Now that you’ve been at home for about a year, your space might feel a bit cramped and cluttered. Did you know a messy and cluttered home can actually have a negative impact on your mental health? Spring cleaning, especially right now, will help with focus and productivity, which is great for those working and learning from home. It will also increase your energy, boost your mood and help bring mental clarity. Refresh your space to refresh your mind by following these pandemic spring cleaning tips.
Embrace New Habits
If one thing is for sure, we know that high-touch surfaces such as handles, switches and doorknobs, are sparkling right now. To keep up with these healthy new habits, you should keep cleaning products easily accessible where and when you need them. For example, you can keep disinfecting wipes or sprays in the bathroom or by the front door so you remember to wipe them down.
Another good cleaning habit is to think about incorporating a drop zone for outside items when you come in. This way you can keep outside germs contained until you’ve had a chance to disinfect them. Similarly, having a designated spot for masks at your entryway is another good habit. This way you will always have your mask in one spot and can remember to grab it with your keys when you leave. When you come home, you can put your mask back in its spot and not worry about spreading germs around your home.
Eliminate Dust & Dirt Traps
Wall to wall carpeting can look great but it can also be a trap for dust and dirt. While you likely haven’t had nearly as many visitors inside your home as you would normally, a surprising amount of dirt can get trapped in your carpets from just your household. In addition to dirt, carpets can also trap allergens and odours. Trapped allergens can cause allergy-like symptoms which can be unpleasant, to say the least.
This spring have a carpet cleaning company take care of it for you. You can easily book an appointment for a deep carpet cleaning online. Use HomeStars’ get a quote feature to virtually connect with companies, ask about their COVID-19 safety measures and hire the right pro for you. Cleaning your carpets, either wall to wall or just an area rug, will make your home feel and smell fresher for the new season.
Breathe Easier
Clean circulating air is important, especially right now. If it’s been more than 5 years since you had your air ducts cleaned you’re overdue. Experts recommend cleaning your air ducts every 3-5 years, but homes with pets may require cleaning more often. If you’re already sensitive to dust or suffer from allergies, having your air ducts cleaned is very important. Ignoring cleaning for some time can lead to a build-up of grime resulting in poor air quality, among other issues.
Cleaning your air ducts this spring will help eliminate pests who may have moved in during the cold winter. It also improves indoor air quality. Since you’ve been cleaning and stirring up dust, this will ensure it’s not being recycled throughout your home. Having your ducts regularly cleaned ensures they’re running properly and smoothly. This will actually end up saving you money in the long run. Connect with a duct cleaning company today to start breathing easier.
Clear the Clutter
You may not realize how much stuff has accumulated over the past year. Many of us have taken up new hobbies or have at least purchased materials with the intent to start a new hobby. Take the time now to sort your supplies and put them away properly. Try decorative baskets or clear Tupperware containers depending on the materials you need to store.
Perhaps your latest pandemic hobby is online shopping. Whether you’re filling up your kitchen with gadgets and ingredients for recipes, or you’ve been buying a lot of lounge wear, now is the time to sort through it all. Have bins ready and label them with 3 categories: keep, donate, recycle. Ask yourself questions like “Do I actually use/wear this? Do I really love this item?” If the answer is no, it’s time to let it go. Check out online buy and sell groups for a contactless handoff.
There’s already so much going on in this world that is beyond our control. One thing we can control is how our homes look and how we take care of them. Taking care of your home by extension is taking care of yourself. If you feel comfortable enough, invest in your home and hire a pro to help you with these tasks. While you may have to remain at home for the foreseeable future, you can at least enjoy a freshly cleaned home.
