Though it's still winter now—as wintry as mild, beautiful Houston gets—spring is just around the corner. Whether you like to give your Houston apartment a top-to-bottom cleaning every year, or you prefer to clean in bits here and there, these tips will help you get ready for spring.
Clear out the clutter
Take a look at your belongings every few months to make sure everything in your home is useful or brings you joy. If you followed our January plan of setting the stage for your New Year's resolutions, you've recently cleared out the clutter in your life. Haven't got around to it yet? Now is the time. Don't clean the things you don't really enjoy owning. Give them away or sell them, and simplify your life.
Cut down on springtime allergies
Even in Houston, the arrival of spring means new growth, more green, more pollen, and more allergies if you're inclined to them. Before the allergens start to bloom, give your whole apartment a thorough scrubbing. This helps in several ways: If you're also allergic to dust or molds, getting these out of your home will give your body a break so it will be less overwhelmed when pollen season strikes. When pollen does blow in, a clean apartment gives it fewer places to stick, and occasional spot cleaning to remove it will be easier.
Let the light shine in
Get ready to enjoy spring in all its glory! Now is a great time to give your windows and screens a thorough scrubbing, inside and out if possible. It's a big job, especially if your apartment has many windows, but cleaning once a year makes a big difference in the amount of light in your home and the quality of the view. Make the effort now, so you can fully enjoy the spring and summer sunshine.
Make room for warm-weather eating
When spring arrives, our thoughts will turn to lighter foods, and fresh spring fruits and vegetables will be easy to come by. Get ready for the change by spring cleaning your refrigerator and pantry. Clear out expired foods and store canned goods you know you won't use until next Thanksgiving. Then give the space a good scrub, so your springtime foods will stay clean and fresh.
For more spring cleaning tips, try Martha Stewart's Spring Cleaning Checklist, and take a look at iVillage.com's list of “10 Things You Can Quit Cleaning Right Now.”
Are you still looking for your next Houston apartment? Houston Apartment Insiders is here to help. Call us at 713-581-1055 (866-918-4022 toll-free if you’re outside the Houston area now) or contact us online.
Posted by Melanie Belasco Levy on 02/24/11
