How to Prep Your Home—and Life—for Springtime
How to Prep Your Home—and Life—for Springtime
By Tracey Winikoff
Spring has sprung.
Still cocooning under a fuzzy blanket in your stretchy pants—or better yet, jammies—lingering in a food coma from winter’s hearty comfort meals?
Time to come out of hibernation! Spring has a way of coming upon us fast, taking us from zero to sixty in a nano second, whether we’re ready or not.
We’re talking school activities, sports, and best of all, spending time outside in the fresh air.
Before you decide to pull the covers back over your head, refusing to crawl out from winter’s coziness, let’s look at creating more efficiency within our home space so we can carve out more time for outdoor fun and games.
We’ve got simple tips to prep your spaces so you can spend more carefree time in the action.
After all, the stunning Central Coast is one giant playground, beckoning us to enjoy everything it has to offer, from the ocean to the mountains to everything in between.
So, how do we suggest staying ahead of the season’s craziness?
How to Get a Jumpstart on Spring
In the blink of an eye, we emerge from winter’s quiet and are thrust into spring’s flurry of activity. Suddenly, our refrigerators are covered in sports schedules, school and community event flyers, and more.
Flow and efficiency are the name of the game to stay on top of everything. With a few simple systems in place, peace and order will reign supreme.
A couple of things to get the ball rolling:
- Gather winter gear and set it aside. We’ll get to it in a moment.
- Bring out the spring gear and do a quick wipe down and once-over of everything, making sure it’s in good condition. This includes sports gear and outdoor equipment/furniture.
Before you know it, your home and schedules will run like clockwork, keeping life running smoothly—and joyfully. You’ve got this!
Mini Homes Within a Home—a Lifestyle Game Changer
This isn’t about spring cleaning or decluttering.
We’re melding function and fluidity to make our homes work for us and our unique lifestyles. It’s about creating a rhythm to calm the chaos.
If you haven’t yet tackled a spring reset and would like help with a few decluttering ideas, set your eyes on our Get a Headstart on Spring Cleaning with These Easy Decluttering Tips guide.
Grab-and-Go Zones
Ever heard of mise en place? It’s a French culinary term meaning “everything in its place.” The same principle applies to our homes.
Everything will have its place, and everyone will know exactly where to grab what’s needed—and where to put it back. Just imagine, no more frenzy or forgotten items while rushing out the door.
The Entryway (or Mudroom) Zone
Perhaps we should affectionately call this the “Mad Dash” zone given its bustling activity.
- Wall hooks for backpacks, jackets, and hats. Each family member gets their own hook(s).
- Cubbies or baskets—again, one per family member—to hold smaller items, including keys, glasses, and water bottles. How about a general shared basket for sunscreen, wipes, insect repellant, etc.?
- A thick waterproof floor mat with raised edges for sandy, muddy, or wet shoes (trust us, you’ll thank us later)—easy to clean, protects the floor, and corrals the mess so you don’t have to!
The Garage Zone
The garage can feel like a second home since we tend to toss half our lives in there, with or without a rhyme or reason. That’s all about to change. Time to create mini hubs, better known as a method to our madness. Rotate items to fit your seasonal needs. Springtime zones include:
- Zone 1: Bikes, skateboards, and protective gear
- Zone 2: Sports bags, gear, and balls
- Zone 3: Beach and picnic essentials—chairs, coolers, sun umbrellas, towels, beach toys, and a picnic basket (ready to go with a blanket, plates, cups, napkins, and utensils—all you’ll need is the food!)
- Zone 4: Gardening and backyard/patio—chair cushions, umbrellas, gardening tools, soil, fertilizers, seeds, etc.
- Zone 5: Surfboards, paddleboards, boogie boards, kayaks, and canoes
- Zone 6: Camping equipment and gear
What to Do with the Things You’re Not Using Right Now
Running out of room? A seasonal swap calls for a secret weapon. A storage unit buys us time, space, and serenity—keeping our homes functional, tidy, and ready for spring fun. When you need things out of the way but not gone, check out our blog, Seasonal Storage Tips Made Easy, for even more helpful ideas.
Give yourself peace of mind as you tuck winter gear and equipment away for a long spring-summer nap, knowing it will stay safe and protected until cooler months coax it out from hiding. Ready for a little breathing room? Explore our storage unit options in Arroyo Grande. A little extra space never hurt anyone.
Our tips for crafting spaces that put the fun in functional will have you diving headfirst into spring’s adventures with nary a care. No more searching. No more stress. Just a lifestyle that flows easily alongside us as the weather warms. Spring is calling—and this time, we’re ready.
