It finally feels like Spring here in NYC and its an invigorating feeling to have the sun beaming into your home! Now is the time to clean, organize, to bring new energy into your space. These are the easiest tips we have to shake out the winter dust! They also work great for when you’re putting your home on the market for rent or sale.
Clean
- Dust, vacuum and wet wipe everything down. Rugs, throw pillows, and curtains should be laundered. All mirrors and metal polished. Wax wooden furniture. Our favorite cleaner is Mrs. Meyer’s in lavender scent. It’s non-toxic to the environment, works well, and smells delightful. To maintain wood floors, the best investment we’ve made is in a steam mop. Your feet will feel the difference and be thankful.
Organize
- Gather all scattered magazines/books and put them on a shelf, in a magazine holder, or in bins. File receipts, bills, and other important documentation. You you should scan them as you receive them and save them on your computer that should be backed up. However, if you like keeping paper, saving them in accordion folders is our favorite way to do it. They’re inexpensive and can be labeled.
- Swap out winter clothes by placing them in bins to put away or dedicate dresser drawers to the items you wont be using for a while.
- Hang a chalkboard or wipeable marker board to list your “to dos”. You’ll want it in clear sight, rather than just having a phone reminder that you can click off and forget about.
- Buy a small step stool/ladder. This has improved our organization by allowing us to use every available space to store items that are seasonal, such as the top of closets and top of kitchen cabinets.
Decorate
- A few minor details can change the entire look and mood of your space. Concentrate on the space you spend the most time in. Our favorite place is always the living room. It’s the main space of the home that you usually walk into and the space you entertain in. The 3 things you can change seasonally are candles, throw pillows, and plants. The candles add subtle light and fragrance for a relaxing atmosphere. The pillows add style with comfort. Plants add beauty, color, and have health benefits, such as, reducing stress and improving air quality. In combination, they create a sanctuary that you’ll always look forward coming home to.
If you think you don’t have the time to do this or it’s just an overwhelming thought- try dedicating 2 hours per (free) day to each of the tasks. We promise you that after the first day, it will feel so amazing to have accomplished your goal and it will motivate you to continue. Creating a system will make it easier going forward.
Have questions or need advice? Email us at luxeurbanlife@nycasagroup.com