Spring Cleaning and Storage

That time of year has arrived when the days get longer, and it becomes easier to do something about the carpet stains, dust and stale air that may have built up over the winter.  Here in Florida, we are enjoying that brief time period when we can throw open all of the windows and let in the fresh air!  Without needing the heat or the AC.

Whether you conduct a full-house cleaning once a year in the Spring, or you manage to do it both Spring and Fall; you may want to consider renting a self storage unit at StoreRight Self Storage to get things out of the way during the process. In addition, cleaning and organizing easily can turn into redecorating.  (that’s what always happens to me!)  StoreRight is a great places to store items for the long-term that do not fit into your updated home design scheme but that you are not ready to toss, sell or donate.

Spring Cleaning Tips

1. To keep track of what you have already accomplished, clean from the top down, dusting and washing ceiling fans, light fixtures and corners first. Then wipe and wash walls, windows, counters, furniture and floors.
2. A similar philosophy works with windows. Try cleaning the inside from left to right and the outside from the top down. This will make it easier to tell which side has streaks, if either.
3. Replace smoke detector batteries, test the smoke detectors and give them a good wipe down.  At StoreRight, we test them monthly.  At home, I try to remember to check mine when we change the clocks.
4. Clear counters and shelves and wash them thoroughly. Wash knick-knacks and dust books. If you have accumulated stacks of papers or bills, now is a good time to file the important documents in your self storage unit. Recycle junk mail, outdated magazines and used envelopes. Shred old bills and other papers that contain personal information.
5. Pull out appliances and wash the sides and floor. Clean normally hidden spills and wipe the walls.
6. If you plan to thoroughly shampoo the carpets, consider moving your furniture into a self storage unit.  We are running a Dollar Move-In Special, so you can rent a unit for cheap, cheap, cheap!
7. When cleaning mattresses and other furniture, consider laying down a tarp and leaving the bedding and upholstery outside on the driveway for a few hours. Some strong sunlight and ultraviolet radiation can help eradicate microscopic creatures that are trying to take up residence there. A thorough steam cleaning may leave your furniture feeling and smelling fresh, also.
8. Sort through seasonal clothes. Wash or dry clean them, and sew on buttons or stitch up minor tears. A wardrobe box with a hanging rod will help keep clothes looking good and can easily be placed into your storage unit. Remember to look critically at your garments. Get rid of overly worn garments and things you never wear.   In Citrus County, we have plenty of places to donate the clothes you never wear.  You can even leave them here at StoreRight, and I’ll make sure they find a good home.  I am involved in several local charities, including Cayla’s Coats,  Yard Sale for the Troops, Nature Coast Ministries.
9. As you clean, you may find leaky faucets, broken door handles or cracked tiles. Take time to make these repairs now to prevent them from becoming more serious or costly problems later. Get seldom used tools out of the way when you are done with the repairs by placing them in your self storage unit.
10. Remember the small stuff. Sweep the corners where you vacuum does not reach, wash down air vents, clean the dirt from the tracks in your windows and patio doors, and wipe crown molding and window frames. Put new filters in your AC.
11. Don’t forget the outside of the house. Use a power sprayer to remove grime, empty wasps’ nests and spider webs from exterior walls and windows. Spray down the garage floor while you are at it to rid the space of fluid leaks and road salt or sand that can easily be tracked inside and stain your carpet.

Spring cleaning may be a lot of work, but the payoff is a brighter, safer home. That can give you a new perspective and prepare you to meet life’s other challenges.   At StoreRight Self Storage, we sell wardrobe boxes, tape, & other supplies to help you organize and de-clutter your house!   Why stumble over your Christmas holiday decorations at this time of year?   Put all of that in small storage unit here, and it will be less likely to get damaged as you keep shoving it out of the way  in your garage.    We are here to help you!  Self Storage is NOT just for moving households, it can make your day to day life less cluttered. Give me a call at 352-527-9777 if you have any questions, or email me at lecanto1@storeright.com.