Brighten Up Your Mops, Brooms, and Gardening Tools

Deep Clean Your Most-Used Appliances

Whether it’s your fridge, microwave, washing machine, toaster, or coffee machine — now is the perfect time to give your household appliances a good scrub with some cleaning tips. A deep clean keeps them working in tip-top shape and can keep you healthy. Over time, grease, grime, and food particles can accumulate, affecting just how well your machines work or how clean their output becomes.

How Long Should It Take: Approximately 1-2 hours, depending on the number and type of appliances.

Level of Difficulty: Moderate

How To: Each appliance will have its own cleaning requirements, but here's a general overview.

1. Declutter or remove everything from inside the appliance. That could mean taking everything off the shelves of the fridge, or disposing of your coffee maker's filter and grounds. This is an excellent time to dispose of expired foods or takeout you’re never going to eat.
2. Take out any removable parts and soak them in warm, soapy water. Dish soap and warm water in your sink work well.
3. Wipe down surfaces with a suitable cleaning solution. I like vinegar and baking soda because it gets rid of odors and the chemical reaction can actually lift grime and dirt. Plus they’re both food-safe.
4. Vacuum or wipe dust from coils, vents, filters, etc. Trust me, if you’ve never done this before — you will be horrified and never forget to do it again.
5. Reassemble and restock.

Clear & Clean Your Gutters (& Check Your Roof While You’re Up There)

No one likes to realize their home has water damage, and regularly cleaning gutters and inspecting the roof will keep the surprises to a minimum. Leaves, debris, and even pests can accumulate in gutters, leading to clogs and water overflow that can damage your home's roof and foundation. Make sure you’ve cleared those gutters to keep rainwater flowing, especially if your home has lots of trees around it.

How Long Should It Take: 2-4 hours, depending on the size of your home

Level of Difficulty: Moderate

How To: Adjust this tip depending on if you live in a single- or multi-level home, and make sure to practice extra caution — feel free to have someone nearby keep an eye on you.

1. Safely climb a ladder to access gutters. Have someone hold the ladder for you and make sure to wear shoes with a good tred and ankle support.
2. Remove debris by hand or with a gutter scoop (make sure to wear safety gloves!). You’ll most likely find wet leaf clumps. Leaves fall into the gutters and when it rains, they stick together, clogging up your home’s way of redirecting water. You can use a leaf blower to lift some of the gunk too.
3. Once the big pieces are out, flush out remaining dirt. Then, run a hose down the gutters to check for leaks. Take note of where the water funnels out and make sure it’s away from the house, ideally downhill towards your street’s gutters or another water source.
4. Inspect the roof for damaged shingles or potential issues. Carefully walk the roof and feel for “soft spots,” where sitting water may have soaked into the roof, compromising the structural integrity. Cracks, punctures, or corrosion are common, but fixable.
5. Make the necessary repairs or consult a professional for assistance. Many fixes can be done by simply visiting your local hardware store. But for any extensive damage, be sure to call your home insurance company first, and then a recommended professional.

Protect Your Home From Pests

As the weather starts warming up, you may notice a few unwanted guests. Spring is a time when pests become more active, so don’t skip your pest maintenance or you’ll spend summer swatting away mosquitoes! Preventing infestations early on helps protect your home from potential damage and can make outdoor relaxation much more enjoyable.

How Long Should It Take: 1-2 hours, depending on the size of your home

Level of Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

How To:

