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It's time for spring cleaning!

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 19:01:11 GMT

Tips and tricks for a successful Spring Cleaning!

The start of April officially marks the beginning of Spring! With spring comes warmer weather and the chance for new beginnings! This also means it’s time for spring cleaning! Spring cleaning is a thorough, deep cleaning of your entire house or major spaces. This cleaning is used as a reset from the winter months and the holiday season. People do spring cleaning for a multitude of reasons, but a major one is to improve mood, as in some cultures, spring cleaning is used to remove bad luck from the house. The better weather can also inspire people to be more productive and tackle things they have been putting off. During the winter, your house can accumulate a lot of dust from closed windows and reduced airflow, and spring cleaning helps remove it. Spring cleaning is a way to improve your mood and reset your space after the winter months.

Successful spring cleaning starts with making a detailed game plan. The biggest mistake people can make with big cleaning projects like this is pulling everything out without a starting point. Take the time to make a plan and set a course of action. If the whole house feels like too big a project, choose 5-7 areas to focus on that are your biggest problem areas. When planning where to start, begin with the area you dread most. Getting this out of the way first will make the tasks left seem less intimidating. Once you start one task, make sure you finish it before moving on to anything else.

Now that you have a list of the places you want to clean, you need a game plan for what to do in each space. Spring cleaning should be a big, deep cleaning of everything. We are cleaning ceiling fans, baseboards, rugs, floors, everything!

Declutter the Area

For this first step, our goal is to get rid of or relocate things we don’t use very often. If we are working on the closet, think about how often you wear everything. Throwing away everything is not your only option; donation and storage can both be super helpful during your spring cleaning. Consider packing away all of your winter clothes into a storage unit for the warmer months. For more tips on decluttering, visit our previous blog.

Deep Clean the Surfaces

Now that everything is decluttered, it’s time to clean the surfaces before you put things back. This is when you get rid of all the dust that collected over the winter months. Make sure you clean the baseboards and doorframes. Get big areas like fans and light fixtures—deep clean all handles and light switches. Don’t leave any surface untouched. Once you start putting things back, it's harder to clean surfaces, so don’t skip this step.

Refresh Fabrics

When we say this is a deep cleaning, we mean it. Wash any rugs, curtains, or bedding in the area. Really take this time to clean anything you can in the area.

Reset Floors

This should be the last step in your deep cleaning. You always want to clean top to bottom; that way, dust and other debris that falls from light fixtures and ceiling vents get cleaned during this step. This is when you will sweep and mop the floors, and then put everything back to the way it was.

Now your space should feel brighter and less cluttered. Then you will repeat these steps for all the spaces you have decided to clean.

We know spring cleaning doesn’t always seem like the most exciting task, but we promise the results are worth it! Here are some additional tips and tricks to hopefully make your spring cleaning more enjoyable!

Put on a good playlist!

Music can make everything more fun and can help you be more productive!

Invite a friend to help!

Having a friend to help can make the whole process go much faster, as long as they don’t distract you.

Put on a podcast

Deep cleaning doesn’t need to take up all your brain power. Put on a playlist that stimulates your brain and speeds up the process.

Set a timer

For each task, set a timer and see if you can beat it. Make it a race against the clock!

Reward yourself at the end!

Before you start your cleaning, think of a reward for yourself. Whether it be a sweet treat or a quick shopping trip, give yourself something to look forward to after the cleaning is over!

Spring cleaning is an opportunity to reset your space and clear away the dust buildup from the winter months! This will make your home feel not only cleaner, but also brighter. Follow the simple steps: declutter, clean from high to low, refresh fabrics, reset the floors, and your house will look new in no time. We hope this motivates you to start spring cleaning!

Do's and Don'ts of Self Storage

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 20:28:27 GMT

Self-storage seems fairly straightforward, but there are many things that go into storing safely and effectively. All facilities have standard rules and regulations that you must follow when renting, but there are some things you should know that are not clearly outlined. This Do’s and Don’ts list will help you keep your belongings safe and ensure you follow the rules of renting with a storage facility.

DO choose the right size unit.

There are many sizes to choose from, so it’s important to pick the one that is right for your needs. It is common to get a bigger unit than you actually need, so taking the time to determine how much space you need can save you money in the long run. For example, a 5’ x 10’ is ideal for storing items from a small apartment. Visit our sizing guide for more help determining the right unit for you!

