Ah, springtime. The season of birds chirping, flowers blooming, and all things fresh and… wait, is that a cashmere blanket on your chair or just a giant layer of dust? Let’s face it: winter isn’t the easiest season to clean up. Luckily for you (and your roommate, if you have one), spring is the perfect time to tackle the clutter. Here are a few easy ways to get started and save you some stress.
Stock up on Supplies First
While it can be easy to dive in without preparation, you’ll thank yourself later if you get all of your cleaning supplies together before you start. Try using a shower caddy to carry them so that it’s convenient to access while you’re moving around your apartment. Before you know it, you’ll be proclaiming your undying love to disinfectant.
Out with the Cold, in with the New
Say sayonara to your sweaters and other winter clothes, whether that means donating them, storing them away, or throwing them out. To start, try using boxes or bags that are labeled, especially if you’re having a hard time deciding what to get rid of. A good rule of thumb: if you haven’t worn it all season, you should say, “Thanks for the good times, but I have to let you go.”
Kill the Dust Bunnies
There are a ton of places in your apartment that never see the light of day, but that doesn’t mean these pesky critters don’t live there. (Note: dust bunny behavior varies by region.) One important thing to remember: always dust your ceiling fans and wall fixtures first. That way, you’re not leaving dust on things you’ve already cleaned.
Clean Your Screens
Get rid of dust and smudges on your TV and computer screens by using a coffee filter. You can see clearly now, the smudge is gone…You can see no obstacles in your way…
Soak It All In
Regardless of the surface you’re cleaning, make sure to let your solutions soak before you wipe them up. This is super handy when it comes to the kitchen; spray down all your surfaces and wait at least 10 minutes before wiping them up. More soak time means less scrub time. (Exceptions might include wood furniture polish, though; be sure to check the container for cleaning instructions before you start spritzing.)
Hopefully, this is a good start to helping you get off that couch and on your way to a cleaner place. After all, there’s no better feeling than walking into a clean apartment! (Well, maybe falling in love or something, but no one wants to fall in love while falling into a dusty couch or a pile of clothes.) For more tips on apartment life, check out our apartment living resources and more of our blog posts!
