HomeReal Estate February 26, 2024

Spring Cleaning

Spring cleaning has long been a cherished tradition embraced by households worldwide. Stemming from a practical need to freshen up living spaces after the long winter months, this annual ritual has evolved into a symbol of renewal and rejuvenation. Beyond simply tidying up, spring cleaning holds significant importance for both physical and mental well-being. By clearing out clutter, dust, and grime accumulated over the winter, we create a cleaner and healthier environment for ourselves and our families. Moreover, the act of spring cleaning can have positive effects on our mindset, providing a sense of accomplishment, satisfaction, and a renewed energy to tackle new challenges. Embracing this tradition allows us to start the new season on a clean slate, fostering a sense of optimism and positivity as we welcome the warmer days ahead.

Follow along for a comprehensive spring cleaning checklist to help you tackle every corner of your home:

Declutter and Donate

  • Make your home more inviting by decluttering. Go through each room and declutter by getting rid of items you no longer need or use.
  • Donate, sell, or discard items that are no longer serving a purpose for you. Consign your items at places like My Sisters Closet, or host a yard sale and feel a sense of accomplishment when you can fund something new. Whatever you find yourself still left with donate to a local thrift store. Island Thrift, WAIF Thrift Shop , and Treasure Island-Antique and Thrift  are just a few of the many options on Whidbey Island.

Dust

  • Open your windows and breathe a breath of fresh air.
  • Dust all surfaces, including shelves, countertops, furniture, and electronics.
  • Don’t forget to dust ceiling fans, light fixtures, and vents.

Clean Windows

  • Spring brings so much outside beauty. Make sure you can enjoy it all with sparkling windows.
  • Wash windows inside and out, including the window frames and sills. If your window has weeping holes, be sure to make sure they are not clogged so that excess water can drain properly.
  • If cleaning your windows is out of reach there are companies like A Clean Streak or Oh Say Can You See that can help.
  • Clean blinds, curtains, or drapes according to manufacturer’s instructions.

Vacuum and Clean Floors

  • Vacuum carpets and area rugs thoroughly.
  • Sweep and mop hard floors, paying special attention to corners and baseboards.

Deep Clean Kitchen and Restrooms

  • Clean and disinfect countertops, cabinets, and drawers, all bathroom surfaces, including sinks, toilets, and tubs/showers.
  • Clean appliances inside and out, including the refrigerator, oven, microwave, and dishwasher.
  • Degrease stove hood and filter.
  • Scrub tile grout and remove any mold or mildew.

Organize Closets and Cabinets

  • Out with the old and in with the new… or maybe just move the sweaters to the back (we are still in the PNW and occasionally will still need those sweaters), but break out the vibrant tank tops it is spring already!
  • Declutter and organize closets and cabinets, donating or discarding items as needed.
  • Use storage bins or baskets to keep items organized and easily accessible.

Freshen up Bedding

  • Launder bedding, including sheets, pillowcases, and duvet covers.
  • To increase the life of your mattress, rotate and flip it for even wear.

Clean Upholstery and Furniture

  • Vacuum upholstery and cushions to remove dust and debris. Make sure you get behind and underneath.
  • Spot clean stains and spills on furniture.

Tidy Outdoor Spaces

  • Sweep or pressure wash outdoor patios, decks, and walkways.
  • Clean outdoor furniture and cushions.
  • Trim bushes, trees, and clean up garden beds.

Inspect and Maintain

  • Ensure your families safety every season.
  • Check smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors, replacing batteries as needed.
  • Test and clean ceiling fans.
  • Schedule routine maintenance for HVAC systems, plumbing, and electrical systems.

Final Touches

  • Brings some of the outside in.
  • Add finishing touches such as fresh flowers or plants to bring life into your space.
  • Sit back, relax, and enjoy your freshly cleaned and organized home!

Spring cleaning isn’t just about tidying up—it’s also an essential part of home maintenance and preparation for the warmer months ahead. For homeowners, it’s an opportunity to refresh their living spaces and ensure that their property is in top condition. Beyond the aesthetic benefits, a thorough spring cleaning can enhance the value of a home by improving its curb appeal and overall appeal to potential buyers. By decluttering, organizing, and performing deep cleaning tasks, homeowners can showcase their property’s full potential and make a positive impression on prospective buyers. Additionally, addressing maintenance issues early can help prevent costly repairs down the line and contribute to the long-term health and durability of the home. So, as spring approaches, embrace the tradition of spring cleaning as a valuable investment in both your home and your well-being.