DO pack things properly.

Packing your unit properly is the first step to ensuring your items stay in good condition. Using items like mattress bags and bubble wrap helps protect your items during the moving process and once they are in your unit. It’s also important to utilize the same size boxes. Using one-size boxes makes them easy to stack on top of each other, instead of playing a game of Tetris. When stacking boxes on top of each other, make sure your heaviest boxes are on the bottom. Visit our offices to stock up on moving supplies before you move!

DO create an inventory.

When you first move into your unit, create a list of everything you're bringing in. This will save you time in the future, so you don’t have to search your whole house for something only to find it was in your unit the whole time. Inventory on the outside of the boxes makes it easier to find what you are looking for without opening EVERY box.

DO protect the items in your unit.

While the lock on your storage unit provides an important layer of security, there are a few simple steps you can take to add even more protection for your belongings. Choosing a climate-controlled unit is a great way to help preserve items sensitive to temperature and humidity changes.

You can also keep your items in top condition by elevating them on palettes or shelving. This added step promotes airflow and offers extra peace of mind in the unlikely event of moisture. For an added touch of protection, consider using natural pest deterrents like cedarwood or peppermint essential oils, or convenient repeller pods—they’re easy to use and help create a more comfortable storage environment.

DO visit periodically.

Even if you don’t need anything from your unit right now, stopping by occasionally is a great way to stay connected to your space and ensure everything remains in good condition. These quick check-ins give you peace of mind and allow you to address any small concerns early on.

While our property managers regularly walk the property to maintain high standards, your visits provide an added layer of care for the items in your unit. It’s also the perfect opportunity to rotate seasonal belongings and keep your inventory up to date, helping you stay organized and make the most of your storage experience. Visit your items, they miss you!

Don’t leave your friends and family inside.

We know that the people in your life can annoy you, but no matter how annoying they get, you can’t lock them in your unit. This not only violates your lease but will probably ruin your relationship with the person inside.

DON’T use your unit as a workspace.

While the idea of converting your storage unit into a workspace may seem like a hack, it’s against the lease just like living inside your unit. It is prohibited to use your unit or anything other than for storage purposes. Just like living in your unit, it is generally unsafe to be there for anything other than moving things in or out. You can’t claim workers' comp if you get hurt here!

DON’T leave your unit unlocked.

While our property managers do a really good job of monitoring the property and ensuring everyone's units are secured, it’s your responsibility to make sure your unit is locked. If a unit is found unlocked, our property managers will contact you to let you know, but they cannot secure the unit. Make sure every time you leave your unit, you double-check that it is fully secured. Just like you wouldn’t leave your home unlocked, don’t leave your unit unlocked!

DON’T store prohibited items.

There are rules to what you can and cannot store in your unit, so even though the space is technically yours, pay attention to what is allowed vs what isn’t. Standard items that are not allowed in a storage facility include:

Firearms and Other Weapons
Perishable Food
Hazardous Materials
Living Things
Stolen Goods

Saving Money for your Spring Break and Summer Travel!

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 21:52:55 GMT

Tips and Tricks for making your upcoming travel affordable!

Spring break travel is coming up, and even if your goal for 2026 is to save money, that doesn't mean you have to forfeit taking a vacation this year. While traveling tends to be a spendy venture, there are ways to get the most out of your trip without it hurting your bank. Here are some tips and tricks that will help you get the most out of your vacation, while also being mindful of how much you are spending!

The first, and probably most obvious, is to make a vacation fund and start saving in advance! Once you have a place in mind that you want to go to, do some research and figure out a rough budget for the trip. With this budget decided, now you need to determine how you will save this money. Maybe that means you pull a certain amount from your paycheck and put it into your vacation fund. Or if you have a job where you receive cash tips, use your tips to make up the vacation fund. Whatever method you choose to use to save the money, you need to make sure you are committed to it and that it works for your lifestyle.

Now that you have started saving for the trip, it’s time to start planning! While being spontaneous on vacation sounds fun in theory, it’s much easier to save money if you plan things out beforehand. Don’t go into the vacation with the mindset “I’ll figure it out when I get there”, especially when it comes to things like transportation and food. Now that you know where you want to go, it’s time to figure out how to get there. When looking for flights, consider flying early bird and red eye flights; these tend to be the cheapest flights. Make sure you put a lot of time into comparing different prices across different websites. Some websites, like KAYAK and Google Flights, allow you to set alerts for when prices drop, ensuring that you can get the best price. Don’t just jump on the first flight you can find; dig a little deeper and see if you can find one for cheaper. Be flexible with your travel as well. When looking for flights, utilize the “+” and “-” days feature. This will show you flights around the time that you want to go. It may be cheaper to fly on a Thursday rather than a Friday.

