Springtime is all about fresh starts. One way to give your home a refresh is spring cleaning! An annual rite of passage, spring cleaning is the best way to clear away clutter and freshen-up your home or apartment. It’s also a great way to free up extra storage space and boost your mental wellbeing. Researchers say that a clean and organized home can reduce your stress levels and put you in a better mood.

The biggest challenge with spring cleaning, though, is that it can take a lot of time and energy. To reduce both, NSA Storage has some great spring cleaning tips. If you’re wanting that spring-fresh feeling with less hassle and hard work, read on.

1. There’s an App for Spring Cleaning

As with most things today, there are spring cleaning apps you can use to get your spring cleaning chores done. Not only can they keep you organized when cleaning but also motivated and on track. Several of the top apps include:

• Tody- The most popular, Tody Is highly rated by users. It also helps you keep your house clean throughout the year, not just in spring.
• Clean My House- This daily cleaning task reminder app is only available on Android but has great reviews.
• Sweepy- Reviewers say that the Sweepy app is great for couples and families.
• OurHome- A fun rewards system helps this spring cleaning app go over well with kids.
• Todoist- This app can sync across all of your devices, so you don’t miss a cleaning reminder.

2. Declutter First, Clean Second

Spring cleaning is a big chore. What makes it bigger, however, is all that clutter you accumulated during the winter. That’s why decluttering first is a very good idea. Once you get rid of all the things that you don’t want, need, or use, your actual cleaning chores will be easier and get done faster. Several of the best ways to declutter include:

• Selling usable items on eBay or Facebook Marketplace
• Giving gently used but salvageable items to Goodwill or another social Organization.
• Throwing away anything that’s truly unusable.
• Giving cherished but recently unused items to loved ones who you know will enjoy having them.

3. Clean from Top to Bottom

If your home is like most, dust tends to collect in high places during the long winter. As you clean your ceilings, ceiling fans, and high shelves, that dust will fall naturally toward the floor. That’s why you want to clean from top to bottom, so you don’t dirty your freshly cleaned floors, rugs, and furniture. Here’s how:

1. Start in the high corners of every room and remove cobwebs and dust.
2. Next, clean ceiling fans and light fixtures.
3. Dusting shelves and window sills is a good place to clean next.
4. Lastly, vacuum or mop your floors and furniture.

4. Give Your Linens, Fabrics, and Mattresses a Good Refreshing

Most people wash their sheets and pillowcases regularly but don’t really do much to keep their mattresses clean. Health experts, however, say that cleaning your mattresses is a must. Other soft surfaces should be cleaned also, including sofas and chairs. Here are a few select spots to remember:

• Move your beds and sofas to vacuum under them.
• Flip your mattress over and vacuum both sides.
• Pull out your refrigerator and clean or sweep behind it.
• Deep clean your oven and microwave.
• Clean out your vacuum’s filter so that its power is always high.
• Give your washing machine and dryer a good cleaning.

5. Get the Whole Gang Involved

Spring cleaning is a big undertaking, but it doesn’t have to be. If everyone pitches in, it can be an easy and fun family activity. Many cleaning tasks are simple enough for children to help with, and it’s a good opportunity to teach your kids that tidying up is important. Here are some way to get the whole family involved:

• Set up a date and time for spring cleaning and let the family know it’s coming ahead of time.
• If you have children of various ages, assign tasks that are appropriate for them.
• Offer rewards for finished chores to younger family members.
• Put on some lively music and turn up the volume!

6. Use Natural Cleaners and Products when Possible

This tip is for anyone who wishes to use fewer chemicals in their daily life. There are plenty of natural cleaners and cleaning products you can use instead of harsh, bleach-based cleaners. Using natural products is generally safer for households with young children and pets, who have more sensitive skin and respiratory systems. Some of the best all-natural cleaning products include:

• Vinegar and baking soda can lift stains and odors. Perfect for cleaning bathtubs and sinks. Mix the two into a paste and scrub!
• Use lemon juice to discourage bacterial growth and freshen places like sinks and countertops.
• Essential oils like Teatree and lavender have anti-microbial properties and smell great! Be sure to research which are safe for children and pets before using.

7. Give Your Appliances a Deep Cleaning

It’s easy to overlook your appliances when spring cleaning. Experts say you shouldn’t do this, however, as cleaner appliances are healthier for you and your family. That’s especially true for appliances that have filters like your HVAC, vacuum, and clothes dryer. If not properly cleaned, these machines can pose a fire hazard for your home. Below are a few tips for making sure your appliances are as spring fresh as the rest of your home.

• Replace filter filters in your HVAC, vacuum and other appliances that use them.
• Clean out the lint catcher and exhaust for your clothes dryer.
• Take everything out of your fridge and then give it a deep clean, including the freezer.
• If your oven has a self cleaning feature, use it. If not, use a spray-on oven cleaner and wipe it away to reveal a like-new oven!

8. Be Sure to Organize as You Clean

Spring cleaning is the perfect time to organize your home at the same time. That way, everything will be clean and organized when you’re done! For example:

• Organize drawers in your bedroom dressers, kitchen, desk, and so forth.
• Use clear plastic bins and labels to organize winter clothes, sports equipment, etc.
• Clean and organize your kitchen cupboards and cabinets to make it easier to find and access kitchen items.

Still Need Extra Storage Space? Try Self-Storage!

Spring cleaning is an essential, yearly task that also takes a lot of time and energy. The rewards, however, can be great, including better physical and mental health. Plus, who doesn’t like living in a clean, uncluttered home?

At NSA Storage, we realize how important it is to have a tidy home. That’s why we offer safe, affordable storage units across the US to help you with your spring cleaning. Things like holiday ornaments, baby furniture, collectibles, and much more can easily be stored in one of our storage units. Once stored, they will be safe and sound until you need or want them again.

Make this season the start of something fresh—spring cleaning made easy with a convenient storage solution just for you. Come visit your local NSA Storage facility and give your home some extra room to breath this spring. Happy cleaning!