I’m Not Into Spring Cleaning: Here’s What I Do Instead to Get Ready for Spring
The whole concept of spring cleaning fills me with dread. I can barely stay on top of normal weekly cleaning, so the idea of spending the first few nice weeks of the year scrubbing and scouring every surface of my home is simply not appealing to me. Suffice it to say, I will not be washing my windows or cleaning behind my refrigerator this spring. However, there are a few home projects I like to do every spring to spruce things up and get ready for warmer weather.
As the sun returns and brings your motivation back with it, spring is the ideal time for a home refresh. But instead of putting all my energy into one big deep clean, I like to focus on the little things that will help me make the most of the season. This spring, I’m looking forward to the return of patio weather, fresh breezes blowing in through the windows, and dressing for warmer weather, and these home projects help me get ready for all that and more:
1. Put away coats, boots, and other winter accessories
If I don’t have to see or think about my giant black parka for the next eight months, I’ll be happy. Bundling up from head to toe anytime I step outside is starting to get real old, and I’m so ready to break out my lighter, more colorful spring jackets. But first things first: I need to make some room in my entryway closet. Once the temperatures reliably stay above freezing, I like to clear out all my heavy coats, boots, scarves, and other winter accessories and put them away in storage. With all my winter stuff out of the way, I can easily organize all the fun warm-weather jackets, shoes, and accessories I’ll be wearing all spring.
2. Open all the windows on the first warm day
This is one of my favorite spring rituals. Once the temperature climbs above 60 degrees, I like to open all the windows in the house and let in some fresh spring air. After being shut up all winter long, it helps so much with indoor air quality and makes my home smell so much fresher. I recently heard this practice referred to as “house burping,” which is a gross but effective way to describe the process. Out with the stale air of winter, and in with the fresh spring air!
3. Switch out winter bedding
Throughout the winter, my bed is piled high with flannel sheets, a fluffy duvet, and an extra cozy blanket on top. But come springtime, all those layers start to feel a bit too heavy. As the nights get warmer, I like to switch to linen or cotton percale bedding to avoid overheating. This is also the perfect time to experiment with some fun colors or patterns for spring! Swap out your sheets or duvet cover for an easy way to breathe some new life into your bedroom.
4. Change the air filter in my HVAC system
As much as I love the warmer weather, spring allergies are not my favorite. I could use all the help I can get to ward off the sneezing and itchy eyes this season always brings, so I always make a point to change out the air filter in my home’s HVAC system at the start of spring. Replacing your air filter regularly is a good idea year-round, but especially in the spring as pollen ramps up outside. The filter helps capture dust, pollen, and other allergens so you can breathe cleaner air, but it can get clogged up over time. Since your furnace was probably working overtime this winter, now is a great time to swap that filter. If you live in an apartment, you may not have access to your HVAC system, but you could contact your landlord about changing the filter if they don’t already do so regularly.
5. Bring patio furniture out of storage
It’s almost time for at-home happy hours on the patio and afternoons spent reading in the sun! I plan to take full advantage of my backyard this spring and summer, so I’m prepping now by hauling all my patio furniture out of storage. Most of it could probably use a good wipe-down, so I’ll take care of that too before the season is in full swing. Even if you don’t have a whole backyard at your disposal, now is a great time to spruce up whatever outdoor space you do have. Maybe that means hanging up some string lights across your balcony or adding a chair to your front stoop so you can sit outside and read.
6. Tackle a home project I’ve been putting off
At any given time, I have a whole list of home projects I’ve been meaning to get to. Some are as simple as touching up scuffed wall paint or hanging artwork, while others are a little more involved. Either way, I basically ignored all of them over the winter. But now that daylight hours aren’t quite so fleeting, my motivation is back, and I’m ready to tackle some home projects this spring. If you have a DIY project or other home improvement task you’ve been putting off, let this be your sign to finally get it done. You’ll start off the season feeling productive with one less to-do weighing you down.
Jessica Friedhoff, Senior Lifestyle Editor
Jessica Friedhoff is the Senior Lifestyle Editor at The Everygirl, where she oversees the Home & Living category of the site. She writes and edits stories across a broad range of topics including decorating, food, entertaining, travel, and more. With a pulse on the latest trends, she uses her eye for detail and design to create timely, inspiring content for our readers.
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