Once you’ve booked your travel, it’s time to think about travel while you are there. The two easiest ways to save money on transportation are walking and utilizing public transportation. Using rideshare to get everyone on vacation can add up quickly, so when you can, take advantage of walkable cities and cities with easy-to-use public transportation. Not only can this save you money, but it also allows you to see more of the city you are visiting.

Now, let’s talk about food! Food can easily be one of the most memorable parts of a vacation, but it can also be the highest cost. This is something that you are really going to want to budget for. Make a plan on how much you will spend on food per day, and decide which meals are more important to you. For example, you can do hotel breakfast if it’s included, or buy some breakfast food to keep in your room and do the same for lunch. If you are staying somewhere that has a kitchenette, you can easily stock up on easy breakfast items, like cereal, or breakfast sandwiches, and lunch items, like sandwiches. And then treat yourself to dinner. You can also cook some dinners to save a little bit more money. It’s important to know what amenities the place you're staying offers, so you know what to plan for. Research beforehand, and choose some specific foods or restaurants you want to try. If you are going somewhere where they are known for the food, you might want a bigger food budget, but if you are going somewhere that has the same style of cuisine as where you are from, that money might be better spent elsewhere. If you want to save money on food, hit the grocery store on your first day and grab stuff to make meals at your hotel.

While planning your trip, determine what is most important to you. If you aren’t someone who enjoys museums, don’t go to them just because everyone says you need to. It’s your vacation, so focus on doing things that you enjoy. There is no need to spend unnecessary money on something that isn’t for you. You also don’t need to fit everything into one vacation. Once you have a list of things you want to do or see, rank them according to their importance to you. Now with your budget in mind, you can decide what you will and won’t do.

Here are a few more things to remember when booking your vacation. Avoid extra fees like baggage fees and seat upgrades. Avoiding baggage fees might mean having to limit what you bring, but it will allow you to do more once you are there. This is all based on your comfort, but another way to save money is by reading reviews on some great, cost-efficient hotels. Read travel blogs of the area you are going to be in and see what people who have been there say. You can also check out AirBNB and VRBO for some more cost-effective options. Make sure to utilize credit card rewards and points if your card offers them. Many credit cards offer extra points for hotels and travel that can help you in the future.

Now that you have started booking things, you need to save money until the trip. One easy way to save money is to eat at home. It’s easy to want to eat out all the time, but use the vacation as a way to get yourself to refrain. You can also buy gift cards and use those as you're spending money, that way you have the budget of what the card has to use. This can be used to save money before the trip, and even during. Along with this, don‘t make unnecessary purchases. You don’t need a whole new wardrobe for your trip, so don’t use that as an excuse to go on a shopping spree. Treat the vacation as a little reward for yourself for saving all the money.

We hope that this blog was helpful and gave you some ideas while planning your upcoming trips. We know it can be costly, but there are ways to have a budget-friendly vacation while still enjoying the place you are in!

How to Declutter Your House! Follow through with your New Year's Resolutions!

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 21:43:41 GMT

Start 2026 with a Clutter Free Home

With the end of January approaching, this is the perfect time to discuss New Year's resolutions and follow through on them. Most people surrender their New Year's resolutions just 8 days into the new year. But not this year. This year, we are here to help you stick to one big daunting one: decluttering your home. Decluttering your home can feel impossible because of the size of the task, but we want to help you break it down so it seems more achievable. Whether you are decluttering a one-bedroom apartment or a six-bedroom house, these tips will help you find a starting point and make it less of an intimidating task.

There are a multitude of ways to go about decluttering your house, but we wanted to highlight a few that we think are winners.

The first is called the “Ski Slope Method”. This involves going room to room and moving side to side as you would on a ski slope. This helps you focus your energy on one area at a time and makes you finish one before you start on another.

