Find your fresh start with a new home at The Arbour
The Big Spring Sort Out
Spring is officially here and with it, the season brings warmer weather and lighter evenings. A time for a refresh, many of us will be feeling motivated to spring clean our homes.
Our homes at The Arbour have been designed with both style and functionality in mind. Clever built-in storage and sleek integrated appliances make it easier to keep your place clean and tidy all year round. Open-plan living areas offer bright, spacious and multifunctional rooms, ideal for clutter-free living. However, regardless of practical design, we all need to breathe some fresh air into our homes every now and again!
The prospect of spring cleaning your entire home can be an overwhelming one, but there’s no need to worry. Check out our top tips on how to get started.
1. Does it “Spark Joy”?
Take a leaf out of Marie Kondo’s book and ask yourself if items which may be cluttering up your home “spark joy.” Question whether you really need to keep every magazine you read, or if those shoes that pinch your feet are worth holding onto. The “spark joy” philosophy can really help you let go of items that have been cluttering up your home – and can even make room for some new spring pieces!
2. Get Dusting
Once you’ve decluttered your space, open up the windows and dust your home from top to bottom. Brush away the cobwebs by starting from ceiling lights and fixtures and work your way down to skirting boards with a microfibre cloth. Give the floor a good hoover and finish by mopping away any stubborn dirt and grime. Giving your home a good dust as we move into the springtime can help with making your spaces look clean and fresh and will also make any deeper cleaning much easier.
3. Turn Your Attention Outside
It’s no doubt that many of us will be planning to spend more time outdoors as the weather improves. Many gardens will have likely experienced some neglect during the winter months, so now is the time to sweep away any debris from patios and pathways, prune back unruly shrubs and even plant some new flowers, to really welcome springtime! Don’t forget to wash down any garden furniture too – this way you can fully enjoy alfresco living.
4. Get to Know Your Local Charity Shops
Once you’ve decided which items of clothing, furniture and bric-a-brac you’re keeping, turn your attention to the pieces that no longer “spark joy” for you. Clothing, furniture, toys and books which have life in them can be donated to your local charity shops (items which can’t be reused can be recycled via the Chelmsford Recycling Centre, located just a 6-minute drive from homes at The Arbour!).
Chelmsford locals are spoiled for choice when it comes to nearby charity shops – head to RSPCA Essex Mid and North Charity Shop, Cancer Research UK or Age UK, to name just a few. Specialist charity shops such as Oxfam Books and British Heart Foundation Home Store are ideal for donating particular items such as comics, books, records and large pieces of furniture. Pop in and donate your unwanted items – you’ll be supporting a good cause and might even find something special to take back home with you!