I'm going to share a few tips to bring a fresh look and feel without breaking the budget. Some might be in your department some might be in your husbands department. You might even be able to create one for your kids to do or at least help with.
1. Purge Out the Old.
Plan one free day or multiple free evenings or afternoons and do a little bit of purging. Box up the clothing that doesn't fit, things that haven't been used for over a year, and items that are broken or just not what your family is into anymore. Give items to friends, the local thrift store or charity or maybe sell a few of the bigger things on Craigslist.
2. Pack Away.
There are a lot of seasonal items that can be packed away as warm weather hits. And of course several things to be unpacked. Pack up the sweaters and flannel lined jeans, put away winter play things like sleds and winter themed books or toys. Just packing away winter things and pulling out Spring/Summer items will lift your spirits and get you excited for the coming activities.
3. Declutter and Rearrange Decor.
Sometimes when I buy new decor items I add them to the array of items already on display. So when spring comes around my decor usually needs a little bit of cleaning out. I pack some things away creating a cleaner simpler look. Other things simply get moved to a different place, but still giving the same refreshing clean lines.
4. Rearrange the Furniture.
Some people don't have the option to rearrange furniture because the furniture only fits one way, or you have built ins, or you simply don't want to (Or your husband doesn't). So this is definitely an optional thing. But many times furniture gets rearranged to make the Christmas tree fit and never gets put back or maybe certain windows get covered with furniture during the winter but now you need to move them to get the windows open. Whatever your reason, it will bring a cheap but new feel to your rooms. Decluttering furniture is another great idea. Whether that means getting rid of a few pieces or simply moving them to another room.
5. Fresh Flowers.
I love fresh flowers! If you have the money or the garden to support a consistent flow of fresh flowers I say do it! It will keep your house smelling wonderful, it's a great way to keep decorating and depending on the variety of flowers you have or purchase it's like getting a new piece of decor with each differing bouquet.
6. Flower Beds.
Flowers inside or nice, but flowers outside are even better! Things have been brown and dull for months now and every sprig of green is a welcome sight. Take the time to rake out the flower beds, stir up the dirt, and prune your flowers or buy and plant new ones. I don't have a yard presently so I made sure my patio was free of leaves and dirt and swept clean. I removed unwanted pots and dead plants and made a crisp new look for the deck.
7. Wash Your Windows.
The sun might be out, but can it get inside? After all of the winter snow and rain your windows are probably coated in dirt and grim. Just taking an afternoon to wash the windows will make your whole house brighter and more happy. If you can, clean the inside, outside and vacuum all the crevices.
8. Wash Wash Wash.
Spring is a great time to get rid of dust and stale smells. Wash your curtains, rugs, bedspreads, blankets, bedskirts, coats, and anything else that you can think of. Things have been bundled up and bundled in all winter. Air things out. Open the windows. If you have a clothes line hang things out to air out.
9. Vacuuming With Those Attachments You Never Use!
Pull out all of the attachments that came with your vacuum and find a few favorites. Then vacuum seams, crevices, window sills, fan blades, air returns, closets, and any other small space that doesn't usually get touched by the main vacuum.
10. Clean Out Fridge and Freezer.
Get out a menu planner and then go through your fridge and freezer. Throw away anything expired and find items that are about to expire or go bad and write up a week or months menu from those items. Make room for all the fresh items that will be growing soon. Take the cooler spring days to defrost and clean your fridge and freezer. Get rid of condiments that never get used or combine a bottle that is almost empty with a new one.
Don't make anything a big deal, just do it when you can and really enjoy the mini makeover you are doing to your home. Enjoy the fresh air and the sunshine and thinks of ways to be creative and unique. Maybe you need to stop right int he middle of a project and look up an idea on Pinterest! Just have fun. I mean really, it's going to get dirty again by next spring anyway.
Sarah
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