Another method is breaking everything up into categories. Start by grabbing everything you have of one category, like jackets, and putting them all into one area. This allows you to see every option you have, and really puts into perspective what you need and what you don’t need. After you have gone through and gotten rid of what you have decided you don’t need, now it’s time to put it all back. Don’t just put everything back exactly where it was, because this creates the opportunity for more clutter. Come with a system to keep things organised. Once you finish one category, you can move on to the next. It’s important to fully finish one category before going to the next one, or else it all just becomes one mess and loses all organization. When you decide to get rid of something, fully take it out of your everyday life so you can’t see it. Leaving it somewhere you can see it all the time can make you rethink the decision to get rid of it. Different categories to declutter by include: clothes, books, magazines, toys, and technology-related items.

A slightly more fun approach to decluttering is called “The Minimalism Game.” This has recently become a trend on TikTok, and for good reason. The way it works is you get rid of a certain number of items depending on the day of the month. For example, if it’s the 15th, you would get rid of 15 items that day. Doing this method is an easy way to make it a daily task, and keeps you constantly getting rid of unnecessary items. To switch it up, you can put all of the days of the month into a hat and choose one each day.

Different Decluttering Methods

Now you may be thinking, I have a method of how I’m going to declutter, but I still don’t know how to determine what to get rid of. Don’t worry, we have more tips for you! For any of the methods above, you can also use the Four Box Method. This involves having four boxes set up with the labels: keep, donate, sell, and throw away on them. Using the four-box method makes you have a decisive option on everything you go through and what you are going to do with it. If you find yourself putting most things in the keep box, you may need to re-evaluate everything and start again.

If you have a hard time deciding what to keep and what to get rid of, invite a friend! Having someone else there with you helps get a second option from someone who is not attached to random things. You may want to keep a shirt that has holes in it for sentimental value, but your friend can help you see that it is not worth keeping. It’s easy to want to keep things because of the memories we attach to them, but that doesn’t mean we should keep them.

Setting a Timeline

After reading this blog, you may be so inspired and want to start decluttering your home right away, but it’s important to set a timeline first. Without a timeline, it can easily turn into a project you started and never finished. Your timeline should be specific to you and what you realistically have time for. If you are someone who has more free time in your day-to-day life, aim for a one-month plan. For the one-month plan, you’ll dedicate 20-30 minutes a day to one small portion, whether this be a drawer, closet, or something else. If you are someone who has some free time on the weekends, aim for a one-two month plan. This plan consists of decluttering one room a week. And if your schedule is constantly changing, and free time is scarce, aim for the two-three month plan. This includes focusing on one area every other week. Whichever timeline you go with, be intentional with the time you dedicate to decluttering. Put it on your calendar and to-do list to really commit yourself to finishing it.

Keeping a Clutter Free Home

Once you finish decluttering, it’s important that you set up systems to keep your home clutter-free. Make homes for everything within your house. Have a bowl next to the door for keys, and a basket for mail. Giving everything a home allows you to determine things you actually need. If you find something that doesn't have a home, you can either determine you don’t need it or find a home for it. A good rule of thumb to follow is that everything should have a space that has four walls. This helps keep items together and gets rid of clutter. Having these landing areas makes everyday tasks easier and helps you in the future if you declutter again. It’s also important to keep surfaces clean and commit to tidying them at the end of the day. While decluttering, you may determine you don’t have enough space for everything, and may need additional space. Storage units are a great way to help declutter your home, and here at ClearHome, we have options for every type of need.

Lastly, we have some tips to leave you with that will help you keep clutter out of your life after decluttering.

Create One Clutter-Free Space

Whether it’s a counter or a table, dedicate one space to always be clutter-free.

Make a Junk Box

Make a space for you to get rid of things that you can’t decide on. Put it in this box and hide it. If you go 30 days without thinking of the item, get rid of it.

Get Rid of Expired Things

There is no need to keep something that is expired, so go through a purge of your food and any beauty products. If something has expired, toss it.

Flip the Hangers in Your Closet

Flip all the hangers in your closet backwards. Every time you wear something, turn the hanger in the right direction. Give yourself a date, and by that time, anything that never got flipped, get rid of.

Buy With Intention

Going forward, don’t buy things with the mindset, “I’ll find a place for this”, buy it with the intention of putting it somewhere. Know where it’s going to live before you buy it.

We know that the thought of decluttering your whole home is a lot to process, but we hope with these tips and tricks, it seems more manageable. Start 2026 off on the right foot by getting after something you have been putting off for way too long!

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