Hard to believe time flew by so quickly! This semester of college has been intense. I figured if I handled 15 credits fairly easily, how hard could 18 be? It's totally different - especially with an online class because the class doesn't move forward until you do - no lecture or lab.
Anyway, it's fall (or will be officially in another 2 weeks or so). It's time to do a little fall decluttering/cleaning. Here's a few tips that take under 10 minutes. This way you can pick a few at a time when you get a few minutes instead of having to spend a weekend stuck in the house.
1. Kitchen: Clean out your pantry or cabinets. Time to toss those outdated items you know you will never use. Many products are perfectly fine past their "best if used by" dates if they have not been opened. If something has not expired yet but you know it will not be used because of dietary changes or no one liked the last one, donate it. Also, go through your condiments in the fridge to see if anything else needs to be replaced or tossed out.
2. Bedrooms: Change out your sheets, blankets, and comforters for the warmer ones if you live in a cold climate. Pull out a few blankets for overnight guests. If you keep some clothes in storage, now is a good time to switch those over - find those warm pajamas.
3. Lawn care: If you live where it is cold and need to fertilize your grass, now is the time. If you live where it stays warm, now is the season to consider planting your winter grass. Rake the lawn for curb appeal.
4. Carpets: Have your carpets cleaned if you have not done that this year. Replace air filters if necessary. Dust your throw rugs/runners (outside).
5. Closets: Change wardrobe over if necessary. Find things to donate you have not worn in months and know you won't. Pull out boots if you live where it gets cold. Find mittens, hats, scarves, winter coats, etc.
6. Bathrooms: Wipe down the baseboards, wash the floors, change the curtain liners if they're getting dirty/moldy.
7. Wash windows or have them washed, depending on your home and if you have a second or third story.
8. Clean out your vehicle, inside and out. Put water resistant product on your windshield to help when the precipitation falls.
9. Throw away anything lurking in your garage, attic, or basement you have been meaning to throw away.
10. Your schedule: This is either when it gets cooler where you live, or you may be down to your last few weekends of nice weather before it gets icy cold. Schedule days or at least a few hours to enjoy the nice fall weather. Get out and do fun fall-related events. Plan time for family and friends.
