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Spring is perennially the time to clean up and clean out. But how do you decide what to keep and what to get rid of? Especially when a lot of the things you own feel attached to a walk down memory lane. Think of spring cleaning as your chance to keep your home healthy, just as you would the body that houses you. Throw open those windows, break out the duster, and get ready to refresh. But first: Make yourself a checklist!

The Spring Cleaning Checklist

Step #1 in the process should be organizing your thoughts on paper. What are big projects and little tasks around the house that you want to accomplish? Sort them by room or type, whatever works best for your process. Plus, nothing beats the satisfaction of ticking something off the list upon completion! We like this checklist from Molly Maid that breaks down the To Do’s room-by-room.

Reorganize before you refresh

Eliminating clutter through “yes”, “no” and “maybe” piles, then reorganizing what’s left into its own “home within your home” can be a very powerful tool in your spring cleaning arsenal. It’ll give you a good visual of what you use, and what could go be donated. After all, “A place for everything, everything in its place,” as Mr. Franklin once said.

 Take it easy!

Yes, we know it can be tempting to tackle everything at once—and on the flip side, get overwhelmed by everything that needs to get done. Take a moment to understand that it will all get done, pick one thing on the list, and go for it. Work in small increments so that you don’t lose steam (or muscle power!) and appreciate what you have accomplished rather than focusing on what still needs to get done.

Ask for help

This can be the most difficult thing to do for some people! But let’s face it, aging means the body sometimes can’t handle as much as it used to. Leave the heavy lifting to someone else, like a friend or family member. Or hire a professional to help with the cleaning and moving of furniture. Your safety and mobility are most important—the dust bunnies can wait.

Those overlooked chores

Sure, you’ve done the drapes and vacuumed behind the couch cushions, but have you:

  • Weeded out all the expired medications and ancient products from your medicine in a safe manner?
  • Same goes for your fridge, freezer, and pantry—what’s well past its due date? No one likes throwing out food, but if it’s bad, it’s time to move on.
  • Replace all dead batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors!

Think you could use a little help with your spring cleaning? Ask friends or on your local online or community center message boards for reviews on local cleaners. Always make sure to vet any person coming into your home!

Happy cleaning!

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