Spring cleaning with Tarina
There are so many things to love about Spring! The weather is getting warmer, flowers are coming out but one thing that we all dread is the start of spring cleaning after we’ve been rugged up in our homes during the colder months. But luckily for us, Tarina, our fabulous Interior Decorator has put together some of her favourite spring cleaning tips to help you get organised heading into the summer months. Everything from maintenance to “the cull” of your clutter, it’s getting a refresh.
Maintenance
It’s hard to ensure your home is picture perfect 365 days of the year, but staying on top of simple tasks like stacking the dishwasher with the mentality that “it’s only two seconds” will help you tenfold! Not only does it stop the clutter from building up, it makes the BIG spring clean seem a little bit easier.
When it comes to larger cleans (like spring cleaning), Tarina suggests breaking down the duties into specific areas and tackle them over a few different weekends. Whether it’s bathrooms and kitchen one weekend and spare bedrooms the next, you can dedicate your energy to one space at a time. Plus you only have to pull out the cleaning products for the areas you’re working on!
The same principal applies for your landscapes and exteriors! Tarina suggests plucking out the weeds or picking up dry leaves when you see them, rather than waiting for them to accumulate.
Organise and simplify
Tarina says the one key thing to help you maintain a tidy space is having everyone in your home know exactly where every possession belongs. From toys to the pots and pans. Knowing where everything belongs helps to eliminate a tornado of mess when you’re trying to find something specific.
She suggests grabbing some storage tubs, labelling them and grouping together similar items eg: crafts, technology, shoes, winter clothes and your summer clothes. By labelling them all, you know what’s inside without having to dig through them all creating a mess and taking you back to square one.
The Cull
If you’re anything like us, the cull is the most dreaded part of the spring cleaning process. A little birdie is sat on our shoulder telling us that we still need that sequinned mini skirt from four Halloweens ago but Tarina suggests letting go of what we no longer need.
Go from room to room and ruthlessly recycle, donate or just simply throw out the things that you no longer need. Start with your wardrobe then continue onto your bathrooms, pantry and laundry cupboards.
Take a look into your linen cupboards and see if you can donate any spare linens that you may have to any shelters in your area. The cull is also great for establishing what you have or what you need to replenish!
Storage
Probably one of the biggest headaches that comes with building your new home. No matter how hard you try, is that there will never be enough storage (or you just have too much stuff ?)
Nifty hacks can make the world of difference when you’re trying to declutter your home. One handy tip that Tarina swears by is using a bamboo basket to hold all of your day to day hygiene products so they’re easily accessible but aren’t taking up precious space on your vanity. Everything from your toothbrush to moisturisers and beauty products can be stored and they’re an affordable space saver!
Some of her favourite affordable storage units for around your new home are the BESTÅ, PAX, KOPPANG, ALEX and EKET. There are hundreds of online hacks around to personalise these to fit you!
Tarina also suggests using buffets, consoles or blanket box in your new home. Not only are they great for hidden additional storage, by placing a blanket box or storage ottoman to the foot of your bed can change the overall aesthetic of your room.
Enhance the ambience
Create an atmosphere that relaxes you. No doubt after a good spring clean, your home will be smelling fresh but here are a few more ways to enhance tranquillity in your surroundings.
- Draw back your curtains.
- Open your windows and let some fresh air in.
- Use natural cleaning agents with aromatic scents, especially on your surfaces and floors.
- Light a new candle or burn an incense stick.
- Flip over a few reeds of your fragrance diffuser.
- Buy yourself a bouquet of fresh flowers or gather some foliage from your garden.
- Turn on some of your favourite tunes.
- Cleanse and charge your crystals if required.
- Put a wrapped bar of soap or a fresh fragrance sachet in your chest of drawers.
- Water and fertilise your indoor plants.
- Frame a new family portrait.
All of these small suggestions will help your home feel more inviting, more homely and more enjoyable.
Tarina’s top spring cleaning products:
ECOVACS DEEBOT OZMO T8 AIVI Robot Vacuum
Bissell SpotClean Carpet Cleaner
Bissell Tough Stain Pre-Cleaner
Koh Microfibre Cloths (4 Pack)
Koala Eco Natural Multi-Purpose Kitchen Cleaner
Bondi Wash Non-Toxic Floor Wash
Chux Magic Eraser Spot Cleaner
Philips Fabric Shaver
BÄSTIS Lint Roller
Selley’s Rapid Mould Killer
Koh Spray Mop
Bamboo Stackable Basket
For all of Tarina’s Spring Cleaning tips, head to her Make It Sparkle bog to find out more!
All things art with interior decorator, Tarina
Not sure what art to feature in your new home? Or not sure how to make the most of your space?
We’ve got you covered!
Our Interior Decorator Tarina of oh.eight.oh.nine has shared all of her top tips for when it comes to placing art in your brand new home. From the kids bedroom to your entrance hallway. There’s something for everyone and every room in the house!
Furniture & flow with Tarina
Furniture. It’s not just storage or something to sit and sleep on, it’s an expression of your own style and personality. It’s also not cheap, so before purchasing any big ticket items, have a read of our amazing Interior Decorator, Tarina aka oh.eight.oh.nine’s, top tips to choosing furniture and creating continuity and flow in your home.
Prestart with Tarina: Window coverings
When it comes to window coverings, there are so many options these days. From blinds to verticals, sheers to venetians, each bring something different to a space.
To help you narrow down the perfect choice for your home, we thought we’d share some tips from our Interior Decorator, Tarina of oh.eight.oh.nine.
Tarina is building her second home with Homebuyers Centre and having only recently completed her own Prestart appointment, she had some great tips to share on the subject. Go on, have a read ?