My Seasonal Cleaning & Organizing Checklist

If you're a regular follower of my little blog, you already know that I'm pretty passionate about keeping a neat, clean and organized home.

Thank you so much for all of the wonderful comments and emails regarding my newest series of organization posts!  It's comforting to know I'm not the only one with my 'customized version' of OCD!!!

Many of you have also written to me asking if I'd be willing to post my housekeeping lists and schedules.  So today, I'm sharing with you my 'Seasonal Cleaning & Organizing Checklist'.

I typically tackle these chores throughout March/April as time allows, and then again in September/October. 

Please note that this seasonal schedule doesn't include outside chores or items on my weekly house cleaning schedule.  (I'll be sharing that checklist with you in a future post.)

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Spring / Fall Cleaning & Organizing Checklist

Closets:
1.  Remove all items from closets and wash walls and floors.
2.  Wash out-of-season clothing and store in sealed storage containers.
3.  Donate items that are no longer needed.
4.  Organize and hang seasonal clothes in bedroom closets.
5.  Organize and hang seasonal jackets/coats in hall closets.
6.  Sort seasonal accessories in organizer on back of coat closet door.

Walls, Windows and Ceilings:
1.  Wash walls, switch plates, doors and baseboards.
2.  Touch up wall and trim paint.
3.  Dust hanging artwork and picture frames. 
4.  Wash windows, tracks and screens.
5.  Wash/clean window coverings and clean blinds.
6.  Dust ceiling corners as needed.
7.  Clean light fixtures.
8.  Test smoke detectors and change batteries.

Furniture and Floors:
1.  Steam clean or spot clean upholstered furniture as needed.
2.  Clean under and behind all furniture.
3.  Repair/touch up any digs and scratches on wood furniture.
4.  Steam clean carpets.
5.  Repair/touch up any scratches on hardwood floors.
6.  Clean heat registers and inside of floor vents.

Kitchen and Pantry:
1.  Empty and clean inside of kitchen cupboards, drawers and pantry.
2.  Reorganize and replace kitchen items.  Donate any unneeded items.
3.  Clean behind fridge and stove.  Vacuum coils on back of refrigerator.
4.  Empty, clean and organize fridge and freezer.  Discard any expired food.
5.  Clean above kitchen cupboards and top of fridge. Lay down fresh wax paper.
6.  Thoroughly clean outside of kitchen cupboard doors and drawers.
7.  Thoroughly clean inside of dishwasher, toaster and coffee maker.

Bathrooms, Laundry Room and Linen Closet:
1.  Empty and clean inside of bathroom/laundry cupboards and linen closet.
2.  Reorganize and replace items in cupboards and closet.
3.  Donate unneeded items and discard any expired medicines and cosmetics.
4.  Clean behind washer and dryer.
5.  Thoroughly clean dryer duct and inside of washer and dryer.

Basement and Garage:
1.  Sort and reorganize storage bins, tools, gardening and paint supplies.
2.  Donate any items that are no longer needed.
3.  Sweep/wash garage floor.
4.  Empty canister for built-in vacuum.
5.  Change furnace filter and clean utility room.
6.  Clean and reorganize cold storage room.  Discard any expired food.

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The key to successfully completing all of the items on your checklist is to create a calendar and schedule in each chore.  Set realistic goals, giving yourself plenty of time to complete each task.  Also consider grouping like-chores together, such as those requiring the same cleaning supplies.

Seasonal cleaning takes time and effort, but, if you follow a cleaning and organizing routine throughout the year, these additional jobs are much easier to tackle.

So, turn on some great music, grab your favorite cleaning products, and enjoy the process of giving your home the TLC it deserves!

Organization Series: My Bedroom Closet

After completing a bit of sorting and purging this week, I'm finally finished organizing our BEDROOM CLOSET!

As you can see, my hubby and I share a small (5ft x 5ft) walk-in closet.  I like the layout of the space, with double rods along one wall, and a single rod and shoe shelves on the other.

On the top shelf, I store out-of-season clothing in decorative boxes, (I also have two containers for the same purpose that I store under our bed) and my bulky sweaters and jackets.

On the top rod, I hang my light cardigans, t-shirts and tank tops. I like to sort our clothing by style, length and colour.  It's visually more appealing, and makes it easy to coordinate outfits in the morning.

