Spring Cleaning Checklist

             Welcome Spring

This new season brings the age-old tradition of spring cleaning. The Akers Ellis Spring Cleaning Checklist contains everything needed to ensure a tip-top, clean home. To spring clean means to clean from your floor all the way up to the ceiling — including often overlooked areas like baseboards, carpets, kitchen pantries, and the top of bookshelves. Spring cleaning gives us the opportunity to freshen up our living spaces and get a head start on the hectic seasons of spring and summer.

      Theory of Spring Cleaning

Some claim that the practice of spring cleaning has roots in Hebrew culture, while others believe that it originated in either Iran or China. There is also the theory that before central heating, people kept their houses shut tight against the cold of winter and homes were heated with coal producing a significant amount of smoke. When it warmed up outside in the spring season, people would open the windows and doors to let fresh air in and complete a deep clean. No matter where it originated, spring cleaning is an on-going tradition in which people worldwide partake. 

Spring Cleaning for Real Estate

While it is true that spring cleaning is important for all homeowners, it is especially important for those who have their home listed for sale or are going to list their home soon. Potential buyers, when viewing your home, see every little detail and you don’t want to make a negative impact by having dirt and dust in your home. One of the biggest parts of spring cleaning is getting rid of clutter that you don't need. This is vital in real estate sales! In fact, Lifestyle Magazine claims, “Not only will decluttering help you sell your home faster, there is a good chance you’ll be able to sell for a higher price, as well!”

Spring Cleaning Checklist

1. Dust ceiling corners, ceiling fans and the top of any tall furniture or appliance. Tip: You want to complete this first so all the dust does not settle in your freshly cleaned furniture, bedding, carpet or hardwood floors. 
2. Let the light in! Make any room look brighter with clean blinds, window casings, and windows. Tip: It is also helpful to replace dark, heavy curtains with something light and bright. 
3. Spring is also a great time to spot clean or dry clean any bedding, throw pillows or cushions that need to be freshened up.
4. Clean your washing machine and vacuum out your dryer vent.
5. Re-organize! Potential home buyers always look inside cabinets, drawers, and closets, so make sure everything is tidy. Tip: In your closets, embrace spring and swap out your cool-weather clothing for your warmer weather clothes.
6. Don’t forget the easily overlooked areas like crown molding, baseboards, door frames and sliding door tracks.
7. Throw away any beauty or hygiene products, cleaning supplies and food from the kitchen pantry and fridge that are expired. Tip: If you're debating whether to throw something away, just get rid of it if you haven't used it in a year or more! 
8. Do a deep clean of your carpets, even if you vacuum them regularly. This can be done by buying or renting a carpet cleaner or you can hire a professional. 
9. Don’t forget about the exterior of your home. Power wash your siding, driveway, and porches, break out the bright colored wreaths and cushions, and pay your yard some attention by planting flowers. Tip: For real estate, curb appeal is the first thing potential buyers notice. Make a good first impression!