If you are considering selling this Spring, connect with us.

 

To help get you motivated listen to our Spring Cleaning Playlist Here.

Uncategorized May 10, 2018

Where to Donate in Oak Harbor

Windermere Best thrift Oak HarborWhere to donate in Oak HarborWindermere - Best Thrift Oak harbor

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Where to Donate in Oak Harbor

 

Does anyone else breathe a huge sigh of relief when you’ve purged your home off all the extra stuff that has been cluttering up your house? It’s that time of the year again, Spring cleaning season is here! It can be a bit daunting to think of all the things you need to need to get rid of and where to take them… SO we’ve made that part easy for you! Here are a few of the great places where you can donate your old items for a new lease on life.

 

  1. Garage of Blessings

The “Free” store of Oak Harbor, the Garage of Blessings is an excellent place to donate your gently used items. In 2012, Kristina Miller opened her garage doors at her home and invited people to come and take what they needed free of charge. Now, with help from  Mike Rowe (Dirty jobs, deadliest catch… yeah that Mike Rowe!) and his team, the store has grown from its original location in Miller’s garage to its current 6,000 square feet location on Goldie Rd. Check out the video of his visit here… http://www.americastube.com/video/46qi7229tnp7?the-garage-of-blessings—returning-the-favor-with-mike-rowe . Anytime the Garage’s doors are open you can bring in your donations of gently used housewares, clothing, electronics, books, baby items, hardware, emergency food, crafts, and more.

 

  1. Island Thrift

Island Thrift is open for donations Monday through Saturday from 9am to 4pm. They accept a variety of gently used items such as clothing, toys, books, baby items, housewares, furniture, and more! (For a list of items not accepted visit their website here: https://www.islandthriftoakharbor.org/donations/ ) Island Thrift is also a non-profit organization  with a purpose “to enhance the quality of life in Island County.” Island Thrift’s sales fund programs such as the Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Island County, Boys and Girls Club of Oak Harbor and Coupeville, Oak Harbor Music Festival, Oak Harbor Senior Activity Center, Compass Health, Wildcats Robotics Team, and so much more!

 

  1. WAIF Thrift Store

The Whidbey Animal’s Improvement Foundation was founded in 1990 as a “place to care for pets and their people.” You are probably familiar with their adoption center in Coupeville and Cat adoption center in Oak Harbor, but did you know that they support and offer a wide variety of other community outreach programs? (For a full list check out their website here: https://waifanimals.org/programs/ ) You can donate your gently used items at the WAIF thrift store and help keep the WAIF adoption centers up and running, as well as support their other community programs. WAIF accepts household items, clothing, linens, jewelry, collectibles, furniture, and more!

 

  1. Upscale Resale

The Soroptimist International is a “global volunteer organization working to improve the lives of women and girls through programs leading to social and economic empowerment.” Upscale Resale is a thrift shop that helps support the mission of the Soroptimist International program, as well as supports their scholarship and grant programs. They are open for donations of clothing, shoes, jewelry, glassware, books, tools, luggage, lamps, and more from 11am to 5pm, Wednesday through Saturday. To see a full list of items they accept visit their website here: https://www.sioakharbor.org/upscale-resale/ )

 

  1. Habitat for Humanity Used Furniture Store

If you’re not sure where to take your large furniture items or appliances, Habitat for Humanity is happy to take them off your hands. You can drop off your useable items directly at the store or schedule a pick up at your home. (Call them at 360-675-8733 to schedule your pick up!) Habitat for Humanity is a “community of members who recognize the need for affordable housing” and by donating your items to the Habitat store, you are helping this organization continue to provide affordable housing and help “families achieve the strength, stability, and self-reliance they need to build better lives for themselves.”

 

So while you’re busy cleaning out all that extra clutter, why not make a difference in the lives of others at the same time by donating those items to one of these great organizations?

Windermere Best thrift Oak Harbor

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