After an especially long and chilly winter, it’s no secret that us Chicagoans are excited for the arrival of spring. Besides the ability to dine al fresco and stroll the lakefront path without a parka on, this season also brings with it that common feeling of renewal. That means it’s the perfect time to rejuvenate your living space! Use these tips and tricks to put yourself on the pathway to feeling refreshed just as the flowers begin to bloom.

Tips for Spring Cleaning Your Apartment

One way to feel refreshed this spring is to participate in the ritual of spring cleaning within your apartment. Besides just following your normal cleaning routine, also tackle areas of your home that you don’t tend to as often. We’ve compiled a few of our favorite spring cleaning tips below, highlighting simple ways to refresh:

• Reusable Bags  – not only are reusable bags good for the environment, but they also save us from paying that pesky plastic bag tax! As convenient as they are, though, these bags can collect bacteria from the food they hold. To wash, turn them inside out and toss them in the washing machine. Either allow them to air dry or select the appropriate dryer setting based on their material to finish the job.



• Cutting Boards  – sure, you wash cutting boards in between uses, but how often do you give them extra TLC? Sprinkle baking soda on top of boards then run a cut lemon over them to diminish tough stains and odors.

• Drains  – shower and sink drains accumulate a gross build-up and sometimes even omit a less-than-pleasant odor. To freshen these up, pour a mixture of a half cup of baking soda mixed with a quarter cup of salt down each drain and then follow it up with a cup of hot white vinegar. Allow the mixture to sit for 15 minutes, then run hot water in the drain for about 30 seconds.

The spring is also the perfect time to enlist in the help of professionals to carry out a deep-clean to refresh your home. Take advantage of our Reside Rewards partnership with  312 Maids  , who offer a deep cleaning for spring, and your home will soon be spotless.

Tips for Organizing Your Apartment

Spring cleaning and reorganizing practically go hand-in-hand! Reorganizing and decluttering your home may seem like an intimidating task, but there are easy ways to do so that don’t take much time or effort:

• Toss the Paper  – we’re all guilty of accumulating piles of paper that we really don’t need. These include things like unused coupons, old catalogs, and takeout menus. Go through and recycle items you don’t need and you’ll be amazed at how much clutter you can cut down on! This is also a great time to elect for online bills and statements in order to reduce the amount of paper that comes into your home in the first place.

• Take an Inventory of Products  – most of us have a large collection of cleaning products and toiletries, medicines, and cosmetics. Take this opportunity to take an inventory of what you have, throw out items that go unused or that are expired, and organize them into bins or baskets to keep them orderly.

• Be Smart with Storage  – especially living in an apartment, it’s easy to feel short on storage space. Get creative by completing DIY projects like  this one  to more easily store accessories or use storage helpers like wall and over the door hooks. Another option is to invest in drawer organizers or use empty egg crates to give everything a home (goodbye, junk drawer!).



If you’re feeling like you don’t know where to start even after reading these tips, we’ve got the perfect Reside Rewards partner for you–  Mission 2 Organize . Enlist in their services to receive professional hands-on help towards creating a more organized home.

If these tips and tricks have you in the mood to refresh other aspects of your life this spring, consider mixing up your fitness routine with a  new workout class , adding some flair to your look with a different  hair style , or by simply trying a new  restaurant  or experience. Even the simplest changes or efforts can have a huge effect on your ability to enter this sunny season with a rejuvenated mind and outlook.