Spring Cleaning 2023

A primer for a Whole Home Reset

Spring is the season for renewal, regrowth, and splashes of colour everywhere. The first red-breasted robin or hummingbird in your garden is always a welcome harbinger of more birds preparing to make their way northward to their summer homes.

It’s the perfect time of year for renewing the interior of your home, as well. It’s a great time to open the windows and let the seasonal breezes fill your home with the invigorating freshness you’ve waited for all winter.

 Begin with the Hot Spots

If you love the idea of spring cleaning your home, but you aren’t sure where to begin, here’s a handy guide you can follow. The first thing to do is to identify the areas of your home that need decluttering the most. Is it that kitchen junk drawer? An overstuffed closet? The kids clothes and toys? Start by putting on your at-home comfy clothes, surrounding yourself with bags labelled TOSS, DONATE, CLEAN AND PUT AWAY, and get ready to tackle those identified hot spots one at a time. Cranking out your favourite playlist is very motivating, too.

 Categorizing every item

Any items that have not been used in the past four seasons, are not in good condition or don’t fit anymore, and are not loved by someone who lives in your home, could go into the toss or donate bags. Decluttering is not only good for your home. It’s a mind-scrub too. You’ll feel more in control of your home, less stressed by the accumulation of all that “stuff”, and quite accomplished by your success!

 One person’s junk is another’s treasure

All your unloved, unwanted items may be just what someone else is looking for. Consider donating to local charities if your goods are in decent condition. Buy Nothing groups on Facebook have become a great resource for giving things away and also finding items that you actually want at no cost at all. Local shelters are always in need of donations, too.

 Clean it like you mean it

Once you’ve gone through all those hot spots in your home, it’s time to get down to the actual cleaning. Make sure you have a good supply of green-as-you-can cleaning supplies, scuff erasers, and microfibre cloths. You’re going to clean from top to bottom, so vacuum your ceiling fans, light fixtures and moldings; clean and wipe your ceilings, cupboards and walls; then move on to the floors.

 This is the time to move the kitchen appliances, push aside living room, dining room and bedroom furniture to clean underneath them. Take down any sheers and curtains that you can launder, and just get it done. One room at a time is the best way to avoid burnout while still feeling like you’re making great progress. Devote a few hours a week to the task and you’ll have your ideal results before you know it!

 Consult the experts

If you need more motivation or housekeeping hacks, there have been entire books written about how best to tackle spring cleaning, and of course, now you can access a multitude of Youtube videos that teach the art of keeping your home beautiful.

 Don’t forget to asses for Safety

Spring is one time that your local fire department encourages you to change the batteries in your smoke and CO2 detectors, but why not take it a step further and replace your furnace filter, wash your heat pump filters, swap out light bulbs to a greener option, and inspect your fire extinguisher?

 Bonus information – Protect your home

One more suggestion now that your home is a clean, safe and tidy sanctuary. Spring is an ideal time to review your home insurance policy to be sure it’s up to date.

Did you know that CAA members save 10% on CAA Home Insurance¹? Visit GetCAAInsurance.ca or call 1-888-308-8466 for your complimentary policy review from a Licensed CAA Insurance Agent.

1 Property Insurance is underwritten by CAA Insurance Company. To qualify for the discount you must be a current CAA Member in good standing (CAA Membership dues paid in full by membership expiry date). Eligible CAA Members may qualify to receive a Member Loyalty Discount based on membership tenure and Roadside Assistance usage. Subject to certain conditions and approvals. Underwriting eligibility rules apply.

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