Are you reading to book in the New Year? Do you have your list of goals and resolutions ready? If you’re like many others, decluttering and cleaning your home is high up on that list. Rather than letting the task overwhelm you, use these simple tips to make your home look just how you wish.
Clear the Clutter
Start by clearing the clutter. You can’t do much else with your home until it’s free from the debris and unwanted items. Go through everything and ask yourself if you’ve done anything with it in the last 6 – 12 months. If not, it’s time to part with it. Make separate piles including:
– Trash
– Donate
– Store away
Decide if you should do this step alone or with your partner. Sometimes have a clear mind and no other input helps you declutter more.
Clean Your Carpets
Your carpeting is the focal point in your room. If it’s grungy or has spots, that’s where the eye will go. Take the time to clean the spots or the entire carpet itself. You’ll be amazed at how much fresher and cleaner the room feels.
Clean Your Windows
When’s the last time you gave your windows a deep cleaning inside and out? Think of the dirt and grime that builds up throughout the year. After carefully cleaning the windows, look at the window treatments. Do they need some TLC? If they are machine washable, throw them in and wash them. If not, take them to the dry cleaners or at the very least, shake them out, fluff them up, and iron them.
Clean the Light Fixtures
Have you cleaned your lights lately? You probably don’t even notice the lights getting dimmer from the layers of dust accumulating on them over time. It happens so slowly that most people don’t notice until they happen to look up. At that point, you’re probably disgusted at what you see. Use this time to clean off your light fixtures, replace any burnt-out bulbs, and bring the brightness back to your house.
Clean out the Kitchen Cupboards
Now’s a great time to declutter your kitchen cabinets and get rid of things you no longer need. This includes housewares and food. Look at the expiration dates on the food, spices, and condiments and toss whatever is expired. If you have food you won’t eat and it’s still good, consider donating it to your local food pantry. Once you clear out the cabinets, you’ll have more room, starting your year off fresh.
Make a Home for Everything
Do you have one spot in your home that everything seems to land? For many people, it’s the kitchen island or the bottom stair. Rather than letting this happen, give everything a ‘home.’ Then make sure everyone puts their belongings in that ‘home.’ It may take a while, but once you create the habit, you’ll have a cleaner home on a regular basis.
Get your home in tip-top shape for the New Year with these simple tips. It doesn’t take long but these simple steps can make you and your home look and feel better.
