We are mid-way through April – the halfway point of meteorological spring and you guessed it – it’s been a cold one.  We consider the months of March, April, and May as the “spring” months and since it’s not really feeling like spring, many have no doubt put off the annual tradition of spring cleaning. However, with the sun much brighter and temperatures rising come that feeling of wanting to start anew! Right? What’s a better way to start anew than to clean and declutter your house?

A clean that can immediately impact your mood and brighten up a home is the throwing away of expired foods. Even though this type of clean might seem simple, it will have an enormous impact and be just as effective. Remember, spoiled food can release harmful toxins such as mold into the air causing allergies and other health problems. So, remember to clean out that food pantry, refrigerator, and freezer.

Furthermore, a more thorough cleaning should involve removing any lingering dust from furniture, baseboards, ceiling fans and other areas and items that are often skipped due to our busy lives. It’s also recommended that if possible get carpets and rugs shampooed and floors steam cleaned. Remember, we shed dead skin daily and this becomes food for dust mites. Having all this done will result in significant changes in your mood and in the long run your health. Simply implementing a thorough cleaning of your house whether it be cleaning yourself or hiring a cleaning service is a start.

Of course, don’t stop there! Remember that any type of hoarding can cause stress and hypertension. The good news is that simply removing unnecessary clutter can make a big difference. For example, unused clothes that don’t fit family members or those teenagers any longer can have the impact of reducing your stress. While you are at it, don’t forget to throw out those toys that the kids don’t play with anymore. It can make the house feel lighter and put you in a more positive mood.

For the remainder of spring and the upcoming summer, if you haven’t done so already (when packing away for winter) don’t forget to steam clean those barbecue grills and fire pits. You’ll need those to take full advantage of the sun and fun that comes with it. Otherwise, that will be a bummer for getting in all that natural vitamin D.

At first, cleaning your house may seem like a daunting task but taking it room by room will make it much easier. Once the cleaning is done, your house will become a fresh, healthy and renewing place that you want to come home to day after day and especially after a stressful day at the office. Go spring clean while you can!