Simple things to spruce up your home
One of the benefits of moving a lot which I have done scores of times is to see how simply one can live. When you move you realise how much clutter one has that needs throwing away. So much paper, so many books, so many clothes that do nothing but take up room. One of the ways to make ones home more livable is to clear out the clutter. Just like we have useless hubs that nobody has read in months; Lets get rid get rid of it. Same at home too much unwanted clutter. So my solution set aside a time get two or three bins and sort out the clutter. Go through each room one buy one and remove all the unwanted paper and bin it. Then go through and remove clothing that has not been worn in 12 months either throw it away of give it to the many number of charity shops so someone else can use it for good. The same with books if you have books there you have read or unlikely to read in the next 12 months either make a wall by installing a large bookcase or give away the books or sell them to a second hand book dealer. Alternatively have a Garage Sale and sell the books together with other stuff you do not need. Encourage your neighbours to contribute their clutter to your Garage Sale and take a small commission for the sales. Furniture that is never used is unsightly or badly worn should be got rid of. Thrown away, given away or recovered and repaired.
Next get a packet of Sugar Soap. Mix the contentst with water. Wash down all walls and doors with the mixture. If necessary do this twice. Next Clean all light fittings, remove dust, grime, cobwebs etc. Clean and polish all door fittings. Make sure all doors and windows open efficiently. If they don't use simple maintenance techniques to make them fit. Sand or shave using a plane or electric sander to remove sticking points. Remove squeaks by putting grease and' or oil on hinges and locks.
Thirdly repaint all surfaces that are badly scuffed or marked. Firstly by spot touching the marks then completely repainting the whole surface with another coat. If the surfaces are in a heavy traffic area use gloss paint. Gloss paint is more durable and marks and scuffs can more easily be removed with cleaning. Choose co-ordinating colours. A paint shop can help you with this. They have charts which co-ordinate colours. Get the sample take home charts. As well you can take home the sample pots. The smaller the rooms the lighter shades of colours that should be used. Darker colours reduce the light and make the space appear smaller. To get a good finish every time sand down and wipe down the surface with a damp cloth. Do this between coats of paint. Use fine glass paper the superfine garnet paper. Always wipe down the sand dust with a damp cloth each time. Always allow the surface to dry between coats. Use good quality paint. By using good quality paint you will need to use let no of coats and so save time and get a better finish. Usually the price can work out the same as you have used less paint in the process.
Finally get peoples second opinion as a neighbour friend or relative what they think of your spring clean. How you can improve it. You could form a collective with your neighbours or friends to co-ordinate a spring cleaning sessions. What better way to improve the sociability of your neighbourhood and get to know your neighbours. Agree for instance to do three hours of work helping your neighbours spring clean in exchange for them doing the same. You may make friends have fun and lighten the load. Especially if it has been several seasons since a spring clean was done. Good luck. Cost $10 - $200 depending on paint use
