Preparing Your Small Space for Spring

Spring is on its way and you’re looking forward to getting your small space ready for warmer weather. Whether you’re living in an apartment, condo or a small house, use these tips to get your space ready for the warmer months ahead.

Spring Cleaning Tips

You had to know this one was first! If you’re living in a small space, then you know how important cleanliness and organization are for helping your living arrangements feel larger and more at peace. Use the tips below to help keep your spring cleaning hassle free and - who knows?- maybe even rewarding. 

Stock up on supplies before you begin. There’s nothing worse than getting into a project and realizing you don’t have all of the supplies you need. Same goes for cleaning! You’d hate to put your cleaning clothes and gloves on, ready to get to work, only to find you’re out of glass cleaner or furniture polish. Take inventory of your cleaning supplies and stock up before you get into the dirty work. Similar to groceries, keep a running list of cleaning and home supplies on the fridge or on your phone.

Consider making your own cleaners. Making your own cleaners can be an eco-friendly and cost-effective method for having a cleaner home. In fact, most home cleaners can be made with a handful of ingredients you probably already have on hand. These include: lemon juice, baking soda and vinegar. Click here to learn more about making your own multi-purpose cleaner from natural ingredients.

Make a list. One of the easiest ways to stay motivated in any task is to make a to-do list. Be sure to include everything you would like to accomplish with your spring cleaning. Consider organizing your list by room and writing down everything you would like to accomplish when cleaning each room. Add check mark boxes to your list so that you can check things off along the way. Doing so will help you feel more accomplished and keep you motivated. If you’d like to save even more time, use this list that we put together for you!

Make a schedule. Rome wasn’t built in a day - and chances are you’re not going to clean all that you need or want to in one day either. Break up your spring cleaning into digestible pieces and schedule different tasks throughout the week. One way you might consider scheduling is by designating each day to a different room. Breaking down your to-do list and giving yourself realistic deadlines will make the process less stressful.

Look up. During the winter months, it’s easy for dust and spiderwebs to accumulate overhead, in the corner of the room, and on the ceiling where you’re not often directing your attention. Look up while you’re cleaning to catch lingering dust and cobwebs.

Wash walls & baseboards. Similar to the ceiling, it’s easy to forget or overlook the dirt and grime that accumulates on your walls and near the floor on the baseboards. Make sure to add these overlooked areas to your spring cleaning checklist for a thorough clean.

Quick Space Refreshers

Spring is a time of growth and rebirth. It’s only natural that it often inspires us to refresh different aspects of our lives. Use these simple DIY ideas to give your home a much-needed refresh after a long winter season.

Add a houseplant or two: Bringing greenery into the home is one of the simplest ways to add a feeling of freshness to your digs. There are a variety of houseplants that you can choose from, based on how much space you have and how green your thumb is. While all plants add a pleasant aesthetic, some even pull double duty and also clean the air - literally refreshing your space! Visit your local greenhouse, florist or farmers market to find your new green friend.

Buy or make new pillow covers. Something as simple as updating the covers on your throw pillows can make a huge difference in the look of your living space. Pillow covers are relatively easy crafts to complete but they’re also inexpensive if you’re lacking the desire (or a sewing machine) to make them yourself. Shop around for some that you love! Other textiles you might consider refreshing include throw blankets and quilts.

Add new scents. Scents such as lemon, mint and lilac can evoke a sense of freshness and can help you feel more energized. Try a flameless solution like an oil diffuser to add a refreshing new scent to your space. You might be surprised by the difference it makes in your state of mind!

Change up your bookcase. If you have a bookcase in your home, try re-styling it for a fresh take on your decor. Reorganize books and figurines in a new layout. One fun trend you might try is organizing your books by color. Reorganizing will not only refresh your space, but will also give you an opportunity to give the shelf a thorough cleaning and eliminate any clutter that may have built up over time.

Try a fresh coat of paint. A fresh coat of paint can do wonders for your home’s vibe - especially if you live in a small space. Try a lighter color to make the room feel bigger, or vibrant colors to give you more energy. If you own your home, then you have the freedom to paint your home whatever color you’d like. If you’re a renter, be sure to check in with your landlord before heading to the paint store. As you plan for a spring refresh, be sure to check out these decorating tips for renters that will give you creative freedom without sacrificing your security deposit.

Home Maintenance Check-In

You know those tasks that you’re never in the mood to do but know you should? Unsurprisingly, these tasks are easy to put off and forget about. Ease into home maintenance by using these spring home maintenance tips to get you started:

Clean out the dryer vents. Did you know that 2,900 home fires caused by clothes dryers are reported each year? If you own a dryer, use the change in season as a reminder to remove lint build up and lessen your chances of having a home fire.

Check in with your landlord. If you’re a renter, then you probably do not have control over when certain items get cleaned, fixed or undergo maintenance check-ups. Make sure to check in with your landlord from time to time, especially if you have items you are concerned about or would like fixed.

Test your smoke detectors. Never pass up an opportunity to test your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. These alarms are critical to your home safety and - in the event of an emergency - can potentially save your life. Even if you live in a small space, make sure you have enough alarms placed throughout your home. This includes placing an alarm inside every bedroom, outside sleeping quarters and on every floor, including basements.

Stay protected. The best way to prepare your home for any season is by making sure it’s appropriately covered. Check your home insurance or renters policy and make sure that you’re getting everything that you need. It’s also important that you understand your policy. Be sure to talk to your agent or insurance company representative if you have any questions or have an interest in updating your policy.