Spring is a season of renewal, and it’s the perfect time to refresh your living space, declutter, and clear out allergens. Continue reading to discover five spring cleaning tips for seniors, and how life at Hearthwood in Bartlett, IL, can provide you with a clutter and worry-free retirement.
- Organize Walkways
To minimize the risk of falling, it’s important for your living space to be safe to move through. Cleaning can be a tiring task, so these spring cleaning safety tips are important first steps:
- Ensure walkways are free of cords, shoes, bags, and other obstacles.
- Make sure rugs lie flat and place non-slip pads underneath to prevent slipping.
- Place frequently used items in accessible locations so they are easily within reach.
- Declutter by Category
Cleaning your entire living space can be daunting, and it’s hard to know where to start. It can be helpful to begin with a certain room or type of belonging. If you struggle to put your belongings away or keep them neatly organized, consider which items you actually use. Sorting items into keep, donate, or discard categories is a great way to make cleaning feel more manageable.
Downsizing for retirement is often time-consuming, which is why preparing ahead of time is important. Having less clutter in your home will make cleaning and organizing significantly easier.
- Give Your Kitchen a Refresh
How often do you check the expiration dates on the condiments and canned goods in your kitchen? It might be less often than you think. A good audit of your pantry is a great spring cleaning practice.
In addition to food, it’s also important to clean and maintain your appliances:
- Ensure your refrigerator is set to the proper temperature. Place an open box of baking soda inside to absorb unpleasant odors.
- Wipe down surfaces and appliances like your stove top, refrigerator, and microwave.
- Remove and wash your dishwasher filter, and use a dishwasher pod on an empty cycle to give it a nice, fresh clean.
- Empty crumbs from your toaster to prevent fire hazards.
- Remove your oven racks, clean them, and clear any food debris from the bottom of your oven.
- Check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to make sure they are working.
- Clean Out Your Medicine Cabinet
Similar to checking the freshness of your food, it’s important to make sure your medications have not expired. Remove any expired prescriptions, vitamins, and supplements, and properly dispose of them at local drug take-back sites like the Bartlett Fire District. Take note of any prescription or over-the-counter medications you need to replace, and talk to your doctor or pharmacist about accessing refills.
- Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help
Cleaning and maintaining a home can be a struggle at any age, and it’s normal to need an extra pair of hands. If you need help moving furniture, lifting donation boxes, changing lightbulbs, or other tasks that require higher levels of strength or mobility, ask a friend or family member for assistance.
There are also many services available for seniors to help with cleaning, such as MaidPro, a premier cleaning service in Bartlett with service options specifically designed for seniors. MaidPro offers both one-time and recurring cleaning services, and will even help with move-in/move-out cleaning for seniors who are relocating.
Worry-Free Living at Hearthwood
At Hearthwood, keeping your home tidy and organized is easier than ever. With bi-weekly housekeeping services, flat-linen laundry, convenient appliance maintenance, and chef-prepared meals, your living space stays clean all year round. By saving time on chores, you can instead enjoy luxury community amenities like swimming in an indoor pool, getting creative in the arts & crafts studio, or simply relaxing with friends while enjoying a delicious meal.
From maintenance-free living to spacious residences and beautiful, newly renovated common areas, Hearthwood’s warm and welcoming community spirit is here to welcome you. Contact us today to learn more about living at Hearthwood.
