The time for spring cleaning is upon us. You’ve done a deep clean of your home, purged your closets, and went through the kid’s toys they no longer touch — but what could you be missing?
Here, NoVA organizing professionals Karen Bush of Great Falls Organizers and Angela Nguyen of Bring it Home Style speak to some of the places you could be overlooking.
“These spots might not be the obvious culprits but clearing them out can have a big impact on your home’s functionality and your peace of mind — especially if you’re juggling work, family, and everything in between,” says Nguyen.
The Entryway Drop Zone
This is one of the first areas that Nguyen assess with clients, she says. “It tends to collect everything — mail, keys, random papers, gloves, you name it.”
A quick clean-out and a few simple organizing tools such as bins or hooks can instantly bring order to your daily routine.
The Pantry and Spice Cabinet
Spring cleaning is the perfect time to remove any expired items in your pantry and give shelves a good wipe-down, says Nguyen.
“I often find duplicates or forgotten items hiding in the back,” she adds. Reorganizing by category and using clear bins or turntables can make a huge difference.
Under-bed Storage
Out of sight doesn’t mean it should be out of mind. “This space is often used for overflow but rarely revisited,” Nguyen says.
“I encourage clients to use labeled, low-profile bins to store seasonal items or linens and to resist the urge to stash random clutter here,” she adds.
Bathroom Drawers and Cabinets
Products pile up fast — especially for those who rarely have time to take inventory — and cabinets and drawers tend to house most of these items.
For under-the-sink cabinets, Bush recommends pulling everything out so you can clearly see what all you have stored there. This also provides the added benefit of making sure there are no undetected leaks as well, she adds.
“Consolidate half-empty bottles of the same cleaner and dispose of any empty ones,” Bush suggests. “Be sure to pay attention to any disposal instructions.”
It’s also a good time to get rid of any products that you tried and didn’t like, as well as expired medications or broken tools. Think old brushes or razors, according to Nguyen.
“Organize by placing the products you use all the time near the doors and those you rarely use toward the back,” Bush adds.
The Tech Drawer or Charging Station
This is one of those “invisible stressors,” Nguyen notes.
“We all have that drawer full of tangled cords, old phones, and mystery chargers,” she says. “I help clients sort through it, recycle what’s outdated, and corral what’s left using dividers or labeled pouches.”
It’s a small project that can bring a surprising sense of relief, she adds.
Mail and Paperwork Overflow
Most people have a spot in their home where mail and other papers tend to pile up over time, and spring cleaning is the perfect time to tackle this clutter.
“Collect sensitive papers and take them to a free community shredding event or to a place like FedEx Office or Staples that have secure bins for shredding, and charge by the pound,” Bush advises.
“Don’t let it accumulate,” she adds. “If you have more than four bankers boxes worth of shredding, it’s more economical to schedule a shredding truck to come to your house.”
Basements and Garages
Basements and garages are another one that tend to be out of sight and subsequently forgotten.
“Take away any old or unwanted paints, pesticides, garden chemicals, oils, etc.,” Bush says. “But be sure not to just place them in the trash.” These items can be taken to and disposed of at the I-66 Transfer Station’s HazMat drop off, she suggests.
Feature image, stock.adobe.com