My hubby's pants and casual shirts are hung on the lower rod.  The rule for our closet is:  For every new item that comes in, one must go out.  That way, our clothes can be hung with a bit of breathing space between each hanger.  (It also saves time on ironing!) 

On the adjacent wall, the upper shelf is used to store my hand bags.  Hubby's dress shirts and my heavier cardigans are hung on the left side, and my pants, dresses and housecoats are on the right.

My dress boots and shoes fit nicely on the shelves and floor space below.  The small dresser is just the right size for holding socks and underwear.  I leave the top surface clear for setting out clothes and putting away clean laundry.

A view of the left side of our closet...

And the right side...

And one more pic of my shoe shelves.  The boots on the left are made of glass... I just think they're really cool.

I leave a hook on the back of the closet door for putting together outfits or for giving clothes a quick steam.

So, that's our master bedroom closet. In my next post, I'll be sharing a few organizing ideas for COAT CLOSETS.

Until next time, my friends, HAPPY ORGANIZING!

Organization Series: My Bath & Linen Storage

I truly LOVE to have a clean and organized home.  Keeping things neat and tidy helps me stay calm and relaxed, and saves my family the unnecessary stress of searching for mundane items in the midst of a busy day.

Today's post is all about my BATHROOM, LINEN & LAUNDRY STORAGE!

The top shelf of our linen closet houses my clothes iron and steamer.  A white fabric bin stores shoe and clothing care items.  Guest and bath towels are simply organized by size and colour.

My ironing board is hung from two hooks on the back of the closet door.  Bulk paper goods and beach towels are stored on the lower shelves, along with a small vaporizer and my sewing machine.

If you're wondering why there are no bed linens in this closet, I keep a rolling container under each bed for storing extra sheet sets.

Our master bathroom vanity has two drawers and a cupboard that's divided into three sections.  The builder chose not to install any shelves (why???), so I've had to be a bit creative in order to utilize this space for storage.

The first cupboard holds my makeup case and beauty products.  The stacking bins at the back are for items that I don't need to access on a daily basis.

I've attached a 3M hook (I love these!) to the side of the cupboard for my hair dryer. Hand towels and face cloths are stored beneath a small wire shelf that I've added to provide some much needed vertical storage. 

In the middle cupboard, labelled dollar store bins hold bulk items, as well as our daily hair products and body lotions.  A portable caddy helps me transport my cleaning supplies to each bathroom on cleaning day.

In the third section, I've labelled the drawers of a small organizer that houses our smaller bathroom products.  I always keep a few extra rolls of toilet paper in each bathroom next to the 'commode'.

The medicine chest stores our daily hygiene products.  I use a small glass decanter for mouthwash and a drinking glass to hold our toothbrushes.

Our son and daughter share the main/guest bathroom.  The vanity consists of two deep drawers and a cupboard under the sink.  Stackable containers store nail care, first aid and beauty supplies. 

The medicine cabinet stores cold and allergy meds, as well as daily hygiene items for my kids and guests.  (I really need to add wallpaper to the back wall...)

Our laundry room is conveniently located on the second floor. Wicker baskets on the open shelves are used to store extra linens and sewing supplies.

(I'd love to have square baskets with lids, but, sometimes one has to make the most of what they already own...)

I've also added a few of my favorite accessories to help break up the storage containers. Since the laundry room is rarely used by anyone other than myself, I feel completely justified making this space as pretty and as pink as I like!

Labelled dollar store containers store oxy tablets, dryer sheets and all of the coins one ultimately find in pants pockets.  I buy laundry detergent in bulk and refill the smaller jugs I keep above the washer for daily use.

On the opposite wall, a multi-compartment clothes hamper fits neatly beneath a folding counter.  I love having the ability to sort the laundry as it's created.

The cupboard below the sink is used store bulk laundry items and spray bottles. I've added a small tension rod to increase the vertical storage space.

Well, that's it for my bath, linen and laundry storage!  My bathrooms, linen closet and laundry room are finally clean, organized, and ready for the long winter ahead.

I hope this latest post has given you a few ideas on how to organize some of the cupboards in your own home.

My tips are aimed at organizing for 'real life', with items that can easily be found at dollar and discount stores.  Please let me know your thoughts!

