The Spring Switchover

The weather is finally getting warmer and the days are beginning to get longer which of course means that spring is here! Take advantage of the extra energy that comes with the change of seasons by putting it to good use in your spring cleaning efforts. While the To Do list can often seem unreasonably long at this time of year (just ask my husband), I encourage you to focus on three main areas that will give you the biggest return on your efforts and get you ready for the busy summer to come. I have also included the approximate amount of time each project area will take.

1.) Bedroom closet - (2-3 hours) Even in Colorado where the weather can be unpredictable, the change in weather means a change in wardrobe as well. (You really only need to keep a few select winter staples available for layering during this time of the year.) Take the time to move your turtlenecks and heavy wool slacks to a different location in your house. If you don't have a spare closet, invest in underbed storage containers like these from The Container Store.

Underbed storage tote with wheels

Before packing these clothing items away though, honestly evaluate whether they are worth storing for next year. If you didn't wear an item at all this fall/winter or if it is stained, torn or no longer fits, it can probably be donated to your charity of choice. Toss it in a "donate" bag and drop it off at the end of your closet update session. Not only will you have freed up space in your closets, you will feel great knowing that you are helping others through your donations.

After you have stored all seasonal clothing items, pull out any spring/summer clothes that have been banished to the back of the closet or the bottom of a drawer. As you hang all the items up, hang them backwards on hangers. Once you wear the item, it can be rehung facing the usual direction of your clothes. When you go to switch over your wardrobe again this fall, any items that are still facing backwards should be donated as you'll get an honest look at which clothes didn't get worn. No hemming and hawing over what to keep and what to toss! Now get outside and enjoy all those shorts, skirts and tanks!

2.) Pantry and refrigerator - (2-3 hours) These two areas of the house should ideally be cleaned out at least every 3-4 months and spring is a good time to revisit them. The warmer weather means an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables is just around the corner. Make some room for them by first doing a sweep of your pantry and discarding (or composting if available) any items that are opened and stale or have succumbed to freezer burn. Look at your canned and boxed food and evaluate whether you will really be using these ingredients. For items that do not get used on a regular basis (creamed corn, anyone?), give yourself one week to use up these long forgotten items. Be sure to evaluate your spice collection as well. Here's a link to general guidelines on how long to keep spices.

If you need some inspiration on how to use up some of the food in your pantry and fridge, check out Recipe Key where you can search for recipes that match the ingredients you have on hand. Brilliant! Any unopened, non-perishable items that did not get used within that week can be donated to a food pantry in your neighborhood. Feeding America will help you identify a food bank near you. 

After wiping down shelves and washing refrigerator surfaces, group remaining foods following the rule "like with like". For example, store all breakfast foods together on a shelf or in bins. Do the same for snack foods, pastas, canned goods, etc. Label the shelves or bins with the contents and place foods for little ones within easy reach. To really take your pantry to the next level, invest in reusable, clear containers for foods like cereals, pretzels, pastas, and baking goods. They keep foods fresh, stack for easy storage and let you see the contents easily.

Modular canisters

3.)  Garage - (4-8 hours) Spring is a great time to put away winter items like snow shovels, holiday decorations, sleds and the like to make room for the gear that comes with outdoor activities. Store unneeded house supplies on higher shelves or in bins that can be tucked out of the way. Pull out any sporting equipment or gardening supplies and place it on shelves or on hooks where it is the most easily accessed. Group each type of gear or supplies by category and label for maximum impact. Think about designating at least one bin or shelf to each activity. No one will be left searching for their bike helmets ever again!

The winter weather brings with it lots of dirt and grime that gets tracked right into your garage. By this point in the year, it's likely that you have a layer an inch thick of road debris, oil, and chemicals like mag chloride. After decluttering your garage and storing seasonal items, get your garage floor professionally cleaned. I highly recommend Academy Services for their wonderful customer service and their ability to clean up even the toughest messes. A garage that is organized and cleaned is one that will promote lots of summer fun.

Academy Services hard at work 

Good luck with these three spring switchovers! I am confident that tackling just these three areas of your home will help you clear out the winter blahs and be ready for a wonderful spring!