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by Audrey Cupo, Professional Organizer

After a long, cold winter, we finally get to look forward to Spring. This is the time of year for new beginnings: fresh flowers, green grass, the sounds of birds singing. Ahh!

This is a great time to prepare your home for the new season. I suggest that starting today and for the next seven days, making a plan to do a Spring organizing and/or Spring cleaning project each day. Here's a sample agenda to follow:

DAY 1 ~ Begin outside clean up, including getting rid of any leftover winter brush, snipping dead branches from plants to get them ready for the warmer weather ahead and sweeping the walkway and driveway.

DAY 2 ~ Put away any winter clothing for the season that is still in your closets, and bring out your spring and summer wardrobes. Iron anything that requires it.

DAY 3 ~ Begin sorting through the outdoor toys (including sports equipment, skate boards, bicycle, etc.) from last year and determine what your children have outgrown and will no longer be using. Then, create a list of a few items to supplement to provide them with items that are more age appropriate for this year.

DAY 4 ~ Clean areas in your house that get neglected most of the year, such as the tops of your high cabinets, under the fridge and the bookcase shelves (empty, dust, and return all books again).

DAY 5 ~ Begin to plan your family’s summer vacation. By reviewing your budget and discussing ideas with the family, you will be able to formulate a vacation plan so you will be ready when the end of summer comes around. (It arrives before you know it!)

DAY 6 ~ Empty the fridge and freezer and clean them out before returning your perishables back inside. If you have a spare in your garage or elsewhere, don’t forget to clean it out also.

DAY 7 ~ Make arrangements for your summer help, including the lawn mowing service, grass, tree and plant service. Check the outdoor furniture that was left out over the winter to see if it needs any repair (mine is made of wrought iron and might need to be repainted). It’s also a good time of year to make an appointment to have the car detailed.

By the end of these 7 days, I guarantee you will feel great knowing a lot was completed you can now enjoy the Spring!