Make Spring Cleaning Last All Year. Here’s How!

What if I told you there was a way to make spring cleaning last all year round?

Don’t believe me? I don’t blame you! We have two young kids ourselves- and it’d take more than a fairy godmother to make that wish come true in the Martin house. But there is a secret to making the most of your spring cleaning- and, best of all, it’s not magic. In fact- it’s something you already know. 

Want to know what it is?

My grandmother said it best: A place for everything- and everything in its place. 

The secret to keeping making the most of this year’s clean out? Is taking a little extra time to rethink your home’s organization. 

You’ve done the work to clean up the holiday mess, wash the windows, and sort through your closet. Now, make it last. Here’s how.

Tackling The Monster in the Bedroom Closet

Did you know that most people only wear 20% of the clothes in their closet? 

Closets- especially in spare bedrooms or offices- become the landing pad for things we don’t want to think about. 

Out of sight, out of mind, right? 

The problem is this: unorganized closets are stressful to navigate and end up acting like a junk drawer. You know you have a spare raincoat around somewhere… but it’s impossible to find it when you need it!

The first step to stress-free, year-round organization is simply to take a good look at what you’re keeping. Donate old clothes and find a new home for odd ends first- then take a look at what you are keeping. 

Now- here’s how to make that decluttering last: Shelving and Storage. 

Most bedroom closets have a simple pole for hangers and a single shelf above. Shelving and storage racks make a world of difference when it comes to storing rarely used items and, more importantly, finding them when you need them! 

It’s time to build out your closet to do what you actually want! 

Adding wall to wall shelving is a great way to make the most of your walk-in closet. Making the most of high ceilings is a great way to store bulky seasonal items.

Live in a home with limited closet space? 

If you don’t have the luxury of a walk-in closet, expanding into a spare room or finishing a utility room can give you the space you need to store your family’s wardrobe, holiday decorations, and more. 

When it comes to finding new ways to utilize your existing floor plan, our team is genius. 

Let’s be honest- clutter is stressful. Especially when you know your home has the space! Whether it’s installing shelving and cabinetry to make the most of your master closet, reconfiguring your laundry room, or creating a clean space for off-season storage in your attic or basement- talk to us! 

Quick Kitchen Fixes

Kitchens are the modern home’s living room- the place where everything from eating to entertaining takes place. (Check out our 2020 Remodeling Trends Here!) Some of the best memories take place in the kitchen. But that also means this room gets messy… fast. 

Are your cabinets in need of a good clean? Wipe them down, inside and out. Often, when we move into a new home we just ‘guess’ at where to put things. Take a look at what’s inside your cabinets and drawers and consider moving things around to prioritize what you use most often- and where you use it in the kitchen. 

Say those same ‘goodbyes’ you did with your closet. No more stray tupperware lids, donate that random can of jackfruit (how did it get there, anyway???) Spring cleaning is a time for new beginnings. 

Now- treat your cabinets and drawers to the same buildout as your bedroom closet. There are so many options that can easily double your storage space and retrofit into your existing fixtures. 

Here are our favorite quick fixes:   

• Pull Out Shelving: Easy to install and perfect for seeing spices at a glance.
• Vertical Lid and Pan Racks: Make the most of tall, skinny cabinets or deep drawers- and never search through a pile to find the perfect cookie sheet again. 

• Slide Out Hanging Racks: This storage solution allows your bulky pots to hang inside your cabinets, tucked away until you’re ready to cook dinner.

• Heavy Duty Quick-Grip 3M Hooks: One of my favorite kitchen storage hacks. Install 3M hooks on the inside of your cabinet doors to hold awkward items- like ladles or pot lids

 

Your family grows and changes with time, and so do your kitchen needs. Sometimes updating your storage just isn’t enough if your home has become the go-to for the big Thanksgiving dinner. 

If you really want to see what your kitchen can do- talk to us. We work within your budget to give you the best remodeling experience for your lifestyle. 

A Living Room Really Made for Living

Custom-built storage can turn a disaster zone into a space with plenty of room for entertaining. Nowhere is this more evident than in your home’s heart: the living room. 

If your living room feels tight and small, you aren’t alone! Chances are it’s not the actual size of the space that’s holding you back- it’s how the space functions. Built-in shelving might seem like a luxury, but good built-in improvements can give your existing space the same freedom of adding a whole new addition to your home for a fraction of the cost. 

Consider this: 

Off-the-Shelf storage solutions can take up more space than needed and make your living room feel tight. Why? Because they never really “fit” into your space!

On the other hand, custom built storage maximizes space and frees your floor layout for stress free living. And keep in mind- ‘book’ shelves aren’t just for books. Great shelving takes the clutter away from end tables and buffets by giving you a great space to display family photos, store your favorite board games, add baskets for frequently used kid’s toys, and more. 

You can take the built-in concept even further if you have a bay window in your living room. Bay windows offer beautiful views, but have you ever noticed how it’s impossible to find furniture that really “fits” the floor plan? 

We can turn that awkward space into the perfect reading nook- complete with hidden storage- by building out a custom window seat for your home. 

Built-in bookshelves and window seat build outs aren’t just a great way to organize your living space, but they also add value to your home. Future buyers love build-outs because they know they’ll be able to take advantage of your great use of space when they move in. 

Making Your Home Yours

Organizing and decorating your house is personal, but sometimes it’s difficult to know the best storage solutions for your household size, hobbies, and more. Not sure what path to take? Need a hand with the installation? We can help! 

We believe in creating homes that aren’t just beautiful- but a joy to live in. Whether you know what you need or are still weighing your options, schedule a consult call here with our team to begin your journey to clutter-free living.