1. Seal cracks and crevices to prevent entry points. The first line of protection is prevention. Bugs come in through windows, doors, crawlspaces, porches, and more. Do a quick walkabout to ID any potential entry points and close them off.
2. Remove standing water. Mosquitos love a resort-style pool so make sure your yard and surrounding areas are draining properly. Don’t let planters, wheelbarrows, chairs, or buckets fill with water. Turn them upside down to avoid creating bugs’ ideal vacation spot.
3. Trim vegetation and keep a distance between plants and your home. Plants bring bugs and while they’re not all bad, if they’re too close to your house, they may try to break in. Keep everything manicure to avoid a breeding ground for bugs of any kind.
4. Use natural repellents or consult with a pest control professional. Many pest control companies will come quarterly or monthly to spray and keep pests at bay. If you prefer to do it yourself, there are plenty of at-home kits or natural ways to deter bugs, like repellent plants or essential oils. Bugs are deterred by lavender, basil, peppermint, citronella, mint, and rosemary. Other solutions include neem oil, dryer sheets, vinegar, and Diatomaceous earth.
5. Regularly inspect and clean areas prone to pests, such as basements and attics. Be vigilant, and stay on top of those suckers!

Declutter Closets/Donate:

This spring cleaning checklist definitely extends to decluttering closets, creating a more organized and spacious living environment. Donating unused items not only reduces clutter but also benefits those in need. You’ll be better to make some space and your home will be easier to maintain. Looking to make some extra money? Try these sites for selling your clothes.

How Long Should It Take: 4-6 hours, depending on the size of your closet.

Level of Difficulty: Easy

How To:

1. Remove all items from the closet. Sometimes it has to get worse before it gets better. Don’t let the chaos deter you — it’s a crucial step in the process!
2. Sort items into keep, donate, and discard piles. Channel your inner Marie Kondo and ask “does this bring me joy?” If the answer is no — let it go. Also consider how frequently you wear or use the item. If it’s been six months or more (and the item is in season), you can probably live without it.
3. Clean and vacuum the closet space. Say goodbye to dust bunnies and hello to a blank slate. Wipe everything down and give your clothes or other items a clean place to live.
4. Organize remaining items by category or use. For clothing, some people like to organize by color, others by article of clothing like jeans, sweaters, and tees. Find a system that not only looks nice but will easy to maintain. If you find yourself never putting your sweaters back on their hangers, maybe find some baskets to fold and store them in instead.
5. Donate gently-used items to local charities or organizations. Or at least take it to your car. It’s ok if it sits there for three months. You’ll get to it eventually.

Change HVAC Filter

Changing the HVAC filter on your heating and air conditioning is a simple yet crucial maintenance task that enhances indoor air quality, improves system efficiency, and extends the life of your HVAC unit. While you're at it, there are plenty of filters throughout your home that need to be cleaned or replaced including your water filters, air purifiers, and laundry filters. Keep a running list of each.

How Long Should It Take: 5-10 minutes

Level of Difficulty: Easy

How To:

1. Turn off the HVAC system. You don’t want it to be blowing air out while you’re dusting and cleaning.
2. Locate the filter access panel. It’s usually on a wall and looks like a grate with a small door that open and closes. You may even notice dust accumulating on the outside. Go ahead and vacuum that.
3. Pull out the old filter and place the new one in. I buy filters in bulk so I have 6-12 at a time. I replace my filter once a month and only have to purchase filters 1-2 times a year. Each unit will have specific filters or sizes. Consider buying higher end filters if you have lots of pets or live somewhere that’s dusty or sandy often.
4. Install a new filter, ensuring it's positioned correctly. It should slide right in, filling the existing hole in your system.
5. Turn the HVAC system back on and keep an eye on it.

​Other Home Maintenance Tasks To Add To Your Spring Cleaning Checklist

• Check your windows and doors, and their weatherstripping, to ensure a proper seal and prevent drafts.
• If you’ve been using your fireplace all winter, give it a good clean before closing it up for the season.
• Fluctuating temperatures can be hard on your pipes. Inspect them for leaks or corrosion.
• Prepare your outdoor living space for epic get-togethers. Wipe down patio furniture and clean your grill.

Looking for a full list of home maintenance tasks for your spring cleaning checklist? Check out my Homeowner Handbook, which includes seasonal cleaning tasks that make caring for your home so much easier. In addition to checklists for every season, it also includes an easy way to organize your home DIY projects, warranties and key home information, as well as a glossary of helpful terms and power tool cheat sheets.

