Sprucing up for Spring

It’s that time of year again, when the birds start singing, the chilly Indianapolis winter days give way to milder temperatures, and our homes are in desperate need of sprucing up. Whether it’s your indoor or outdoor space, if the thought of spring cleaning feels daunting, you’re not alone.

In a recent OnePoll survey, 68% of people said that cleaning their home each spring is an overwhelming task. So, we asked a local expert to weigh in with their insider tips and tricks on how to tackle that spring cleaning to-do list. Here’s what we found.

General Indoor Cleaning Tips

Find Your Motivation

Like most other tasks in life, our success starts with our mindset. Remember, the goal is to create a more enjoyable and peaceful living space for yourself and your loved ones. It’s not a contest, and you don’t have to compare your progress to anyone else’s success. Start small and adjust your expectations as needed. ”Focus on progress, not perfection,” says Debbie Lovett, owner of Plan: B Cleaning, a cleaning business that serves the Hamilton County and Northern Indianapolis areas.

Gather What You Need Before You Begin

It can be helpful to make a list of what you want to accomplish so you can have the satisfaction of checking it off as you go along. Then, before diving into your cleaning spree, gather all your essential supplies. “There’s nothing more frustrating or a killer to your productivity than not having what you need and having to stop in the middle of your work to go buy it,” Lovett says.

Declutter Before You Clean

Head into your cleaning project with a well-defined strategy. Arm yourself with a trash bag and a donation bag, then dive into your closets and drawers with determination. Start by tossing or donating anything you no longer want or need. You’ll find that cleaning and organizing become much simpler once you’ve cleared the clutter.

Focus on One Space at a Time

Resist the temptation to tackle your spring cleaning all at once. Instead, concentrate on one room or area at a time. Breaking your project into manageable tasks will keep you from feeling overwhelmed and help you stay committed to your goals.

Stay Organized Year-Round

Don’t let all your hard work go to waste by saving cleaning duties for the spring. Lovett suggests establishing a quarterly plan for decluttering your home. By staying organized throughout the year, you’ll cut down on stress and keep your space looking its best. Here are three simple practices that Lovett says can help you stay clutter-free:

• Put things away immediately after use.
• Reset your space at the beginning of each week.
• Evaluate your belongings periodically and donate or discard items you no longer need.

Enlist Help When Needed

If time constraints or other factors are holding you back, don’t hesitate to ask for help. Recruit family members to pitch in or consider hiring a professional cleaning service if it’s within your budget.

Practical Outdoor Cleaning Tips

Ever since the pandemic, people have spent more time outdoors than ever before. This has translated to using our personal outdoor spaces on a more regular basis. Because of this shift, you may have more outdoor cleaning to do each year. Here are some tasks we suggest you add to your outdoor to-do list.

Clean Outdoor Furniture

Begin by removing any debris from your patio furniture. Follow manufacturer instructions for cleaning cushions and other fabric components. Use a gentle mixture of warm water and mild dish soap to wipe down furniture surfaces.

Use a Pressure Washer

Rent or buy a pressure washer to clean your home’s siding, decks and pavement. This powerful tool will help you remove dirt, mold, and grime that can accumulate over the winter season. Make sure to wear clothing that can get dirty and wet.

Clean Your Gutters

Gutters can get filled with leaves and other debris over the winter. Make sure to clean them out to prevent any water damage to your home.

Care for Your Lawn and Garden

Mow your lawn, rake up leaves, and aerate your soil to promote healthy grass growth. Trim your trees and shrubs to encourage new growth and maintain a polished appearance.

Clean Your Outdoor Lighting

Wipe down your outdoor light fixtures with a damp cloth, clearing away dirt and bugs. Replace any broken or outdated bulbs.

Once you’ve checked off your spring cleaning to-do list, take time to enjoy your space and celebrate the work you’ve done. “Life is way too stressful and complicated,” Lovett says. “It’s not always something we can control, but you can control your home and your space. It’s your place to find rest and solitude.”