Hold on, Mamas! Spring is just around the corner, and with it comes the perfect excuse to spruce up your home. While winter is a time to slow down and enjoy our indoor space with the family, spring is the time to clean up our act and start gearing up for summer. If you are anything like us, your home is in dire need of a spring refresh. All that “indoor time,” can also bring lots of clutter along with it but fret not, because here at The Cool Mom Co., we are taking you through, room by room, with tips on how to help your house feel like a home again.
LIVING ROOM:
For many families, the living room is the focal point of the home. It can be so easy to fall into the habit of everyone running off to their separate rooms to relax. Trust me, we’ve all been guilty of the retreat to separate corners vibe. But as the days grow longer, there is nothing like quality family time (hello game nights) to help end your day on a high note. Creating a cozy and inviting space helps promote that family time (or grown-up time) we busy mamas crave. A little extra spruce can go a long way!
- Take care of your plants: Even your potted plants could use a spa day, now and then! After all, they are working hard to eliminate toxins from the air of your home. You might not think to dust your plants, but you’d be surprised how much can accumulate in only a matter of weeks! To keep their leaves shiny and healthy, mix water and a few drops of peppermint essential oil in a spray bottle. Spray liberally and gently wipe down the leaves with a cloth.
- Add fresh decor: A change in season is the perfect time to mix up your interior design. New throw pillows, blankets, and baskets are easy ways to switch up your color scheme without breaking the bank. We love the colorful and whimsical throw pillows from Justina Blakeley’s Jungalow home decor brand.
KITCHEN:
Kitchens can notoriously be the most tedious area of the house to keep tidy, especially with large families. After all, you use it three times a day, which means it needs cleaning Three Times A Day (I know, we’re right there with you). Making your kitchen beautiful and functional can help increase your motivation to keep it that way! Our favorite solutions?
- Condiment Clean Out: You know that bottle of salad dressing you meant to use but somehow never got around to? That jar with two olives left in it, that you never threw out “just in case?” It is time to be like Elsa and let it go! Check your fridge and pantry for any condiments or dry goods that are past their expiration date or opened food that no one has eaten in the past 6 months. Don’t forget about your cooking oils as well – yes, they can get rancid!
- Re-Think Your Storage Solutions: Everyone knows the frustrating feeling of running to the store to buy a new container of baking powder or rice, only to find you had a bag hiding in the back of your pantry. We are much more likely to use the food we can see. Consider upgrading your pantry storage to elegant glass containers, like these from Western Nest.
KIDS ROOMS:
Look, we are all working towards the ultimate dream; getting our kids to clean their space by themselves. It will happen, someday! We hope! In the meantime, they might need a helping hand from us, now and then. With little ones, the general rule is “out of sight, out of mind.” When they have too much and are drowning in things, it can be hard for them to remember what they have, much less where it all should go. Here are our top suggestions for minimizing their spaces for a total spring refresh.
- Toy Rotation: We all love our kids, and when they look up at you with their sweet faces, it can be hard to say no to buying jussssst one more toy. But the sheer amount of things strewn around their rooms is enough to make any mama want to scream. Instead of stressing, try implementing a toy rotation system. Keep their favorite toys out and put the rest in a bin, somewhere out of sight. After a couple of weeks, switch them out. This keeps the toys refreshed and interesting, promoting creative play while minimizing mess. Trust us on this one, it works.
- Closet Clean Out, Mini Edition: Kid clothing takes a beating. Flip through their closets. If you find anything stained, with holes, or too small, toss it, donate it or give it to a mama friend with younger kids who would love it.
BATHROOM:
The bathroom can often feel like a space dedicated more to function than comfort. With just a tiny bit of extra effort, though, even a bathroom can feel like a safe haven to relax and refresh in (or take a zoom call)!
- Spruce Up Your Makeup Drawer: Many of us don’t think about makeup expiring, but it absolutely does. Expired makeup can irritate the skin, causing flare-ups of acne and rosacea. Give your beauty vibe a refresh. If you’re looking to replace older products with a cruelty-free, organic alternative, check out clean and sustainable options. We’ve been loving Honest Beauty’s full range of skincare and beauty products.
- Bathtub Glow Up: Transform your own bathroom into a luxury spa by hanging eucalyptus over the showerhead. Not only does it smell amazing, but eucalyptus has powerful respiratory soothing properties that are helpful as we head into allergy season.
BEDROOM:
If there is one room in your house that you should feel the most comfortable in, it is hands down the bedroom. A good night’s sleep gives us the energy and patience we all need to take on life’s daily challenges. Trust us, mama, we know you need it! Make sure that your bedroom is promoting relaxation and rejuvenation by incorporating these easy spring refresh tips.
- Switch Out Your Linens: As the weather warms up, consider switching your bedding to something lighter and more breathable. Linen, eucalyptus, and bamboo sheets are all great for regulating temperature, as well as being eco-friendly!
- Closet Clean Out: Before you go out and purchase a new spring wardrobe, take a more sustainable route, by reorganizing your own closet! As we transition through seasons, it can be easy to forget which pieces we might already have. If you’re finding lots of items that you haven’t touched in the past year, consider donating them or hosting a clothing swap with your friends. For more ideas on how to keep your closet manageable, check out our blog post on how to do the ultimate closet refresh!
How do you like to refresh your home each season? Leave us a comment down below!