The goal in keeping up with home maintenance is not only to keep your home looking beautiful, but to protect your investment and ultimately YOU. A healthy environment makes for a healthier you. And if we can avoid costly repairs by checking a few times each year, why wouldn’t we? Just a few hours a week can mean the difference between spending your bonus on a summer vacation or a new HVAC unit.

Together, we can hold each other accountable and tackle those daunting yet necessary tasks. If no one has told you today, I’m proud of you for creating and caring for your home, and by extension, yourself!

Desk Drawer Organizer

Use this set of 32 containers in your desk, cabinets, closets, and more to organize all the little necessities in your life, from pencils and pens to makeup and hair accessories.

Get a Grip Mop and Broom Organizer

Install shelves, hooks, and racks on walls to make use of all your vertical space for storage. This can free up floor space and make your small space feel less cluttered.

Wall-Mounted Mail Organizer

Add this to your entry area for incoming mail, bills, and all the things you need outside, like keys and bags.

Mobile Filing Cabinet

Declutter your digital space by organizing files into folders, unsubscribing from unnecessary emails, and deleting old or unused apps.This filing cabinet doesn't look like your typical cabinet and can store all your tech, like your printer and charging station.

12-Pack Storage Bins

You can never have too many storage bins. This colorful 12-piece set can be used for art supplies, pantry items, socks, nursery items and more.

Backseat Organizer

Got kids? Car messes are a given. Create a backseat organizing station to keep messes at bay.

Makeup and Nail Polish Organizer

Makeup can make a mess in your bathroom. Store it all away in this neat caddy.

Art Supply Organizer

Stow away art supplies, from yarn to paint to kids art supplies, in this colorful rolling organizer.

16 Pair Shoe Storage Cabinet

Keep shoes organized and your floors clear with this 16-pair cabinet.

Pant Hangers

Use slimline hangers to maximize closet space. You can also hang multiple items like scarves, belts, or ties on a single hanger using shower curtain rings.

Shelf Dividers

Keep sweaters, blankets, scarves and more tidy with these handy shelf dividers.

Sweater Organizer

Store seasonal items in these containers for when winter fades away.

Yamazaki Purse Organizer

Keep your favorite bags organized in your closet for easy reach.

6-Shelf Hanging Closet Organizer

Take advantage of vertical space with two three-shelf hanging shelves with three drawers for the perfectly organized closet on a budget!

Etsy Personalized Earring Holder

Organize your earrings with these sweet holders you can personalize. They make great gifts!

DIY Dreamcatcher Earring Caddy

Prefer to DIY? Check out this throwback project that gives your earrings good vibes and keeps them easily within view. (via Brit + Co.)

Jewelry Organizer With Earring Tray

Organize your necklaces, bracelets and earrings with this minimal jewelry organizer.

The Ultimate DIY Accessory Organizer

If all your jewelry won't fit on this huge organizer, you might have a hoarding problem. (Guilty!) (via Brit + Co.)

LED Light Jewelry Organizer

Keep your jewerly hidden in this vanity-style box with LED light.

DIY Wall Jewelry Organizer With Frame Front

We love the look of this for earrings and necklaces, and we could slide a few love notes in the picture frame front. (via House Full of Handmade)

Etsy Wipeable Weekly Planner

Let's not forget mental organization — it's just as important as home organization.

DIY Magnetic Whiteboard Calendar

Get your life organized with a weekly planner that's in clear view. Update every week! (via Damask Love)

Canvas Half-Wall Organizer

This elegant wall organizer is perfect for crafts, gardening, desk and art supplies -- all the little things you need in life.

DIY Wooden Bungee Organizer

Why settle for a boring shelf when you can easily make these? (via Brit + Co.)

Boho Printed Laundry Hamper

Brighten your laundry day with this boho-painted hamper.

