By Brentnie Daggett
Springtime is upon us, and we all know what that means: spring cleaning time!
The truth is this past winter has been tough across most of the country, with lots of time spent inside and out of the inclement weather plaguing us from coast to coast. This may have caused many of us to examine our abodes, noting needed (or wanted) upgrades, changes or decorating refreshes—not to mention areas that were asking for a deep clean or better organization.
Where should you start? With the weather predicted to stay a bit stormy for a few more weeks in most places, it might be a good time to get to work on your house—and read some books while you’re at it. Sound unrelated? It doesn’t have to be. These four books can help you tackle your spring tasks with renewed vigor. Better yet, you can read and clean at once if the book has an audio version and listen to tips in real-time that you can implement in your home during the gray days of early spring. Otherwise, find a cozy place to curl up and read the old-fashioned way before you dive into your to-do’s.
Books for Spring Cleaning Inspiration
There may be some big cleaning projects on your list this spring, but try not to forget about the daily tasks that make a house run like a Swiss watch. Try listening to “Sink Reflections” by Marla Cilley; she shares the home basics that have helped many families create a doable housekeeping routine and break down seemingly unmanageable chores into simple steps. Her tips and tricks help mess-makers who need a little extra structure. The author stands ready to offer humor and the occasional finger wag to those who need an extra push.
Housekeeping may not sound very exciting, but there’s an art and science to it, according to Cheryl Mendelson. Her book “Home Comforts: The Art And Science Of Keeping House” is a great read for anyone looking to tap into some traditional knowledge about the nitty gritty of housekeeping work—things your grandmother would have known and may not have told you. She also gives tips for ongoing maintenance of your space to create efficiency, and touches on topics like home cooking, laundering techniques, floor care for various surfaces, and even insurance.
The Book To Help With A Spring Declutter
“The Sentimental Person's Guide to Decluttering” by Claire Middleton is a must-read for those who tend to find memories attached to everything in their home. Beyond simply giving some pointers for cleaning up, her book focuses on the reason sentimental clutter tends to build up, and how to part with it guilt-free. Whether you’re ready for a downsize or simply drowning in clutter, this book can help you find ways to declutter while honoring your memories along the way.
The Book for a Spring Refresh
Ready to refresh and restyle your space? Take a look at “Styled” written by HGTV Design Star winner, Emily Henderson. While this selection is not available as an audiobook, you’ll want a hard copy to peruse the photographs of beautifully-styled interiors. It even features advice on how to pinpoint your personal style by looking through your wardrobe to apply those features in your home. This book is the perfect choice for anyone looking for a read with a lot of visual interest—or something to grace your newly organized and sparkling-clean coffee table.
Taking care of your home, in both big and small ways, provides dividends. There is a huge amount of satisfaction that can be gained from keeping your home clean, organized, and maintained, and, if you are stuck indoors, it makes that time inside all the more enjoyable. Spring is the perfect time to uncover a new favorite book and use its expertise to ensure that your home is the oasis you dream about.
Brentnie Daggett is a writer and infographic master for the rental and property management industry. She loves to share tips and tricks to assist landlords and renters alike. To learn more about Daggett, and to discover more great tips for renters, visit www.rentecdirect.com.
