Why Wait Until Spring?

 

Winter is coming…Get a head start now, so when spring comes around, you can focus on enjoying the warmer weather of our beautiful So Cal Real Estate.  

Some Quick Tips:

Clear Out Remnants from the Holidays

If you haven’t gotten around to it yet, now is definitely the time for proper holiday décor disposal. As you pull out your holiday décor, decide whether to keep or donate them.

This is also a great time to go through your fridge and freezer as well. You may have left-over, you know you probably have inedible food in there, taking up valuable space you will need through the holidays.

Go Through Your Closet

Give your closet a makeover. We don’t mean buying new clothes. To live a more organized life, you should only keep items that you actually use, or those that “spark joy”. Maybe it’s time let to go of that leather jacket that you never wore. You’ll get a lot of energy and satisfaction with a clean, minimalist closet and probably find some stuff you forgot you had. I like to call it “Shopping in your closet!”

Next, you’re ready to arrange. Maybe stack your clothes in equal columns vertically beside each other, instead of one big pile. Arranging your clothes into equal piles will make things easier.

 

File Your Documents

Go through your pile of documents, and have envelopes, folders and markers ready. Now is the time to file and keep those you need, and recycle or throw out the ones you don’t. This is also a great time to get a jump on your tax returns. Think of going paperless for your bills and bank statements, if you haven’t yet. You will be surprised at the amount of space you save, and it’s better for the environment too. Like the Live Distinctively Facebook Page for an invite to the next donation based shred event.

 

Check Your Home Security System

If you have a home security system, now is the time to make sure the camera lens is clean. Check for the surrounding areas and make sure nothing is blocking the camera view. Wipe the bulbs to keep them bright and efficient. Consider a new addition like the Ring doorbell product. Add it as a household holiday gift hint.

Clean Your Furnace

Clean your furnace and maintain the filter regularly. A clean furnace works better, consumes less fuel, and ultimately saves you money. Never neglect the furnace filter because it keeps the air you breathe clean and if you have allergies like me it’s “quality of life” saving!

 

Make a Housekeeping Checklist

Stay on top of your cleaning goals by making a housekeeping checklist to follow each month. If you start in winter, spring cleaning will be a breeze. Most people only need to do one major house chore per week to keep their homes tidy. Daily routines should include sweeping the floors, wiping down sinks and tubs, washing dishes, cleaning countertops every after meal, and putting things back where they belong. I’ve time-blocked one “big cleanup” a week. Example: clean out the top portion of the linen closet or clean out and organize the pantry.

Create a checklist and assign tasks to people in your household. The goal is too organized and lighter going into the New Year.

Check for Dirt, Dust & Mildew

Any surface in your home can get dusty and if you live in a Coastal Area Property, mildew can attack more than than the shower area. This includes flooring, furniture, tables, chairs, windows, walls, fan blades, light fixtures, bulbs, and even ceiling corners. Fall/Winter air is dry and combined with dust can cause a lot of irritation and allergies. To make this task less overwhelming, tackle sections or rooms one at a time or hire a housekeeper even its quarterly for extra deep cleanings.

 

Clean Mattresses and Couches

Did you know that you can vacuum your couch and your mattress for a deep clean? You can also clean visible spots using a small amount of white vinegar. If your couch covers are removable, it’s better to pop them in the washing machine for a thorough clean. Rotate your mattresses and cushions at the start of the season for more even wear.

Upgrade Your Home Hardware

If you have extra time, why not evaluate your interior lighting to brighten things up a bit? Brand new construction is probably up-to-date but if you have a Historic or Vintage home, its probably way overdue. You can also read about how to change all your bulbs to more efficient ones? Turn your home lighting green and save money in the long run.

Do you have a favorite winter housekeeping trick you’d like to share? Let us know via direct message or in the comments section on our FB page.