What is Spring Cleaning, Really?

We’ve had some pretty nice warm spells lately, and it seems like everyone is ready to say goodbye to the cooped-up spells of winter and embrace the lovely breeze of spring. And with the annual changing of the seasonal guard comes the two words everyone wants, but no one really wants to do: Spring Cleaning.

The idea behind spring-cleaning is centuries old, when houses heated with wood and coal would often be coated with the byproducts of the burn. Spring cleaning was aptly timed as all the windows could be opened without the threat of bugs, and homeowners could remove the effects of winter with a thorough dusting, sweeping, scrubbing, and washing.

While all the backbreaking labor of the 18^th century isn’t quite necessary with our cleaner burning fuels (and indoor plumbing), the idea behind spring cleaning still holds significance. This is the time of year to take stock of what you need, divest yourself of what you don’t, and welcome the turning of a leaf with the sun on your face and a warm breeze at your back. The world takes its turn for renewal, and so should you. And your apartment is a great place to start.

There are tons of spring-cleaning checklists on the web, and here are a few of our favorites:

• From The Maids: What NOT to clean. When a list of cleaning action items gets overwhelming, sometimes it’s good to know what you don’t have to do.
• Keep the feeling of spring clean going all year long. Follow this website for daily tips to keep you clean, organized, and decluttered. From a pretty junk drawer to a neatly tiered closet, spring clean is a state of mind!
• Spring cleaning, apartment style. This list, from Apartment Therapy (an amazing blog filled with design, cleaning, and living tips) is perfect for those of us with compact homes, free time, and budget.

No matter which list you choose, the important thing is to recognize the positive impact having a clean home will have on your life, from this spring and throughout the year. Imagine every day starting with a sparkling bathroom and clean kitchen countertops. Imagine stepping barefoot on clean floors, and pulling clothes from your organized closet. It’s not only possible; it’s easy if you just take a moment each day to do it.

After all, that is what spring cleaning is really about. Renewal. Fresh starts. Clean souls. They say that peace starts at home, so let’s all commit to getting rid of the winter funk and adding more sunshine and sparkle to our apartments and our lives. Here’s to a beautiful new beginning!

Speaking of new beginnings, click the button below to learn how to make one of Oakleaf PM's fantastic & affordable income-based apartments your new home today.