Spring Cleaning for a Safe Home Environment
Spring is in the Air! It’s an age-old tradition to think about spring cleaning in your home as we enter into warmer, less snowy, weather in Minnesota. While you’re thinking about organizing your own things, make sure to think about those you love who may be living on their own as well. A parent, sibling, friend, or neighbor may need assistance to get their to-do list completed and a helping hand is always welcome if in-home care isn’t an option.Decluttering
It’s a great time to think about de-cluttering for the future. This can not only leave you less to dust or clean ongoing, but serve to make any future moves, packing, or home sales easier at that time! Here are a few questions to ask as you go through closets, drawers, or rooms:- Have you used this item in the last 2 years?
- Is this a sentimental item that your family would like to hold onto?
- Does this item bring you joy?
- Do I Need this in the next 6 months?
Once you’ve answered those questions, you can then decide what to do with them. Start 3 bags or boxes labeled: Keep, Trash, Donate. Choosing one drawer or closet to go through in a day or week can make the trips to donation locations, or trash bin fill-up easier on you and any helpers you have! Sorting through your items with friends or family can also bring back great memories and stories you can share or write down to pass along.
Rugs and Linens
Spring Cleaning can also be a great time to remember to check your home safety for older adults. loose rugs, rugs with edges that are lifting, or that have no grip can be trip hazards around the home and could lead to falls. Clear rugs from common walkways, hallways, near stairs or under chairs. Consider alternatives for wiping your shoes or removing shoes when entering your home to keep your floors dry.
Linens can also be bulk items stored in closets and drawers. Choose your favorite or most comfortable linens for each room to keep for laundry day switchover and consider donating the rest to the Salvation Army or other charitable foundations. Sheets and blankets should fit the size of bed you have and not drape onto the floor. Window linens should also not lay on the floor when hung up. Those items could also be potential trip hazards in bedrooms.
Refrigerators, Pantry, and Food
It’s very easy to forget about boxes or cans of food in pantries or refrigerators that get pushed aside or to the back. Regularly sorting, cleaning, and organizing refrigerators and pantries is important. Springtime is another great time to check in on your loved ones’ food storage.
Pick a day to check expiration dates on food items throughout the home. Toss anything expired and plan to use anything within 7 days of expiration. If something isn’t dated or labeled and you are unsure when it was put there, or what it is, it’s better to toss. Take what’s left out of the fridge or pantry to visually see what you have. Wipe down shelves and drawers with hot, soapy water or cleaning wipes and then sort front to back, oldest to newest. Then, you can make a grocery list for anything you are left needing for basic cooking.
Need help?
BrightStar Care of St. Paul can provide caregivers to help with basic housekeeping needs. We can assist with daily or weekly chores. Washing dishes, loading and unloading dishwashers, laundry, changing linens, sweeping, mopping, dusting, vacuuming, and wiping down countertops on a regular basis leads to a healthy environment. Caregivers can also do some small project work that doesn’t involve moving furniture or heavy lifting. Our caregivers can assist in sorting items one by one or sort and organize refrigerators and pantries. If interested in learning more check out brightstarcare.com or call 651-770-8427!
Caring Transitions Twin Cities Central is a partnership we have that also provides a variety of services for the Older Adult community and their families. Specializing in Relocation, Downsizing, and Estate Sales! Check them out at Caringtransitions.com or call 651-504-4040.