March 12, 2015
Spring Cleaning: Get Ready To Move!
Spring cleaning is traditionally known as a time to thoroughly clean your house from top to bottom. It’s also the time of year when many customers consider putting their house on the market and moving to a new home. If you are considering a move take a look at our insider tips to get your home in great shape and help you get maximum value.
What’s the story behind spring cleaning?
The concept of spring cleaning has been around for quite a while. Wikipedia offers this explanation:
It has been suggested that the origins of spring cleaning date back to the Iranian Norouz, the Persian new year, which falls on the first day of spring. Iranians continue the practice of “khooneh tekouni” which literally means “shaking the house” just before the new year. Everything in the house is thoroughly cleaned, from the drapes to the furniture. A similar tradition is the Scottish “New Year’s cleaning” on Hogmanay (December 31), a practice now also widespread in Ireland, New Zealand, and to North America.
Spring cleaning can also be traced back to customs related to preparing for religious holidays such as Jewish Passover and Christian Lent and Easter.
The basics of spring cleaning
The basics include wiping down walls, ceilings and woodwork as well as deep cleaning of carpets, flooring and draperies. Move furniture to get areas that are bypassed during a regular cleaning. Upholstered furniture can be shampooed, seat cushions removed, cleaned and set outside to freshen. Then there’s dusting that includes clearing a shelf completely of its contents, ceiling fans, chandeliers and lamp shades. Open the windows to vacuum and wash window panes, sashes, sills and screens. Remember to open the windows to vent any fumes from cleaning products or floor wax.
Extras that can make a big difference
If you are planning to put your house on the market be sure to check a few areas to improve the overall look and value.
Inside: reseal the cement-based grout material between wall, floor, and countertop tiles to eliminate stains. Re-organize closets and storage spaces to look neat and sizeable. Oil any rusty or stiff door hinges so doors swing freely.
Outside: power wash siding or walls, decks, patios, outdoor furniture, driveway and walkways to remove stains. Wash outdoor umbrellas and awnings and don’t forget to clean outdoor light fixtures.
The great news is that a little bit of cleaning that you can do yourself will make your home sparkle for prospective buyers. Then we’ll look forward to scheduling your move. Summer is our busy season so book your move today to ensure your place on our schedule!