The snow is melting, and the window for winter sports is coming to an end. Getting out is a different kind of hassle with ice and mud, and cabin fever is a-brewing. Beat your boredom this month with this checklist of chores, knowing that you likely won't get around to them once the weather breaks.
1. Declutter the kitchen and pantry.
They say the kitchen is the heart of the home. It also tends to be where you gather, pay bills, drop everything when you walk in the door…you name it. Start by clearing all surfaces and giving the countertops, appliances, and backsplash a good scrubbing. Once you have a clean slate (and how lovely is it to have a clean slate?), put back only the items you use daily. For the rest of the counter clutter, find a home for it in a closed cupboard.
Depending on the size of your pantry, you can work on this project over the course of a couple days or tackle on a free weekend. Clear off the shelves and wipe them all down with a multi-surface cleaner and a clean rag. Don’t forget to sweep the floor and vacuum out any dark corners! Toss any expired food, and set aside anything you know you won’t use (donate to your local food bank if still good). Organize whatever is left into categories that make sense to you and replace on your beautifully clean shelves! You might even consider adding some storage baskets for those irregularly shaped items (lunchbox-sized snacks, potatoes and onions).
On the other hand, if your pantry shelves don’t make sense for the space, or are damaged, maybe it’s time for a full makeover! Build out the pantry of your dreams at OrganizedLiving.com, print out your product list, and order through your local Kenyon Noble today!
2. Clean your textiles and soft stuff.
Shower curtains, slipcovers, curtains, duvet covers, dog beds, throw pillows, etc. Throw what you can into the washing machine with some Oxi Clean, and spot clean what’s left over.
3. Spring clean your wardrobe.
Pull everything out and put it into a big pile and go through it all piece by piece. Some basic rules for letting go are listed below, but feel free to get creative and use whatever system works for you!
- The Minimalist's 90/90 rule: If you haven’t worn it in the last 90 days, and don’t plan to wear it in the next 90, you can get rid of it. Exceptions to this rule are formalwear and specialty items like ski gear.
- If it’s damaged, and you can’t fix it yourself or don’t want to pay someone who can.
- If you don’t feel awesome wearing it, or it’s not the right size.
Whatever you plan to keep, organize into categories and return everything to it's rightful home. Whatever you plan to part with, donate or sell any lightly used pieces and opt for throwing out anything that is damaged or too worn.
4. Clear clutter in the mudroom/entryway.
These areas tend to collect all those “homeless” items and seasonal gear. Go through all your baskets, shelves, and the front closet and organize all your findings by season. Store anything out of season in a clear tote for easy access when the weather turns, and replace what you know you’ll be using over the next 30 days.
5. Tidy your outdoor space.
Outdoor entertaining is still a ways away, but with the snow beginning to melt, your outdoor spaces are now visible from your windows. Get rid of those pumpkins you “forgot” to throw away after Halloween, clear out any leaf buildup, and maybe even shovel away the leftover snow. We’re all dreaming of warm weather, so why not make your space something to look forward to as well?
Winter can be hard on concrete and wood, as can that hot Montana summer sunshine. If your deck, patio, or balcony is in a state of disrepair, you might want to plan for replacing your decking sooner rather than later. Stop in at your local Kenyon Noble to explore our variety of weatherproof options, and be ready for entertaining over the summer months!
6. Inspect your home’s exterior.
On the next sunny day, take a walk around your home and property for a visual inspection. Look over the roof, siding, gutters, walkways, and yard and note anything that needs attention. Things to look for include any loose siding, damaged roof shingles, large branches, heaved concrete. Make a list of the things you find, prioritize accordingly, and plan to tackle each project over the next few weekends. Once the weather breaks and summer activities are in full swing, you won’t want to waste a minute on these chores, which makes March the best time to handle any issues.
7. Clean up patio furniture.
Outdoor furniture is expensive, which makes caring for it that much more important. Your furniture may have accumulated some grime over the winter months if left outside, or if it’s stored in a shed or garage, it likely picked up some cobwebs and dust. Give everything a good washing with an appropriate cleaner for the material, using a scrub brush for any stubborn spots. Launder your cushions and repair any damaged pieces, and feel free to put it out in your outdoor space once the worst of the weather has passed.
If you’re in need of new patio furniture, stop in at Kenyon Noble’s Bozeman location and preorder your new Polywood furniture to have in time for warm weather! Polywood’s weatherproof materials are built to withstand even the harshest of Montana winters, and their sustainable construction will make you feel better.
8. Tune, lube, and sharpen lawn and garden tools.
Check on your trusty yard tools and make sure they’re as ready for warm weather as you are. Check batteries on any outdoor power equipment, oil up your two-stroke machines, sharpen lawnmower blades and chainsaw chains, and give that lawnmower a tune-up. Make a list of any tools that need replaced or you’ll need for upcoming special projects, and visit any Kenyon Noble location tool center for expert help in finding the right tool for the job.
9. Dust high corners, ceiling fans, and baseboards.
Break out the shop vac — it’s time to rehome all those dust bunnies you’ve been ignoring for the last 6 months. Using an extension wand, clean those high and hard to reach spots. Add a brush-tip nozzle to the wand for your forced air vents, and bring it on down for your baseboards.
For your ceiling fans, nothing beats the Swiffer Duster Extender.
10. Plan your garden.
Fresh produce is always better when you grow it yourself. It’s time to till up your soil, secure a garden plot if needed, and start your seeds. Stop in at your local Kenyon Noble for a seed starting kit, special potting mix, garden hand tools, and any seeds you’ll want for your garden.
Save the Date: Kenyon Noble’s Garden Center opens April 27!
While do-it-yourself projects can be fun and fulfilling, there is always a potential for personal injury or property damage. We strongly suggest that any project beyond your abilities be left to licensed professionals such as electricians, plumbers, and carpenters. Any action you take upon the information on this website is strictly at your own risk, and we assume no responsibility or liability for the contents of this article.