Painted Laundry Basket

We're not sure if all the wash would actually get put away if we had one of these, but we'd still like to try it out and see if it solves our laundry pile issues. (via Brit + Co)

Filerix Portfolio Organizer with Clipboard

This organizer keeps your wallet, notes, calendar, receipts, and more organized in one pretty place.

DIY Notebook Organizer with Envelopes

This is genius! We're always tucking notes and receipts and business cards and who knows what into our notebooks, and now there is a great way to keep it all in there. (via Simple As That)

Skip Hop Grab & Go Stackable Food Container Set

Keep kid snacks organized for lunch and on the go with this stackable food container.

Repurpose Easter Eggs as Snack Containers

Does anyone else have a ton of plastic eggs lying around post-Easter? Now we for sure won't be throwing ours out. Yay for upcycling! (via A Kailo Chic Life)

World Market Natural Seagrass Utility Basket

Use these storage bins to store items in closets, under beds, or in cabinets.

DIY Storage Basket Centerpiece

It's amazing what you can do with some crates and paint. (via Brit + Co)

H&M Rainbow Hanger Rack

DIY Rainbow Hook Organizer Rack

This ivory rainbow organizer is a total DIY masterpiece. Consider hanging it by the front door for keys. (via A Bubbly Life)

Scout Regalia Wall Rack

Make a statement with this colorful wall rack in the kitchen, bedroom, or entry.

DIY Accessory Organizer

Admire your accessories with this simple shelf organizer, which is a total upgrade for any entryway. (via Brit + Co)

Wayfair Ladder Bookcase

Available in more than 10 colors, this ladder bookcase is the perfect addition to your living room.

DIY Ladder Shelf

Add some storage to that neglected corner with this easy to DIY ladder shelf. (via Brit + Co)

Storage Rack Boltless Shelving

Easy to assemble, these five adjustable shelves will keep your books and things organized and within reach.

DIY Modular Crate Bookcase

What a cute way to turn old crates into a colorful storage unit. Try a mix of colors for a mod effect. (via Brit + Co)

​What To Expect In Your Weekly Horoscope: April 29 To May 5

The planets Venus and Mars feel at home, meaning your love life is about to experience that same feeling.

We've ended April fully intact post-eclipse season and Mercury Retrograde. With the moon continuing to wane, this is an ideal period for you to slow down and release. As the moon loses its light each day, it ignites momentum for you to release the unwanted. The Sun, being in the sign of Taurus, extends stability for you to become more solid instead of impulsive.

The love planets, Venus and Mars, enter their dignity signs, Taurus and Aries. This moment will grant you grace and grit as you navigate your relationships these next several weeks. Venus enters Taurus on April 29, and it will beautify your outlook on things that involve creature comforts and love. Indulge yourself by booking a spa or self-care day that invokes the spark inside you, adding the confidence you need. Starting on April 30, Mars in Aries will power up your motivation while adding fuel to your fire involving your passion. This fuels the need for instant results, but practicing patience and optimism will buffer out the impulse. Watch your temper or for those around you who seem to have a short fuse. (Aries energy has a knack for this.) Be observatory in line with conflict.

May 1 is a powerful day as the love planet Venus faces the need to transform with Pluto – it will make love or self-worth feel like a pressure cooker.

Under pressure, Venus in square with Pluto can manifest as power and control issues between love and values. This is the moment to embrace change involving your desires. The split between wanting stability with Venus in Taurus and the radical energy of Pluto in Aquarius can lead to a powerful transformation in your love story while opening the path to realizing your worth. There is a part of you or the relationship itself that needs to evolve to attract a healthier outcome. Hold still, and don’t react. Just observe your environment. Take this as a sign to reevaluate your priorities in your relationship and everything else that can deflect you from living authentically.

Get ready to be “comfortably uncomfortable” because Pluto retrograde starts this week.

If you are unsettled, this Pluto retrograde phase (until October 11th) will help you see clearly what needs to be released from your trajectory to make room for positive changes. It's not a period to control or remain in harsh environments or situations. This can fall in line with unhealthy habits or relationship patterns. It's the moment to let go. Luckily, Mars will ignite that boost and positivity when this retrograde begins when it forms a sextile to Pluto on May 3rd. This phase will enable you to embrace the idea of facing the unresolved and powering through without looking back.

