By Liz Johnson

Crocuses emerging with the warming weather is a sign that it’ time for that yearly ritual: spring cleaning.  Many cultures, from the Chinese to the Persians to Jewish Passover, have holiday celebrations this time of year (think Chinese New Year and Nowruz which falls on the first day of spring) that  incorporate a clearing of the old with a bringing in of the new as part of the event.

Spring cleaning can mean anything from throwing open the windows to let in the fresh air to doing a deep dive on decluttering. Here are a few ideas for getting started or tapping help if you’re just too busy or disinclined to do it yourself.

1. Cleaning windows.

Break out the vinegar and dishwashing soap, a squeegee, dry towel and rolls of paper towels to get those panes spotless so that you’re getting a healthy dose of sunshine. Don’t have time to do it yourself? Try Pat’s Window Cleaning in Flemington, a 2019 Hunterdon Happening List Winner.

2. Clean rugs and carpet.

You can rent a rug cleaning machine from nearly any grocery store. Or, you could have a professional come in while you spend the day at a spa getting your own spring clean. For carpets, try Buzby Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning in Annandale, last year’s Hunterdon Happening List Winner. For a day at the spa, try Hunterdon Happening List Winner Euphoria Studios in Frenchtown where you can lose yourself in a Nirvana Stress Release Massage. Or check out Hunterdon Happening List Finalist Zanya Spa Salon in Lambertville.

3. Go through those junk drawers and filing cabinets and get rid of all the stuff you don’t need.

Shred paperwork that could leave you exposed to identity theft. If organization isn’t your thing, check out Hunterdon Happening List Winner Last Minute Care and Services in Whitehouse Station who are experts in organization.

4. Get your chimney swept.

Burning too many Duraflame logs can lead to buildup in your fireplace, chimney or wood stove that can cause a fire. Relieve yourself of any worries by having a chimney sweep come in. Try Hunterdon Happening List Winner Country Chimney Services in Milford, which also does chimney lining

5. Freshen up the place with a coat of paint.

Grab a roller and a gallon or two of your favorite wall color and go to town on the room that gets the most traffic. You’ll find that it gives your space a whole new life. If you don’t want to do the work yourself, call on Hunterdon Happening List Winner SMB Applications in Milford.

6. Tackle those little repairs around the house.

Tighten that loose door knob, put up that artwork you’ve been meaning to get to and fix anything in disrepair. Having everything working properly will make your life much easier. If you’re not up to the task, call Hunterdon Happening List Winner Home Repair and Care in Stockton.

7. Spruce up the garden.

Add some new plants, fertilize the existing plants and rake out the leaves and debris that’s gathered over the winter. If you’re looking for ideas, check out Hunterdon Happening Finalist Rutgers Landscape and Nursery in Ringoes which has a great selection of plant material.

8. Have your HVAC system checked out.

Whether it’s putting in a new air filter or having your air conditioner checked out for the coming heat, give your local HVAC company a call for routine service. If you need a referral, try Hunterdon Happening List Winner Stryker Heating, Cooling & Plumbing in Whitehouse Station.

9. Clean out your computer.

Delete files you don’t need. Organize the ones you do need. And if you haven’t updated to Windows 10 now that Windows 7 isn’t being updated, well this is a good time to do it. If you’re not tech savvy, try a computer repair shop such as Hunterdon Happening List Winner River Net Computer in Frenchtown.

10. Give your pet a good bath or grooming.

Check out Hunterdon Happening List Winner Good Dog Grooming in Glen Gardner. Or if you really want a treat for Fido, take him to It’s a Miracle Dog Spa in Lebanon. If your dog just needs a good bath, try Frenchtown Dog Wash. Both are Hunterdon Happening Pet Grooming Finalists.

 

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