In my next post, I'll be sharing organization ideas for CLOTHES CLOSETS.

Until next time... HAPPY ORGANIZING!

novelty gifts - unique gifts - fun gifts - unusual gifts - novelty lighting - unique furniture - fun decorations - uncommon furniture

If you are wanting something different, unusual, off the wall type of gift ideas, unique decorative accents, unusual furniture or just browsing at super quirky novelty bits and bobs ... then you have reached the right place.

Here we have compiled a menagerie of the unusual.

 Canvas - seating




A canvas shaped chair (or sofa) with a drawing of a chair (or sofa).

Canvas is used by leaning it against the wall. A frame made of wood is covered by an elastic fabric, printed with the texture of a canvas and a drawing of the chair or sofa.

Available in two models: armchair and sofa.

Biblioteca Bookshelf

Designer Matt Carr created this innovative bookshelf after being inspired by two vintage coffee tables. Originally he created the bookshelf for his own home, and then recreated the design using mahogany natural tops and black lacquered legs. Creative, original and sure to surprise, the biblioteca bookshelf will no doubt become one of your favorite conversation pieces.

Fun piece of furniture for the
Alice in Wonderland Themed Bedroom 

Road Tested Chair

Walk - Don't Walk

There's nothing pedestrian about this chair. Artisan John Carter combines fine art, interior design and social commentary for a truly one-of-a-kind creation. The New York City "Walk/Don't Walk" signs actually work - and a remote control is included to turn them on and off. The legs are made from reconfigured, customized steel street sign brackets, with galvanized, heavy duty self-leveling feet.

The chair can come complete with all the genuine scuffs and stains of its New York City roots or can come "squeaky clean" with a fresh coat of paint.The seating surfaces have been reglazed with one inch-thick polished resin, cushioned with felt suspension. The chair plugs into a standard 115V AC outlet, and the standard bulbs (included) are replaceable. Handmade in New York City. 

Bear Sculptural Chair at design toscano

So ornate that it's practically a sculpture-within-a-sculpture, this incredible replica work of rustic decor has roots in late-18th century Swiss antiques shown in the great international exhibitions alongside works by Tiffany, Galle and Linke. Originally carved for music hall performers, a trio of bears dances across this whimsical addition to lodge decor or Western home decor.

 

 

 

Authentic Saddle Barstool

search at Black Forest 

An authentic American western saddle perches above a clever horseshoe base on the leather and metal Authentic Saddle Barstool.

 

unique bar stools 

Giant Corn Cob Seat


Giant Corn Cob Seat - From the gigantic bite to the corn silk strands in between the kernels, the detail on this oversized corn-on-the cob is amazing. Lots more really great big stuff ...

 

   

 

 

 

For the musician in the family

Seeing an usable clarinet is sure  to give any music lover rhapsody in blue. Fortunately, Jamie Cornett breathes new life into well-used instruments by turning them into bright and jazzy decorative lamps. Sure to make the musician, music teacher or music lover's heart glissando with delight, this quirky piece of home decor gives this instrument a standing ovation. Handmade in New York City 

INSTRUMENTAL LIGHTING - FLUTES
INSTRUMENTAL LIGHTING - CLARINETS
INSTRUMENTAL LIGHTING - TRUMPETS

BIKE CHAIN BOWL

Since he was a kid, Graham Bergh has been making things out of found objects. After getting his Master's in Economics and Environmental Policy, he wanted to become an innovative recycling professional when he got a flat tire on his bike and said, "Hmmm...interesting material..." So he got to building creations by hand out of recycled bicycle parts, and soon gathered a team of artists to come up with new ideas and assemble the ideas they had. The results are distinctive accents like this bike chain bowl, which is perfect for keys, change and more. Handmade in Oregon.

Wicker Swing Chairs and Bubble Chairs

Great pieces of  indoor and outdoor furniture. Comfortable and stylish. The Bubble Chair swallows the sounds and you feel isolated inside in a pleasant way, even when you are in a crowded place.

Joe Baseball Glove Sofa

Catch me if you can! Originally designed in 1970 in luxurious leather, Joe, the oversized baseball glove, is now being reissued in a new luminous polymer. With tobacco brown or monumental marble grey color options, this eye-catching lounge chair will definitely be the envy of your friends, neighbors, or guests. Sit back on this comfy couch and watch the boys of summer.

