After a long winter, spring cleaning might not be the thing you’re most looking forward to when it comes to a change of seasons. And you’ve probably mastered the basics of scrubbing, scouring and dusting over a lifetime of maintaining a household.
Instead, in this guide we asked some cleaning and organizational experts for their advice on easy ways to “spring clean” your health with small tweaks to your home. Here’s their advice.
Declutter.
Spring is a great time to declutter your home. My family and I use the “one-year” rule. We go room by room looking at all the stuff of life that has accumulated and ask ourselves, “Have we used this in the last year?” If the answer is no, we donate it to a local charity. It’s hard at first, but you’d be amazed at how good decluttering your life feels!”
— Derek Hales, founder of ModernCastle.com
Create a fall-free environment.
Toss or donate room carpets that slide easily if there’s someone in your home who has balance or walking issues, especially if they use a walker. Also, get padded vinyl adhesive corners for pointed edges like counters for household members who might fall easily (great for little visiting grandkids, too). Finally, toss, donate or hem clothes that are too long and might cause tripping or catch on something.
— Eileen Roth, author of Organizing for Dummies
Scan for situations that are “accidents waiting to happen.”
Purge the piles. Stacks of old papers, magazines and newspapers collect dust, which may lead to breathing problems. In addition, certain insects love to feed on paper products and make their home in those stacks. These piles can also be a tripping hazard, so move them to the recycling bin.
Do you stub your toe or trip over the same cord or area rug? That annoyance could turn into a serious accident. Tape or cover all cables and cords and, if possible, keep them close to the wall. Get carpet tape for loose rugs. Readjust the placement of furniture that you bump into. Are there overhead lights or shelves in your home or garage that you’ve bumped your head on? Fix or ditch.
— Helene Segura, efficiency coach
Create a peaceful haven.
This is a place that’s all yours, a mini-retreat that could be a corner of a room, balcony or patio. It will always be tidy and have access to things you love — favorite photos, books, music. Spend 15 minutes a day here in peaceful meditation or slow movement; this is a time for you to decompress and, to feed your imagination.
— Susie Ramroop, life coach
Organize your VIPs (very important papers).
Create, or update, a digital or paper file with medical information, including doctors’ contact info, emergency contacts, summaries of doctor visits and screening tests, lab results, and up-to-date prescription lists.
— Tanisha Lyons-Porter, professional home organizer
