleaning is a great time to teach your kids how to properly take care of the home they live in. Garages, basements, and storage rooms often house old toys they are done using and can go to another good home.
Spring Cleaning Pandemic 2020 🧹🧽 
6. Last but certainly not least, turn up the jams!!! Music makes cleaning and organizing fly by (and even fun!) 🎶🎧
Finally, a few simple, quick, (and often forgot about) places to begin your spring cleaning are the pantry and fridge. You might be surprised at how many expired or unused items are sitting there, just waiting to be turned into extra space!
If you need extra assistance, I have someone for you! The Yeager Team’s newest member, Kimberly Lazar is a certified home organizer and would love to help you jump start (or continue) your spring cleaning! Let me know if you would like to get you in touch.
xoxo, Juliana