Key Dates For Your Weekly Horoscope

• 4/29 Venus enters Taurus
• 4/30 Mars enters Aries
• 5/1 Venus square Pluto
• 5/2 Pluto Retrograde
• 5/3 Mars sextile Pluto

Weekly Horoscope For Your Sign

Aries

Although it's past your birthday season, the spotlight continues to shine on you. Mars entering your sign this week will power up your mojo. Whatever you have your sights on, be sure to initiate, not wait on the sidelines, because that is how you can experience early burnout. The Venus square Pluto can make you feel like you are facing a dead end with your friends or networks. Don’t stress about the results. When your ruler, planet Mars, sextiles Pluto, you will get your second wind as you learn to discern your connections. Assess your connections and those who reflect your values. Remember to hold to your vision and belief. The right people will support your future visions in time. It all begins with you this week.

Taurus

You will begin to see life around you as a work of art. Venus, your ruler planet, crosses into your first house of self-image, confidence, and identity. This can be a great week to indulge in self-care and upgrade your look. Venus beautifies whatever it touches; you will be magnetic in this sector. Book a photoshoot or update your dating profile, and you will likely attract a flow of potential love partners. The Venus square Pluto this week will trigger you to realize your worth in your professional and personal life. It can present challenges with authority. However, you will be equipped with the ingenuity to stand your ground with grace. Later this week, when Mars sextiles Pluto stemming from your twelfth house, it will grant you a new pattern of thinking that will enable you to establish the terms in your career direction.

Gemini

These last few weeks have been lowkey. The tempo will rise this week, involving your ideas as Mars enters your third house of communication. With Venus also entering your twelfth house of the subconscious and dream realms of life, there will be an overflow of inspiration that may be hard to grasp. Take a moment and journal about everything that comes to mind regarding what needs to be improved or beautified in your life. The Venus square Pluto will ignite a phase of you realizing that you must stay true to yourself while empowering you to embrace your nonconformist ways. By the end of this week, you will feel a renewed sense of understanding of your purpose. Clearing out the unnecessary dialogue and finding your inner voice is a great place to start.

Cancer

This week emphasizes social connections and future ambitions for you. Venus in Taurus energizes friendships and group activities in your 11th house, while Mars in Aries fuels your professional drive in the 10th house. Be mindful of power struggles involving friendship circles or networks, especially when Venus squares Pluto. Diplomacy is key. If you feel a bit of shade, learn how to deflect instead of adding fuel to the fire. Mars sextile Pluto encourages profound transformation and growth, urging you to confront inner fears. Prioritize self-care amidst career demands to avoid burnout. There will also be a lesson regarding boundaries and the power of saying “no." Overall, balancing socializing with career pursuits, maintaining boundaries, and embracing opportunities for personal development will be your main vibe this week. Trust your intuition when navigating challenges, and you will emerge stronger spiritually.

Leo

There is a lot of action for you this week, Leo, with your career, beliefs, and relationships. With Venus in Taurus boosting your professional aspirations in your 10th house and Mars igniting your thirst for knowledge in the 9th house, you're in for an exciting ride. Be ready for some intensity in your relationships as Venus squares Pluto, but don't worry, you've got this. Embrace the transformative opportunities coming your way with Mars sextile Pluto. Remember to find that perfect balance to keep things harmonious. Dive deep into open communication and mutual respect with your partner, and watch as your connection blossoms. Discuss your long-term ventures or visualize your dreams. Take time for yourself, nurture your spirit, and trust your intuition—it'll lead you to profound discoveries.

