The weather is getting warmer and the days longer. Spring is officially on its way! Now is the perfect time to rejuvenate your home with a little spring cleaning. This is especially important if you are preparing your home for sale. Remember, a clean, organized and functional home can be just the trick needed to entice potential buyers your way.
DIY Eco-Friendly Home Cleaning Solutions
Are you looking for some cleaning products that will do a great job, but won’t break the bank or hurt the environment? These tips are environmentally and budget friendly.
Use pillowcases to dust ceiling fans. Pillowcases aren’t just a place to lay your head. Toss the pillowcase over the fan blades and gently pull it off so the dust and dirt remain inside and not all over the floor, or you.
Clean stubborn foods and stains off of stove burners without the extra elbow grease. Place the burners inside a Ziploc bag with a ¼ cup of ammonia. Leave overnight and in the morning, gently wipe them clean with a sponge.
Refresh your mattress by mixing a few drops of your favorite essential oil with one cup of baking soda. Sprinkle the mixture on the mattress and let it sit for one hour before vacuuming it up. The baking soda will absorb any dirt, moisture and odors while the essential oil will leave the mattress smelling fresh.
Vinegar & Citrus All-Purpose Cleaner will really get things clean. To make your own, mix vinegar and water (1:1 solution) with a few drops of any citrus essential oil in a spray bottle. It can be used on any surface (from stainless steel to windows) and it disinfects, too.
Realistic Organizing Tips
There’s truth to the idea that the less stuff we have, the happier we are. These tips can be implemented in many areas of your home and help keep it clutter free. You’ll be happier, and so will a potential buyer.
Use an old tissue box to hold the never-ending supply of grocery bags. Store them underneath the sink for easy access. For even slimmer storage, use a cardboard paper towel tube.
Wall space is your friend. Use a pegboard to keep your garage tidy by hanging items on hooks. Items will be organized, but still in reach. In the bedroom, use more decorative hooks to hang jewelry. They won’t tangle and can create a unique décor piece that changes with your style.
Entry ways need designated color bins for each family member – perfect for storing keys, wallets, permission slips, umbrellas, gloves and more. They will save time in the morning and keep these items from scattering around the house.
A small junk drawer is ok! Designate a small drawer or box to hold those random items you acquire throughout the day. But, put a reminder on your calendar to sort through it once a month and purge what is actually “junk”.
Children’s rooms deserve their own attention. Here are a few ways to contain the toys and the pain from stepping on Legos or Barbie shoes.
Use wall space. Shelves and boxes will free up floor space. This is perfect for books or art supplies. Or, try a pegboard to allow for flexible options with hooks and baskets. As the size and quantity of the toys change, so do your pegs.
Create out of sight storage with benches or large toy boxes. For added organization, separate smaller items inside with baskets or containers. At the end of the day, toys and games are stored out of sight, but the fun isn’t too far away.
The time spent organizing and decluttering before your home sale is worth it – you’ll see a quicker sale and a higher sales price. We have helped our clients benefit from all of these ideas and made the process painless and easy. Many were so happy with the process they told us they wished they had decluttered years ago. The best part, you can take these tips with you to your new home.
Marybeth Fraser, Magnificent Manors Team of KW Metro Center [email protected] | 703-798-1803
