We’re going through a massive renovation right now in our home, and as such, we’re taking inventory of what resides in every drawer, shelf, nook and cranny and deciding what stays and what goes. In other words, we’re doing a very extreme version of Spring cleaning–last week we got rid of the cabinets.
But truly, we love Spring cleaning. The light is coming back out in New York and illuminating all the piles of mail, books, candles and stuff that has accumulated over the last year. It’s cluttered our homes, our minds, and our once beautifully clean coffee tables. Spring cleaning is a time to take inventory–both literally and figuratively–of what things just don’t serve you anymore and how you might better serve yourself in your space. Plus, when you get rid of junk, you usually are left with room for inspiration.
Last year, we worked with an expert organizer who whipped our basement into tip-top shape. She organized every tool, nail, screw and stripper into our own personal mini “Home Depot” as we call it, and transformed a junk space into a place where our team actually loves to work(If you’re in NYC & want her info, email hello@thebrownstoneboys.com with subject line “Organize” and we’ll set you up with a complimentary space refresh when you book!). She taught us so much about how to make the most of our spaces through storage, a lesson we’re now thoughtfully bringing to our clients! If you’re more of a DIYer when it comes to cleaning, we get it, and we’ve rounded up all the essentials for you below!
OUR SPRING CLEANING ESSENTIALS
The trick to setting yourself up for success with Spring cleaning is to go room by room. Don’t start too many at once, take it slow, and do one project at a time. The last thing you need to do is burn yourself out by unloading the contents of four closets only to end up shoving everything back in haphazardly.
KITCHEN
We like to start in the kitchen because we find it is usually the hardest. Throw out food that’s expired (yes, canned food and condiments, we’re looking at you), organize your spice rack alphabetically (you know you want to), and donate dishes you have too many of that are cluttering up your shelves. Do a deep clean of your dishwasher, wipe out your fridge and microwave like a responsible adult, and grab yourself some fresh flowers after for all your hard work.
Airtight Food Storage Container
CLOSETS
Closets can get scary very fast. There’s never been a better time to donate clothing, though (one of our favorite donation centers is Housing Works) and we promise those pants you’re sure will fit again someday just aren’t worth the trouble. Let go, and leave room for bigger and better things.
BATHROOM
Maybe it’s because we’re two people who don’t use a ton of cosmetics, bathrooms tend to be easiest for us. That said, replace your toothbrush, wipe your products down with anti-bacterial cleaner, and create a simple space to do your self care. Organization in this room really is everything!
CLEANING PRODUCTS
It seems weird to say, but cleaning out your cleaning supplies is a real thing. Get rid of the nasty broom that’s falling apart, stock up on some recycled washable rags, and get on the refillable spray bottle train. The future is now people! Plus, we love that these are pet safe + look way better in our cabinet than an old bottle of toxic cleaner.
