Sustainable Spring Cleaning: Eco-Friendly Decluttering Ideas
As the melting snow begins to give way to warm, welcoming spring, the temptation to start anew with a thoroughly cleaned house may drive you to purchase cleaners and trash bags. But in the environmentally conscious 21st century, overloading your dumpster with discarded waste and belongings isn’t exactly in vogue.
Wasting water and purging packaging don’t have to be cornerstones of cleaning. This spring, let’s turn cleaning into a chance to embrace a greener way of living. Spring cleaning can be all about making smart decisions—from the supplies we choose to how we get rid of things we no longer need. By using earth-friendly habits, we help protect the planet while creating a cozy, well-organized home.
Sustainability Tips for Spring Cleaning
Keeping clean often comes at a cost—for Mother Nature that is. The average American produces around five pounds of trash per day, totaling to 1.5 tons annually for each person. Needless to say, the bags of paper towels and expired food that get put out to pasture each year only contribute to this astonishing statistic. Here are some simple ways you can curate an eco-friendly household while you tidy up this spring.
1. Use Earth-Friendly Chemicals
Many store-bought cleaners contain harsh chemicals that can harm our health and the environment. Synthetic ingredients in traditional products can worsen air quality and trigger allergies. Instead, opt for Green Seal-certified cleaners, which have been thoroughly tested to be non-toxic, biodegradable, and gentle on sensitive skin and eyes. In addition to purchasing green cleaners, you can create your cleaning products using simple ingredients like vinegar, lemon juice, baking soda, and essential oils.
2. Invest in Reusable Cleaning Tools
Skip single-use cleaning products like paper towels and wipes and switch to reusable cloths, towels, and mops instead. Instead of adding to the millions of tons of waste resulting from single-use products, find reusable options like microfiber cloths, dusting rags, and washable mop pads. You can even repurpose old clothes, towels, or sheets as cleaning rags to save money and reduce waste, giving fabrics a second life while keeping your home clean.
3. Conserve Water Usage
Cleaning naturally uses a lot of water, but small changes can help conserve this precious resource. Turning off the tap while scrubbing, brushing your teeth, or doing dishes can save hundreds of gallons each month. Using a dishwasher instead of hand washing also makes a big difference—it uses just four gallons per cycle, while hand washing can use up to 40!
4. Donate Old Belongings
In the words of Marie Kondo, don’t keep it if it doesn’t spark joy! When decluttering, consider donating instead of tossing unused items. Charitable organizations, hospitals, and shelters welcome furniture, clothing, toys, and jewelry, giving them a second life. Donating not only helps others but also reduces waste and conserves resources. Every item takes time, energy, water, and fossil fuels to produce—don’t let that go to waste by letting it rot in a landfill.
5. Recycle, Recycle, Recycle!
Spring cleaning isn’t just about tidying up; it’s also a chance to build better habits. Incorrect recycling can send entire batches to landfills, so remember to rinse containers and remove food-contaminated parts before tossing them in the bin. Even a few dirty items can ruin a whole batch. For electronics, check for special recycling programs at stores or facilities, as most can’t go in regular bins.
Decluttering Checklist
Cleaning can be tough when floors and cabinets are packed with clutter. Decluttering not only makes cleaning easier but also improves your mood, boosts productivity, and reduces stress. Once clutter is gone, it’s time for a deep clean! Use this room-by-room checklist to get started:
- Dust and wipe down fixtures, ceiling fans, and crown molding.
- Wash windows for a streak-free shine.
- Vacuum carpets and rugs.
- Clean out the refrigerator and freezer, tossing expired food.
- Scrub bathrooms, including tubs, showers, and toilets.
- Wash bedding and vacuum your mattress.
- Wipe down couch cushions and fluff throw pillows.
- Sweep patios and decks.
- Clear gutters of leaves and debris.
- Replace batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
- Swap out air filters for better air quality.
Storage Solutions for Spring Cleaning
Spring cleaning is the perfect time to rethink your storage solutions and create a more organized home. Start with bedroom organizers like bins, baskets, and drawer dividers to keep clothes, shoes, and accessories tidy. Bedroom storage furniture, such as bed frames with built-in drawers or storage benches, can help maximize space while keeping clutter out of sight.
Beyond the bedroom, head into the kitchen, where you can use stackable containers and spice racks to keep things neat. Garage storage solutions, like wall-mounted shelves and pegboards, can help clear up floor space for vehicles and recreational equipment. If you still need extra room, consider a residential storage unit. It’s an easy way to store seasonal items, holiday decorations, or things you don’t use every day while keeping your home organized.
Refresh Your Home This Spring With Anytime Storage
While finding a space to stash extra belongings during spring cleaning, your basement or shed isn’t always the best place to store sensitive items. Moisture, temperature changes, and pests can present challenges for wood, paper, and fabric. At Anytime Storage, we offer secure, climate-controlled storage units to keep your valuables protected year-round. Whether you need extra space for seasonal decorations, furniture, or sentimental keepsakes, our affordable and conveniently located facilities help you store with confidence.
Contact us today to find your perfect storage unit, and visit us at a location near you!