March 22, 2023

As the flowers bloom and the air begins to hit that perfect temperature, it’s time to take off the mittens and replace them with rubber gloves for spring cleaning. This seasonal tradition allows you to take advantage of the comfortable weather to clear out the clutter and make your home ready for the year ahead. […]

STORAGE TIPS

As the flowers bloom and the air begins to hit that perfect temperature, it’s time to take off the mittens and replace them with rubber gloves for spring cleaning. This seasonal tradition allows you to take advantage of the comfortable weather to clear out the clutter and make your home ready for the year ahead.

When Does Spring Cleaning Start?

Spring cleaning doesn’t have a set date, but many people begin the process as soon as the weather starts warming up. In most areas, this means late March through April, though the exact timing can vary depending on your climate and personal schedule. The goal is to take advantage of the transitional season—when it’s warm enough to open windows for ventilation but not too hot to make deep cleaning a chore.

Preparing For The Task Ahead: Cleaning Supplies Checklist

Before diving into spring cleaning, make sure you’re fully stocked with the essentials:

General Cleaning Supplies

✔️ Broom and dustpan
✔️ Mop and bucket
✔️ Vacuum cleaner with attachments
✔️ Microfiber cloths and rags
✔️ Sponges and scrub brushes
✔️ Disinfectant spray or wipes
✔️ Glass cleaner
✔️ All-purpose cleaner
✔️ Baking soda and vinegar (for natural cleaning)

Trash and Organization Essentials

✔️ Trash bags (various sizes)
✔️ Recycling bins
✔️ Laundry baskets
✔️ Cardboard boxes or storage bins for decluttering

Linens and Laundry

✔️ Freshly washed sheets, blankets, and pillowcases
✔️ Towels and washcloths
✔️ Spare linens that may need airing out

Protective Gear

✔️ Rubber or latex gloves
✔️ Old clothes you don’t mind getting dirty
✔️ Long pants for crawling into tight spaces
✔️ Headlamp or flashlight for dark corners

A simple but reliable plan will be your best friend as you work your way through cleaning your home. Follow this cleaning supplies checklist to make sure you have all the helpful rules and tools to be prepared for the steps ahead.

Make a Spring Cleaning Schedule

Don’t eat the whole elephant all at once. The best way to go about your spring cleaning is to set aside more than one day to get it done. Create a weekly house cleaning schedule with achievable goals that will allow you to make progress without packing all the work into a single afternoon. Some people may prefer to get everything done in one sitting, but you may find yourself feeling rushed and burnt out before the job is finished.

Identify and Reduce Clutter

Before you start the dirty work, take time to control clutter from around the house. This will help you by creating more room to move around while you work and it will also allow you to begin assessing what items you want to throw out or put away in storage.

Clutter can come in a wide-range of forms. Unfinished projects may leave tools and supplies lying about. Work documents can pile up throughout the year. Laundry can build up in piles and bulky winter clothes can take up space in your closet. Identify areas where unneeded items are taking up space and consider finding a more suitable location for them.

Have a Space Ready for Storage

As a rule of thumb, everything needs a home. Some items, particularly winter supplies like shovels, coats, and hats, should migrate from the common areas in your home to storage as the season begins to change. While your basement or attic may be a good place to tuck them away, a self storage unit will allow you to take your larger items out of your home and open up valuable space. From snowblowers to your winter wardrobe, find a new home for your winter belongings as you bring in the spring.

Total Storage Solutions provides units of all sizes that can accommodate everything from simple boxes to the largest appliances. Our temperature-controlled units can help keep the harsh winter weather out while your items are warm and dry in our secure facilities. Find a location near you and see the many options and amenities we have to offer.

Three Steps to Make Spring Easier and More Efficient

It can seem overwhelming once you get down to it and start cleaning. Bring some order to the process of spring cleaning and reorganization by following these three easy steps to make sure you cover all your bases:

• Go Room by Room
• Don’t Forget the Outside
• Three Boxes: Toss It, Donate It, Store It

Go Room by Room

Whether you are working with the whole family or tackling it all by yourself, remember that having a plan is the best way to stay on track. Go room by room as you work your way through your house, making sure that each one is fully decluttered, cleaned, and organized before you move on to the next. Each location will have its own needs, but start by cleaning the higher surfaces and work your way down so any dust or debris will fall below and be picked up as you go.

Don’t Forget the Outside!

Take advantage of the comfortable weather and give all your exterior furnishings and appliances a scrub. Running out of room for your seasonal furniture? We recommend keeping your deck chairs, tables, swimming pools, and all your other warm-weather equipment dry and off-site in a self storage unit near you when it is not in use.

Three Boxes: Toss It, Donate It, Store It

Go through every room and storage space with three boxes to help you sort through the items that need to be relocated. This strategy will allow you to see exactly how much stuff can accumulate over the year and help you determine what should be kept and what should be let go. These boxes will be particularly useful when working in your garage, closet, and other places where items tend to build up over time.

For anything you choose to keep, have a dedicated space in mind so you can maintain all the new space you have just cleared away. This handy size guide will help you visualize the types of off-site storage that can get the job done, big or small.

Keeping it Clean With Self Storage From Total Storage Solutions

Spring cleaning may not be everyone’s favorite activity, but there are things you can do throughout the year to make it easier the next time it comes around. Create a routine of cleaning every week and identify the areas that will need the most attention. Find appropriate places for clutter storage to avoid build-up of unwanted and unused belongings. Assess which items you need to be kept in your home and choose a dedicated place for those that don’t.

Finding extra space is easier than ever when you rent a self storage unit from Total Storage Solutions. Our climate-controlled options in units large and small will help protect the items you care most about. With a wide range of sizes to choose from, you can find the one that is best fit for you and everything you need stored, at a price you can afford. Be sure to browse our other storage resources!

Reserve your unit today! Find a facility through Total Storage Solutions this spring to take back space in your home and welcome the new season organized and with plenty of room to spare for the year ahead.