The true solution to procrastination is neither an exhilarating Ted Talk or a magic pill. It’s getting someone to help you with what you don’t want to do, so that you can focus on all the things that matter. And that is precisely why Taskrabbit exists. So with spring cleaning just around the corner, there’s only one thing you need to do: a to-do list. We’ll take care of what’s on it.
When is spring cleaning?
The last week of March is considered the start of spring cleaning, which usually coincides with the first day of spring, the 20th of March. By then, it’s warm enough that you can open your windows (at least for a few minutes) to bring some fresh air indoors, so that all the dust from cleaning and moving furniture, the smell of new paint, coating and wood polish goes away quicker.
What is the difference between spring cleaning and deep cleaning?
Deep cleaning is the idea of cleaning what you usually rarely (never) clean: behind the fridge, on top of the cabinets, inside the drawers, all the skirting boards, blinds, radiators and doorknobs. Spring cleaning is a way to give a fresh, new, inviting look to your home. And cleaning is just one aspect of it. Spring cleaning also means fixing any electrical or plumbing issues that have been bothering you for a while, rearranging furniture, getting new ones and recycling the old ones, painting some accent walls or just adding a new layer of white to your walls that have turned greyish over time. Maybe this year you can combine spring cleaning and deep cleaning with the help of some local Taskers?
What is the best way to spring clean? 8 tips to make big changes in your home with little effort:
1. Experiment with lighting
To dim or not to dim…You really can’t underestimate the power of good lighting in your home. The first step is counting how many lightbulbs are currently out. Then make sure you stay as far as you can from bright white (hospital-like) lights and opt for warm yellow light bulbs. But it’s not just about light bulbs. Lamps and colourful lampshades can also radically change the atmosphere of any room and make it much cosier. Finally, having a dimmer can also be a great addition to your living room or bedroom and a great way to save energy (the planet and your money). And if you think you might not have the electrical knowledge to install one, then just get a Tasker to do it for you. You can even ask them to pick up the dimmer and the lightbulbs for you before installing everything, while you proudly add a checkmark to your to-do list.
2. Take care of minor home fixes
How many times have you said to yourself, or to your other half, ‘I’ll fix it’, whether you’re talking about the jammed kitchen door, the leaky faucet, the mouldy seals by the sink or the wobbly drawer. But who has a few hours to spend on handy work when all you want to do on the weekend is anything that doesn’t have the word ‘work’ in it. So just get a handyman to do all of your minor home repairs for you. Hire a local handyman, plumber or electrician.
3. Save space with furniture
Consuming with no purpose is not what we mean here. We’re talking about finally replacing this chest of drawers that has one drawer that doesn’t open correctly or getting a TV that doesn’t suddenly turn dark. This new piece of furniture will make your life a lot easier. Maybe it’s a wardrobe by the entrance for the shoes, or a wall shelf to hang your keys and coats. Get help now to assemble your furniture or mount your TV.
4. Recycle, upcycle or donate
That is one important step that you can’t overlook. Spring cleaning is not a time for hoarding, so if you bought a new bookcase, chest of drawers or TV, don’t keep the old one ‘just in case’. Ask a man with a van to take your donations to a charity store if it’s still in okay condition, or to a recycling centre. Get someone to remove and recycle furniture.
5. Give a fresh lick of paint
If it’s warm enough to open your window, then it’s the right time to think about repainting some of your walls. Maybe you just want a pristine new coat of the same colour, or maybe you’ve been dreaming of an accent wall to add some pizzazz? Painting is an easy way to give a new, fresh feel to any room. Find a professional painter near you.
6. Clean like you mean it
Of course, cleaning is a must when it comes to a spring refresh. Especially as the sunlight begins to make an appearance, dust becomes more and more apparent inside your home. Good news is, you don’t have to spend your weekend scrubbing and polishing. Find a local Tasker to clean your home from top to bottom.
7. Share family moments
The more photos we take, the less we look at them. So take a moment to look through your pics from the past year and print the best ones. Then get some help from a local Tasker that will create a gallery wall under your guidance, and surround yourself with your best memories.
8. Rearrange and reorganise
What if you don’t want to get new furniture, deep clean your home, or repaint everything but still want a change. Well, re-organising your living room or kitchen by swapping furniture, rethinking your storage units, bringing your electronic appliances the closest you can to a socket can already make a big difference. And for any heavy lifting you need, there is always a Tasker that can help.