Virgo

This week is all about exploration and transformation for you. With Venus igniting your curiosity in the 9th house and Mars urging you to dive deep into vulnerability in the 8th house, a lot of inner growth is happening. Watch out for power struggles in relationships, especially with Venus square Pluto. Welcome those challenges—they're growth opportunities, especially with Mars sextile Pluto supporting you in facing the unknown and learning the importance of igniting change in your narrative. Focusing on financial planning and collaborations in your career would be best. Stay on top of your game at work by factoring in those who align with your interests. Regarding your job or your personal life, trust your instincts and make a move if you feel called to step up in your life direction, Virgo.

Libra

Expect inner growth opportunities involving your relationships this week, Libra. With Venus in Taurus sparking intimacy in your 8th house and Mars igniting passion in partnerships in the 7th house, your connections are intense. Watch for power struggles, especially with Venus square Pluto powering up a voice or feeling you didn’t know existed. Justice will be on your side when Mars sextiles Pluto, helping you see a clearer picture of your stance on love or close connections. Trust your instincts and communicate openly to strengthen bonds. Remember to capitalize on your well-being and integrity to keep yourself in check.

Scorpio

Scorpio, this week is a blend of relationships, work life, and home matters for you. Venus in Taurus sparks partnership harmony or the need to refine it, while Mars in Aries amps your energy for work and health routines. However, watch for tensions at home due to Venus square Pluto, and utilize this interchange to deepen emotional bonds. Focus on open communication and balance amidst any challenges. In relationships, prioritize understanding, stay productive in work, and care for your well-being. Navigate with patience and aim for harmony at home, especially with family responsibilities. Trust your inner strength to guide you through any turbulence, Scorpio—it's your power source.

Sagittarius

Slow down and pay attention to your process of taking care of your mind and body, Sagittarius. With Venus in Taurus in your 6th house, focus on improving your daily routines and well-being. Begin a new fitness regimen or establish a self-care practice. The body is a temple and begins with how you view yourself. Whatever you wish to improve in your life starts with the body. As Mars enters Aries in your 5th house, it will stir fire (your element), and you will feel more passionate than usual. Reignite your connection with your romantic partner or start a new creative venture. This is the week to dial down and become more intentional in your process of life and what stirs your heart. Feel again, and your paradigm will shift.

Capricorn

This week revolves around fulfillment, home life, and financial matters. Venus enters Taurus in your 5th house, inspiring you to express yourself creatively and find joy in your hobbies. Mars moves into Aries in your 4th house, energizing your domestic sphere and prompting action on home-related projects. However, be cautious of power struggles around money or values as Venus squares Pluto. Accept the potential for transformation and empowerment with Mars sextile Pluto, especially regarding your financial security and family dynamics. Become open to receiving input from your loved ones to clear the air or establish a better path with your family unit.

Aquarius

This week is all about communication, emotional security, and personal growth. With Venus in Taurus in your 4th house, focus on nurturing your emotional well-being and finding comfort in your home environment. It's time to orchestrate a spring cleaning or beautify your surroundings. This will attract a flow of opportunities involving prosperity. When Mars enters your 3rd house, it will energize your communication style and prompt action on your ideas and plans. This will be an ideal week to get your message and witness movement. Practice your pitch or message by writing it down or speaking aloud to establish confidence. You will be heard. However, be mindful of power struggles, especially concerning your identity or self-expression, as Venus squares Pluto. Prioritize open communication, integrity, and truth when handling any challenges.

Pisces

Focus on your inner dialogue, finances, and personal beliefs this week, Pisces. Venus entering Taurus in your 3rd house will ignite heartfelt conversations and harmonious interactions with siblings or neighbors. Be mindful of power struggles concerning communication or hidden influences, go within, and analyze the state of your connections energetically as Venus squares Pluto. Prioritize clear and compassionate communication when handling any conflicts. This is your opportunity to clear the air with any message that was left unresolved and make amends. As Mars moves into Aries in your 2nd house, it will motivate you to take initiative towards your stability and self-worth. To gain the upper hand is to face your subconscious patterns, and Mars sextile Pluto this week will extend the solution for you to learn how to rewire yourself into a better version.