It’s mid-March and it finally feels like Spring. Time to get your house ready for the best weather of the year! Here are the top five spaces to focus on. As you clean and organize, determine which items still spark joy (items to keep), and what can be donated, tossed, or recycled.
You've been staying in your living room all winter. Now's the time to give the room some TLC. Clean the room top to bottom. Dust, vacuum (don't forget the ceiling corners), and if you're able, clean the windows and screens. Rearrange furniture to create a fresh new look for your space. Add a pop of color with new throw pillows or artwork, and bring in at least one living element, such as flowers or a house plant.
If you plan to get a new couch or chairs, consider donating your furniture to ReStore outlets!
Clean out the clutter and transition from winter to summer. Transform your bedroom by changing the color of the bedding, accent décor, or artwork. Do you have a cluttered closet? Here's a helpful tip to help you downsize your wardrobe: turn all of your hangers backwards. When you wear and wash an item, put it back the normal way. After six months, you'll clearly see what you regularly wear and what you don't wear. Only keep items that spark joy, then donate the rest.
Bring in some style and storage by refinishing or painting shelves or a chest of drawers. With a bit of work and some creativity, you'll have a place for your stuff that looks great. Shop at ReStore for an ever-changing inventory of drawers, dressers, and cabinets.
Your kitchen can get very cluttered and disorganized over the winter. Take the time to spruce up and organize the space—clean out the fridge and wipe down the shelves. Organize the junk drawer (everyone has one!), and match lids with storage containers. You'll love the feeling of opening cupboards and seeing everything in its place. Wipe off shelves and do an expiration date check on non-perishable food items. Add a pop of color to your kitchen with new towels or rugs.
The warmer weather begs us to spend time outside! Get out the patio furniture, give it a good wash, and shake out any cushions. Sweep your deck or patio and clear off twigs and leaves leftover from the fall. Bring out your pots and fill them up with plants to bring some beauty to your space. Consider adding perennials or herbs instead of annual flowers. A small herb garden can be brought indoors in the winter and provide some freshness to your cooking.
The garage can be a tough room to tackle; it just takes a little patience. As always, start by cleaning and organizing the space. Create extra floor space by adding cabinets to a wall. These are great for keeping tools, lawn, and garden items put away and organized. Also, buy or create a yard tool organizer that can be hung on the wall to maximize floor space and parking.
When you're all done with your spring cleaning, don't forget to celebrate! Open the windows and let in the fresh air. Get outside and play in the sunshine. Host a barbecue or picnic. You deserve it!
As you're cleaning and organizing this spring, keep ReStore in mind! ReStore outlets accept gently used furniture, appliances, building materials, lighting, tools, and much more. View our Donation Guidelines for more details. You can drop off donations at our New Brighton or Minneapolis stores, or you can schedule a free pickup!
Your gift unlocks bright futures! Donate now to create, preserve, and promote affordable homeownership in the Twin Cities.
Jill Carmody, Senior ReStore Manager : Nov 2, 2022 1:50:00 PM
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