For Floridians, the beginning of Spring is just a date on the calendar. The weather doesn’t change all that much, instead gradually warming until we get to the hot, humid days of summer. Still, it’s a good time to do a thorough annual cleaning of your home and take stock if all your possessions. For seniors, though, Spring Cleaning may be a little different compared to what you may remember from years past.
So to help you get started and get the most out of this substantial cleaning project, here are a few tips.
Create a checklist.
The last thing you want to happen on your Big Spring cleaning day is to end up sitting around doing nothing because you can’t figure out how to get started. Or, sometimes you spend far too much time on tasks that really aren’t that important. Write down everything you want to accomplish with your spring cleaning and that will help you stay organized and productive.
Get some help.
House cleaning can be physically demanding work in the best of circumstances, and when you’re trying to get an entire home clean, it could get really strenuous. So, ask some of your friends and family members for help. Not only will it help you get everything done, it counts as quality social time, too.
Eliminate clutter.
When clutter accumulates in your home, it’s not just messy and unattractive. It can be dangerous, as well, especially if the clutter includes boxes and piles sitting on the floor. When that happens, they become potential tripping hazards. The best way to tackle this is to put everything in two piles: One for things you know you want to keep because you use them frequently, and another pile for things you almost never use and can throw away or donate.
Don’t forget your medicine cabinet.
By going through all of your medications, both prescription and over the counter, and getting rid of everything that has expired, you’ll make your home safer as well as cleaner. If you don’t know how to dispose of your medications properly, contact your areas waste service department and they’ll be glad to help you.
Pay attention to safety.
For seniors, it’s more important to be safety conscious than it is for other age groups. As you clean and organize, look for potential tripping hazards, aside from clutter, like electrical wires, drapes that are too long, or bed valances that can get tangled up in your feet. Also, check your fire extinguisher and smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to make sure they’re in good working order,
And speaking of safety.
Don’t overexert yourself. If you can’t find someone to help out, don’t try to move or lift anything heavy, like furniture or boxes filled with clothes. If, like many seniors, you have any kind of medical condition, especially cardiac issues, it could trigger a heart attack or stroke. Also, heavy furniture that’s also tall, like an armoire, could easily tip over and fall on you. And if you’re alone, that could be very dangerous. So just leave it where it is until you can get someone to help you move it.
