Pre-Spring Cleaning

I know it isn't anywhere near Spring, but after I take down the tree (needles everywhere!) and all the Christmas decorations, I'm ready to start cleaning and rearranging things, so that my home welcomes the New Year all fresh and clean. Don't get me wrong, I have a daily schedule that I stick to and it was already deep cleaned for the season to begin with, but after all the cooking, baking and general holiday madness, things tend to get put off, so on goes my apron and I'm ready to start. 

While I get into my cleaning adventures, I've included some random pictures from around the house, that I took over the past year or so.

First, I start by throwing all the blankets and linens into the wash, and while that's going I take care of all the surfaces that have been covered with Christmasy things by wiping them down and polishing them. 

Then the windows are cleaned with my vinegar spray, to welcome in the little bit of sunlight that we get at this time of year. 

I also wipe down all the sills and take out the screens to give them a quick spray with the hose. Later, I'll give them a good scrubbing with soap, but right now it's just too darn cold out there! Brrr.....

Like I mentioned, I also take this time to rearrange a few things. It must be the taking out of the tree that makes the house feel so empty. I'm not sure, but it puts me in the mood to take a closer look at the way I've placed things and move some stuff around.

I don't move any major pieces of furniture, because in a house the size of mine, there's not that many different ways to position them, but it's the small things like little tables, books and nicknacks. 

After that's done, it's time for the floors.... sweep, vacuum, mop and then the baseboards get a good scrubbing.  

I had already rearranged my pantry and cleaned out the deep freezer before the holidays, so no need to worry about that, but it's definitely time to start going through my closets and making some donations.  

I'll be doing that soon, but for now I'm going to relax, while I look at menu ideas for our New Years Eve dinner and enjoy my nice clean home :) 

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