-our anniversary edition-

1 year of sharing the hi-5 with you

Happy National High Five (hi-5) Day!

hi-5

our top 5 picks … for everything design-related & more!

april 2021

Spring is in the air!

Buds are popping, birds are chirping, and after a long winter indoors, our houses need a deep cleaning.

Since we’ve spent more time in our homes over the past year than ever before, this may be the last thing you want to tackle, but a little effort and these helpful tips will get your house shining again.

Here are our top 5 recommendations for spring cleaning.

The rooms! The stuff! Just knowing where to start can feel daunting when it comes to a deep clean.

We recommend starting with a checklist. You can create your own, or there are plenty of great options online. The list will keep you focused and also give you a methodical approach to go through all the spaces.

It also always feels good to track your progress with a list!

People generally have too much stuff. We know we do!

Spring is the time to organize, donate, and get rid of the items that are no longer needed, used, have been outgrown, or are broken. Get the family involved with this one. Help kids make decisions on items they no longer play with and that can be donated.

Also, purge items as you’re turning over fall/winter clothes to spring/summer ones. Why keep that shirt that you like, but haven’t worn in a couple years?

Eliminating the excess in the house, makes you feel lighter and improves your mood and organization. A great way to start the new season!

Some people may want to make spring cleaning a marathon event and just get it all done in a day or two. However, that can feel overwhelming or it can be hard to find the time to dedicate an entire weekend to a deep clean.

Instead, use your checklist and break down items into manageable chunks of time.

Spend 15 minutes cleaning all the switch plates and doorknobs in the house. During other 15 minute segments, clean the ceiling fans, dust (start high to low), and wipe down baseboards.

Breaking down these tasks allows you to fit them in when you can and feels less overwhelming, all while allowing you to accomplish your spring cleaning goals!

These rooms are high-touch, high-use areas. They get used and cleaned everyday, but now is your chance to really organize and scrub those spaces.

Go through the fridge, freezer, and pantry, looking for expired food (hello frosting from 2015!?!), discard old items, get rid of small appliances you don’t use, clean every nook of your major appliances - fridge, microwave, dishwasher, range. Wipe down cabinets.

In the bathroom, if you have a shower curtain, wash or replace it, clean and organize cabinets, repair any missing or broken grout and seals.

Getting your house ready for the change of season doesn’t stop inside. There’s so much to do on the outside of the house too.

Clean the yard and driveway, get your lawnmower serviced and ready for the season, clean and prep the grill, tidy up the porch, deck, and patio, add fresh accents, clean the gutters, organize the shed, and garage. Also, consider power washing the house, cleaning exterior windows, and window screens.

Get ready for spring planting by cleaning out garden beds, organizing pots, and planning your gardens. 

It’s an exciting time of year and it is certainly time for a fresh start!