Spring is upon us!  With the change in the season comes a change in the world around us.  Suddenly, trees and plants are looking bright and lively again, flowers are blooming, there are birds chirping in the morning…it’s like someone flipped a switch and turned everything on again.  Spring is a time for people to head outdoors and have fun, but before you can do that, you need to do a little prep work.  Having a fun spring is hard to do if you’re not ready for it, so let’s do some spring cleaning!

Spring cleaning isn’t always fun, but once it’s done, you’ll be able to enjoy the spring without worrying about chores.  The first step in spring cleaning is to put away your winter decorations and other items.  Take the heavy blankets off the bed, and put away the throw blankets you’ve kept on the sofa.  You can also change up your decorations.  During the winter, many decorations involve icy blue and white or Christmas reds and greens.  Replace those with the colors of spring: bright, cheery colors!

Then it’s time to go through the closets.  You might want to keep a few light jackets and a couple heavy shirts out just in case we get a late freeze (you never know what March is going to do), but it’s probably safe to fold up the turtlenecks and heavy sweaters.  You can also put away your winter boots, scarves, and gloves and get out the sandals and summer hats.  You can also treat yourself to a new spring outfit while you’re at it.

Next, if you have the time, give your home a good, deep cleaning.  Vacuum all the rooms, dust all the shelves, take the rugs outside and beat out all the dust, and scrub everything down.  Your house will feel so much better after you do this!  If it’s a really nice day, open up all the windows and let some fresh air in.

Go through your closets and cabinets and get rid of anything you haven’t used in a year.  If you haven’t used it, worn it, or needed it, why is it taking up space in your house?  But don’t throw it in the garbage if you can help it.  Tale clothing and other items that are still in good condition to a drop-off box for organizations like the Salvation Army or Goodwill.  If it’s not something that can be donated, is it something that can be put in the recycling?

Once your home has been cleaned and aired out, you’re all set.  You can have fun this spring without tripping over any of your winter items.  Get all the spring cleaning out now so it’s not hanging over your head later.

And don’t forget to brighten up your home with some spring flowers in St. Petersburg, Florida!