Spring Cleaning & The Things You Don't Think About

It is the time of year when we suddenly feel capable of tackling that one menacing corner in the garage. The air shifts, light changes, windows wide open. Something in us is activated. It's go time.

But first...

What is Spring Cleaning?

Spring cleaning is the practice of cleaning and organizing a home during or before the spring season.

It usually goes beyond the weekly upkeep, and it includes the deep cleaning tasks we ignore the rest of the year. Things like the baseboards, kids' closet purge, game room wipedown, and winter coat migration. Some people choose this time to donate what no longer fits their life. Some opt to store away winter layers or decorations.

Across cultures, spring cleaning has marked the transition from winter into something new. After months indoors, homes accumulate dust, soot, and stale air. A thorough cleaning was practical, necessary, and symbolic.

While we're not necessarily sweeping out coal ash anymore...the instinct remains.

The Areas Most Homeowners Overlook During Spring Cleaning

When people think of spring cleaning, they think visible change.

The closets will look better, the counters are clear again, and the garage appears reorganized.

But we usually find that when routine maintenance is also done, the home flows --- reword this sentence all together.

If you are already going to put in the effort, here are the areas worth checking.

Check Your Medicine Cabinet and First Aid Supplies

Not just prescriptions, look for expired allergy meds, old sunscreen, half-used antibiotics, thermometers with dead batteries, and first aid kits that are missing the basics.

Spring means more time outside and more exposure to allergens. It helps to know what you have and to restock before you wish you had it!

Clean Out Expired Items in the Fridge and Freezer

In the name of Spring cleaning, you have to reach all the way to the back this time.

Condiments that have been open too long, or are expired. Dressings that separated months ago. Broth cartons you meant to use. Freezer items that have been there long enough to be questionable.

Check the Back of the Pantry for Expired Food

This is another one of those times where you've got to go all the way back.

Stale crackers, holiday supplies, the protein bars no one liked, the grains you bought once during COVID, and then forgot about.

Replace HVAC Filters and Clean Air Vents

This is one of the most important spring home maintenance tasks.

Replace HVAC filters, check bathroom fan buildup, clean range hood filters, clear the lint from inside the dryer housing.

In Austin, allergy season is not subtle.

Inspect Washer and Dryer Components

Laundry rooms absorb a lot of wear, and we don't really notice.

Check your washer hoses for cracks, wipe down rubber seals, clean machine filters, vacuum behind the dryer.

Inspect Outdoor Fixtures and Systems

Before the first patio dinner or gathering:

Check sprinkler heads, inspect hose connections, make sure your gutters are clear, test/charge/replace exterior lights, clean the grill before firing it up.

Test Smoke Detectors and Replace Batteries

This takes minutes and helps to prevent big problems in the future.

Replace/charge batteries, test alarms regularly, check expiration dates, swap batteries in flashlights and garage keypads.

Spring Cleaning Isn't Just About Appearances

A home can look organized and still have systems that are overdue for attention. Springtime gives us that natural checkpoint. You don't have to overhaul everything or to reinvent a new version of yourself. Unless, of course, you want to.

But to handle the small, functional details that make the rest of your day, week, month, and year smoother.

If you are already clearing space, consider clearing friction.

Sometimes Clearing Friction Means Delegating It.

If your list feels longer than it should, we’re here.