Spring is finally here—and this time of new beginnings and fresh starts is a great opportunity to refresh your living space. And while "spring cleaning" may be the first thing that comes to mind, the reality is that it's better to declutter your space before you deep-clean it.

Not sure where to begin when it comes to decluttering and organizing your apartment this spring? We've got some essential tips and tricks to make this often-daunting task a lot easier.

The Benefits of Decluttering and Organizing Your Space

Why declutter in the first place? Believe it or not, cutting back on clutter doesn't just make your living space look better. It can actually improve your mental and physical health. Think about how you feel when you walk into a messy room; you might feel stressed, overwhelmed, or even unable to focus.

By cutting down on clutter in your space, you can reduce stress and get more out of each room. Likewise, you can improve your overall focus and simply feel better about where you live. And with fewer objects lying around, you'll be able to clean and dust more effectively. This, in turn, can reduce allergens and asthma triggers to help you lead a healthier life.

So, what steps can you follow to start decluttering and organizing your apartment today?

1. Set Aside Enough Time

Start by actually scheduling time in your busy life to focus exclusively on this task. You might not be able to get it all done in one day or even one weekend, but dedicating even a few hours here and there can make a huge difference. Rather than trying to tackle this project intermittently, consider choosing a weekend when you have no other plans to really focus on decluttering your space. If you want to have a little more fun with it, consider inviting a trusted friend or family member over to help you out.

2. Choose Specific Areas

The idea of decluttering an entire apartment can feel overwhelming. This is where it can be useful to prioritize two or three areas or rooms in your living space that need the most attention. For example, if your primary bedroom closet has gotten so disorganized that it stresses you out every time you open the door, you might make this a priority in your decluttering project.

And remember, the areas you choose don't have to be entire rooms. If you work from home, perhaps your desk needs some attention. Likewise, your kitchen pantry or bathroom vanity might benefit from a little TLC. Once you tackle the areas of your apartment that are in the most dire need of attention, you can move onto other areas with a greater sense of confidence.

3. Try the Three-Container Method

One of the most effective methods for decluttering is known as the "three-container" method. Specifically, start with three large boxes or containers; one is for items to throw away, one is for items to donate/sell, and one is for items to keep/store. As you go through each space you wish to declutter, each item should go in one of these three boxes.

With this method, you might be surprised at how much you're able to purge. Just be sure to dispose of any items in your "throw away" container properly. For example, if you live in an apartment home with a communal trash/dumpster, you shouldn't use this to dispose of potentially hazardous materials like electronics, batteries, and light bulbs. Likewise, if you're getting rid of larger furniture items, these should be transported to your local dump.

4. Take Photos of Items

It's common to hold onto items for sentimental reasons, even if they're no longer useful to you. However, these items can take up a lot of space and create unnecessary clutter.. As a "compromise" of sorts, you might consider taking some pictures of these items on your phone before you throw them away (or donate them). Having images of the items will help you remember and appreciate them. Meanwhile, they'll no longer be taking up precious space in your apartment home.

5. Keep an Ongoing "Declutter" Box

Even once you've decluttered your apartment, you can take proactive steps to keep it that way. One of the simplest yet most effective tips for keeping things organized is to keep a large cardboard box or other storage container in your closet. Each time you try on a piece of clothing that you no longer like, toss it in the box. You can also use this box to store anything else you come across that you no longer want or need.

Having an ongoing "declutter" box is a great way to gradually get rid of things, rather than waiting until next spring to have to declutter your space all over again!

6. Invest in the Right Organization Tools/Furniture

Last but not least, allow yourself to invest in some great storage pieces for your apartment. If you decide to sell off any of your old items, you might consider using some of the funds to purchase these pieces. Storage ottomans, for example, are excellent for apartment spaces because they serve both storage and functional purposes. Likewise, be sure to take advantage of under-bed storage solutions and over-the-door storage. All of these options are apartment-friendly and can be used to tidy up every room.

Some other apartment-friendly storage solutions to consider include:

• cabinet organizers
• drawer dividers
• damage-free hooks
• free-standing shelves
• baskets and totes

Start Decluttering and Organizing Your Apartment Today!

A little time, planning, and effort can go a long way when it comes to refreshing your apartment this spring. Once your apartment is decluttered and better organized, you can move onto the next big task of spring cleaning! From there, you can crack open some windows, relax, and enjoy your revitalized living space.

Still looking for a great apartment in Kansas City, Dallas-Ft. Worth or the surrounding area? Price Brothers is here to help, with properties to suit every need and lifestyle. Contact us today to find your dream space!

The post Time to Get Organized: 6 Decluttering Tips for Renters appeared first on Sorrento at Deer Creek Blog.

A clean and organized space will help you better enjoy your time in your apartment home. Meanwhile, your space will be more inviting and cozy for friends and family who may be dropping by!

So, where do you begin with deep-cleaning your apartment this winter? We've got some tips and tricks that will have your space sparkling in no time.