Red lips sofa - Heller Studio 65 Bocca Sofa


Lipstick-red sofa adds a smile to any environment. This new version, a loveseat for two, is made of soft resin for comfort and indoor and outdoor use. This chic and distinct sofa is sure to be the topic of conversation whether in a commercial, office, or residential setting.












Cardigan Pendant 
at the land of nod

Soft knit pendant resembles your favorite cardigan sweater. It comes in three different colors to match whatever sweater you're wearing that day.

Metal Wall Watch Band Clock

Who says you can't hang your jewellery on the wall!



















WWI Wood Propeller with Clock

Paint a vintage biplane on the wall and attach the propeller clock for a unique look.
Visit the Airplane Theme Bedrooms for ideas












Giant Dixon Pencil


The write stuff! This is just like the real thing! Make a pointed statement of gift giving with this authentically detailed 5½-foot version of a classic #2 Dixon Ticonderoga pencil. Crafted of heavy resin by artisans to be a faithful reproduction of the original. High-gloss lacquer finish and silk-screened logo. Measures in at 68" long and 3" in diameter.

 

Green Soldier Bookends



A fun, and functional design piece 

Sexy Leg Lamp at dino direct

Most adorable shoes

Didn't know where to put these shoes, just knew I had to add them, so decided to add them to the unique section.!

ROUGE-639 PLEASER

Platform Sandal with Rhinestone Cuff and Lipstick Heel  ...  a little bling with a lot of style

Sensuous. Sexy. and rather Wild



Definitely a statement item, but perfect if you  want to stand out in the crowd.

TrekDesk Treadmill Desk

designed to let you walk on treadmill while working

Too busy to work out on a daily basis? Turn to the TrekDesk treadmill desk, which encourages you to walk slowly on a treadmill while you talk to clients, type up proposals, or catch up on your email.
The TrekDesk offers a number of benefits to both work and home users. Not only does it encourage weight loss, disease prevention, and overall physical health, but it also improves your mood and increases your productivity.

LED PLANTERS

By day, these frosted white planters add a contemporary accent. When dusk falls, the magic begins as they illuminate from within and cast a magical glow.

Surprise Surprise - fun lighting

Surprise Surprise is a light in the shape of a gift bow. A striking piece of functional art, it's designed to make you smile, feel a little joy or maybe evoke a few memories of past birthdays and perfect valentines.

Surprise Surprise is both a visually stunning object and a multifunctional light that can be used on a wall, a ceiling, a table or even hanging in mid-air.

Available in either a silver reflective finish or in a more subdued white opalescent finish.

Babylon Light at generate

Babylon is a plantable light fixture - individually hand-formed from aluminum by a skilled Canadian craftsman. Whether used as an organic center piece or a working herb garden over the kitchen counter, Babylon will become your very own hanging garden.




also visit

Gift Ideas Blog

Christmas Gift Shopping Ideas
 

Theme Beds Blog 

more Theme Beds Blog


Fashion and Accessories

Handbags 

Bedding 

Throw Pillows - decorative pillows - cushion covers - accent pillows

Gift Shops 

Bling a ling gifts 

Diamonds are forever

Hello Kitty stuff 








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Organization Series: My Kitchen Drawers

Well, I'm still working away on my Fall Housekeeping Schedule!  I've finished cleaning and organizing my KITCHEN PANTRY and KITCHEN CUPBOARDS and I've shared a few of my personal tips and ideas along the way.

This third post in my Organization Series is all about KITCHEN DRAWERS!

I like to store my cooking and baking utensils in two separate drawers.  Shallow bins help items stay neat and tidy.  I only keep what I use and need.  I can be pretty ruthless when it comes to purging.

I have several baskets to sort and organize items in our stationery (junk) drawer. Clear containers hold paper clips, elastics, push pins and other small paper supplies we use on a regular basis. 

My kitchen linens are stored in a long drawer in the island.  Tablecloths, placemats and napkins are sorted by type and colour, which makes setting the dinner table a breeze!

Well, that's a wrap on my kitchen storage ideas. My next post will be all about BATHROOM ORGANIZATION!  

Until then, my blogger friends... HAPPY ORGANIZING!