Design a site like this with WordPress.com
Get started

The True Cost of Clutter

When most people hear the word “clutter” they think of piles of a messy space with random stuff all over-but clutter is much more than that. Clutter can have a negative effect on individuals, families, and businesses.

Here are some of the effects clutter can have:

  • wasted time trying to find an item
  • wasted money on buying a new item because you couldn’t find it
  • wasting money to store clutter
  • taking more time trying to clean
  • feeling stressed/overwhelmed
  • not able to focus on important tasks
  • mentally exhausted thinking about it
  • lack of productivity in the home office
  • ashamed to have friends/family over

As overwhelming as clutter can be, it must be addressed-all it takes is ONE small step at a time to regain control of your life!

Advertisement

Spring Cleaning

By Jason Anderson: Symplyf, LLC

Daylight savings time is upon us, and what does this mean-Spring Cleaning time! The days are getting longer, weather is getting warmer, the sun is shining more often, that fresh spring air is filling our lungs-giving us more energy and desire to deep clean and organize our homes.

Many of us have spent a lot of time indoors staying warm and entertaining family/friends over the holidays.  We have accumulated extra “stuff” and our homes have been turned upside-down with all the guests and activities.  Now is the time to take control of our homes again!

This Spring Cleaning Checklist is a comprehensive guide that can be personalized to meet your individual needs.

SPRING CLEANING CHECKLIST

Kitchen Cleaning:

  • remove anything from the kitchen that doesn’t belong
  • clean and disinfect the trash can
  • clean the microwave
  • deep clean the dishwasher
  • clean and organize the refrigerator
  • clean and organize the freezer
  • replace refrigerator water filter
  • vacuum refrigerator coils
  • clean the oven
  • clean the hood vent and change filter if needed
  • clean stove top burners
  • clean and disinfect the garbage disposal
  • clean and organize storage containers
  • reorganize kitchen cabinets and drawers
  • clean and organize kitchen drawers
  • straighten cups, mugs, and glass cabinet
  • straighten plates, bowls, and other dishes
  • deep clean pots, pans, and bakeware
  • organize the pantry
  • sanitize cutting boards and sharpen knives
  • clean and disinfect coffee maker
  • clean and disinfect small appliances
  • check the freshness of your herbs and spices
  • clean under the sink
  • deep clean and polish cabinet doors
  • clean tile
  • touch up paint on walls
  • deep clean floors
  • disinfect door knobs, light fixtures and pulls

Dining Room Cleaning:

  • remove anything from the dining room that doesn’t belong
  • dust crown molding, wall corners, and floor molding
  • scrub walls
  • touch up paint on the walls
  • clean and disinfect light switches and outlets
  • dust and polish wood cabinets
  • dust and clean windows
  • clean and declutter hutch cabinets and drawers
  • wash table linens
  • clean light fixtures and wash globes
  • disinfect table and wipe down all chairs, including legs and underneath
  • remove rug, shake, vacuum and clean floor before replacing rug

Bathroom Cleaning:

  • remove anything from the bathroom that doesn’t belong
  • clean and disinfect light switches and fixtures
  • clean and disinfect toothbrush holders
  • clean and refill soap dish and/or pump
  • clean light fixtures and wash globe(s)
  • replace make-up brushes
  • clean mirror
  • clean shower caddy
  • clean/replace shower curtain and liner
  • clean shower door frame and glass
  • disinfect countertops
  • dust and clean windows
  • polish faucets
  • mop and hand scrub floors
  • scrub and disinfect toilet, including around base, under seat and around hinges
  • scrub the bathtub
  • scrub walls
  • touch up paint on the walls
  • clean and refill lotion dispensers
  • wash floor mat
  • wash towels
  • wash trash can
  • wipe down cabinets, knobs, towel racks and toilet paper holder
  • tighten toilet seat hinges
  • clean bathroom exhaust fan
  • clean shower head
  • polish wood cabinets
  • caulk around tub/shower
  • re-seal tile and grout
  • clean drains/traps under sink
  • toss expired make-up and beauty products not used over the past year
  • clean/organize and de-clutter cabinets and drawers

Laundry/Utility Room Cleaning:

  • remove anything from the Laundry room that doesn’t belong
  • clean dryer vent
  • clean inside washing machine
  • empty washing machine drain pump
  • dust crown molding, wall corners, and floor molding
  • dust behind and underneath washer and dryer
  • sweep and mop floors
  • reseal tile grout
  • wash walls
  • touch up paint on the walls
  • clean and organize shelving
  • eliminate unnecessary cleaning products
  • install organizers to hold cleaning products
  • disinfect door knobs and light switch plates

Living Room/Family Room Cleaning:

  • remove anything from the Living/Family room that doesn’t belong
  • dust crown molding, wall corners, and floor molding
  • wash walls
  • touch up paint on the walls
  • vacuum and shampoo carpet
  • vacuum under furniture and in between cushions
  • condition leather furniture
  • dust ceiling fans
  • switch ceiling fans to spin clockwise
  • clean lights and wash light globes
  • dust lamps
  • vacuum lamp shades
  • dust and polish furniture and bookshelves
  • dust edges of wall hangings, mirrors, and pictures
  • clean windows and window sills
  • remove scuff marks from doors and moldings
  • disinfect door knobs and light switch plates
  • dust electronics
  • organize electronics and accessories
  • disinfect remote controls and gaming devices

Bedroom Cleaning:

  • remove anything from the bedroom that doesn’t belong
  • dust ceiling, corners, and upper and lower crown moldings
  • dust baseboards and window sills
  • wash walls
  • touch up paint on the walls
  • dust and polish furniture
  • dust edges of wall hangings, mirrors, and pictures
  • clean glass and mirrors
  • dust lamps
  • vacuum lamp shades
  • polish wood furniture
  • dust ceiling fan
  • clean light fixtures and light globes
  • organize your closet
  • switch seasonal clothing and donate unneeded items
  • clean and organize your dresser
  • clean and organize your nightstands
  • flip and rotate your mattress
  • clean your mattress
  • clean under your bed
  • wash bedsheets
  • wash pillows
  • clean windows and window sills
  • vacuum carpet, including edges and under furniture
  • shampoo carpet
  • remove scuff marks from doors and moldings
  • disinfect door knobs and light switch plates

Office Cleaning:

  • clean out files and shred unneeded documents
  • update home inventory documents
  • review insurance policies
  • check credit report
  • clean keyboard and mouse
  • clean and organize desk drawers
  • dust and polish wood furniture
  • dust bookshelves

Outdoor Cleaning:

  • sweep deck
  • power wash deck
  • stain deck
  • power spray siding
  • touch up paint trim, wood, doors, and shutters
  • power wash garage door
  • clean outside door frames
  • wipe away cobwebs
  • shake out entry mat
  • clean grill
  • clean and repair gutters
  • replace broken bricks, wood, or stone
  • clean outdoor light fixtures
  • wash outside windows
  • clean outside patio furniture
  • trim trees, bushes and shrubbery
  • check and repair sprinklers
  • inspect roof shingles
  • wipe away cobwebs
  • plant flowers
  • plant garden
  • add mulch
  • clean outdoor trash cans