Time to Get Your Clean On!  

1. Start By Decluttering

Before you start dusting, disinfecting, or wiping down any surfaces, it's a good idea to declutter your living space. Taking even 20 minutes to put away items that have been left out on countertops or other surfaces will set you up for cleaning success.

That pile of mail that's been accumulating on your kitchen counter? Sort through it. The toiletries that have been strewn across your bathroom vanity? Put them in their place.

2. Wipe Down Those Windows

Another step you won't want to overlook when cleaning your apartment this winter is to wipe down your windows. At the very least, use a window cleaner to get rid of any smudges from the inside of your windows. If you have a ground-floor apartment, you might even consider getting ambitious and cleaning the outsides of your windows as well.

The secret to a streak-free shine? Use newspaper instead of paper towels to clean your windows!

3. Deep-Clean Your Kitchen

It might not be your favorite task, but giving your kitchen a deep-clean is a must—especially if you'll be entertaining friends and family soon!

Our advice? Start by wiping down and disinfecting all of your appliances. Then, do the same with your countertops, taking the time to move any small appliances (such as toasters) out of the way for a thorough clean.

From there, wipe down your cabinets with a degreaser, but make sure that it's safe to use on your cabinet surfaces first. Scrub down your sink to get rid of any stains and/or food residue, and your kitchen will be ready for entertaining in no time!

4. Don't Forget the Bathrooms

It's easy to overlook bathrooms when cleaning your apartment. After all, who actually enjoys cleaning toilets and scrubbing shower walls?

With the right supplies and game plan, cleaning your bathrooms doesn't have to be such a pain. Start by donning a pair of cleaning gloves (trust us—it will make cleaning toilets and other unpleasant crannies more tolerable).

Then, get to work with wiping down countertops, faucets, sinks, and other hard surfaces with a disinfecting wipe. Toss any towels, hand towels, or other linens in the wash while you're at it.

For showers and tubs, a good scrubber brush and all-purpose cleaning powder (preferably with bleach) will go a long way in removing stains and build-up quickly.

Meanwhile, a quality toilet bowl cleaner and toilet brush will remove water rings and the like. Don't forget to wipe down any mirrors with a glass cleaner to remove smudges, stray toothpaste, and other residue.

Once your bathroom is looking sparkly clean, take one more step and hit the toilet flusher and door knobs with a disinfecting spray.

5. Vacuum Carpets and Rugs

Most apartments have carpeting at least throughout the bedrooms and hallways. These carpets can see a lot of foot traffic, so taking the time to thoroughly vacuum can make all the difference.

Even if you already vacuum your carpets and rugs on a regular basis, it's a good idea to "deep-clean" by moving furniture around so you can vacuum harder-to-reach areas. This is also a good time to use your vacuum's hose attachment around baseboards, where dust and debris tend to accumulate.

6. Mop Hard Floor Surfaces

Whether you have tile, hardwood flooring, laminate flooring, or vinyl flooring, these surfaces should also be disinfected as part of your apartment cleaning routine. Take time to mop hard floors in bathrooms, entryways, and kitchens. You may also want to wipe around baseboards and/or trim for a deeper clean.

Different types of flooring may need to be mopped or disinfected in different ways, so exercise caution here to avoid damaging your floors.

7. Dust Every Nook and Cranny

Last but not least, take time to dust every nook and cranny as thoroughly as you can. A quality dusting wand can make this task a lot easier, especially if you can snag one with a telescoping handle for those harder-to-reach places.

If your apartment has ceiling fans, don't forget to dust the fan blades. Did you know your ceiling fan blades should be set to spin clockwise during the winter for optimal airflow? This might also be a good time to adjust the direction of your ceiling fans.

Bonus Tips for a Successful Clean

Now that you know what it takes to clean your apartment, here's some other practical advice to make your work more enjoyable:

1. Get motivated with music! Create a high-tempo playlist that will keep you energized throughout your cleaning.
2. Start with easier tasks (such as dusting and decluttering) and work your way up to more labor-intensive ones.
3. Treat yourself! Allow yourself to order carryout from your favorite restaurant after you're done. After all, why dirty that kitchen you just spent all that time cleaning?

Relax and Enjoy Your Clean Apartment!

Deep cleaning your apartment can be time-consuming, but all your efforts will be worth it when you can step back and admire your sparkling clean living space. From there, it's just a matter of keeping up with daily cleaning tasks (such as vacuuming and dusting) to keep your apartment looking great.

Once your apartment is looking its best for the winter season, you can sit back, relax, and cozy up. Who knows? With your apartment home looking so good, you might even feel motivated to update your living space décor, or rearrange your furniture

Whether you'll be hosting loved ones for get togethers or simply want to usher in the new year with a clean living space, it's a good idea to treat your apartment to a deep cleaning this time of year.

The post 7 Cleaning Tips to Make Your Apartment Sparkle This Winter appeared first on Sorrento at Deer Creek Blog.