7 Tips for a Successful Summer Clean-out

Summer is the perfect time to make a clean sweep of your home to declutter, organize and refresh your living space. Whether you're planning for summer visitors, preparing for your kids' summer activities, or getting ready to move or sell your home, these tips will help you create extra space and make your home a haven.

Set Your Clean-Out Goals

Take a walk around your home and surrounding spaces and think about your clean-out goals. Do you want to remove clutter to free up a guest room? Clean out the garage to store sports equipment or park a new vehicle? Or repurpose your home office space or kids homework area? Trying to accomplish everything at once will only overwhelm you, so be sure to pick your top two or three priorities to tackle first.

Sell or Donate Unneeded Items

You can make a big dent in your clean-up by getting rid of items you no longer need or use. That set of weights you haven't lifted in 10 years? That old futon that's buried under boxes and clothes? Selling these items in a yard sale or on websites like craigslist or NextDoor will not only free up space but also earn you extra cash. Or you can help others and help the environment by donating unused items to a local charity or nonprofit group. If you haven't used an item for years and you haven't missed it, that's a good indicator that it's probably time to say goodbye.

Store Bulky or Seasonal Items

Another great way to clear space and get a jump on your summer cleaning is to put seasonal items and large, bulky items into storage. Winter clothes, winter sports equipment, empty suitcases and extra furniture are just a few of the things you should keep in a storage unit instead of taking up valuable space in your home. Storage units come in a variety of different sizes and can be rented for both short-term and long-term periods, so they're a perfect option when you need to make space to tackle any home cleaning or home organization projects.

Deep Clean to Refresh Your Space

Once you've stored your extra items and gotten rid of things you don't need, you'll find yourself with plenty of space for cleaning and organizing. Take the opportunity to do a deep cleaning of the entire space: wipe down walls, clean off ceiling fans, vacuum any airflow vents, and clean or dust the window treatments. You can even steam clean carpets and upholstery, wash any furniture covers, and sanitize toys and accessories. When doing a deep cleaning, be sure to wear gloves, use a mask, and open windows to avoid breathing harsh cleaning fumes for too long.

Clean and Organize Appliances

As part of summer cleaning and organizing, remember to take a look at the appliances in your kitchen and throughout your home. This is a great time to clean out the fridge and freezer, wipe down the microwave, and stop storing dirty pans in the oven. Some appliances may need their filters replaced, while others may need new batteries. And as always, remember to clear out unused appliances by selling them, donating them or placing them in storage. If you own too many French presses, waffle makers, or other appliances that you can't bear to part with, you can even place them in storage so you can use them or regift them later.

Use Simple Organization Hacks

Real life almost never matches the picture-perfect images in home design magazines. So, before you buy expensive organization accessories, think about what would truly make sense in the room or area you plan to work on. For example, simple adhesive hooks can help make use of vertical storage space in laundry rooms and closets. And clear, zipper-sealed storage bags can help organize everything from small items like jewelry or craft accessories to large items like bedding and clothing.

Keep Everything in Its Place

After the cleaning and organizing effort you've put in, make sure your home stays the way you want it to look with one simple rule: everything in its place. This means not leaving dirty dishes in the sink after meals, and not leaving piles of laundry where they don't belong. Make a habit of looking at your mail immediately and discarding junk mail or filing important papers so that unread mail doesn't accumulate. And in the kitchen, store or put away infrequently used appliances instead of leaving them scattered on your kitchen counters or dining table. A good rule of thumb is to keep frequently used items nearby, and less frequently used items out of sight. With a little extra effort, you can keep your space looking clean and well-organized.

At StorageMax, we have a variety of secure, convenient storage solutions to fit every situation. Whether you're moving, renovating, or just need the extra space, our storage professionals will walk you through the options to find the best fit for your needs. Contact us today at 662-430-3202 to learn more about our storage unit availability in your area. Rent Now!