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G R E E N K E Y R E A L E S T A T ET H E U L T I M A T ESpring CleaningC H E C K L I S T

your agent"When oneflower blooms,spring awakenseverywhere.""A L E T T E R F R O MThe flowers are blooming, the birdsare serenading, and our house stillfeels like it's stuck with winter blues.Spring cleaning is a tradition thatallows us to freshen up our homes andget a head start on the hectic seasonsof spring and summer. Originally,spring cleaning was a grueling ritualmade necessary by long winters ofheating with wood, kerosene andcandles that left a layer or soot andgrime throughout the home. Today,spring cleaning is much less anonerous chore and more anopportunity to throw open thewindows, let some fresh air in, andmake our homes clean, happy andefficient spaces.Jennifer Rodgers517-398-2541 | jenniferrodgers@greenkeysellsmi.com

GetMotivatedWhether you choose the radio, an mp3 player, or yourfavorite playlist on the computer, music will help you bemore excited about cleaning. Choose upbeat music, it willmake you work faster and as an added benefit it can countas light exercise.L I S T E N T O M U S I CNot your best clothes of course, but not pajamas. Reallygetting dressed down to comfy shoes can help tell yourmind that you've got work to do. If you start cleaning in yourbed pants and house shoes, it may be more difficult to takethe work seriously, and therefore get it done quickly.W E A R R E A L C L O T H E SInvite someone over for dinner. You'll be more motivated toclean because you have to get it done by a certain time. Becareful to give yourself enough time to actually get yourcleaning done. You can also use a timer. This works reallywell with kids. Try to beat your last "record" for cleaning.Kids will actually get excited trying to beat the clock.S E T A D E A D L I N EThis can be something you purchase..."If I finish my dailycleaning, I can buy that new book I've been wanting." Or, itcan be time doing something you really enjoy..."When themaster closet is reorganized, I can spend two hoursscrapbooking." Creating a reward for yourself when you'vefinished a dreaded chore can be a great motivating tool.G I V E Y O U R S E L F A R E W A R D

Cleaning OverviewItems are not equivalent to memories of the person who gave them to you, but pruningitems with an emotional attachment can be difficult. Consider carefully if you need theitem to have the memory or emotional attachment. If you simply aren't sure, considerstoring items on a trial basis, or giving them to another family member for safekeeping. Get rid of old clothing even if it's the size you used to be and hope to return to. It'stempting to keep them for when you reach your goal but think about instead rewardingyourself with a new wardrobe when you get to your goal weight.Keeping things just because you might need them someday may seem like a goodreason for clogging your closets. Remind yourself that what you really need is space andorganization.O R G A N I Z E A N D C L E A R T H E C L U T T E RIf you need a little help in your cleaning endeavors, get your family involved. Even themost unwilling helper can make a big difference in the workload. Don't worry: There areways to deal with even the most reluctant helpers. This is actually a great time of year toget the entire family to work together. Try throwing on some music or establishing afamily reward as an incentive to get the work done.G E T T H E F A M I L Y I N V O L V E DThere are some special chores that need to be done seasonally. We ignore them formost of the fall and winter, but now it is time to bite the bullet and get these thingsclean. Even though these chores only need to be done once or twice a year, they willhelp your home run look better and run smoothly. Outdoor chores like cleaning grills,patios, and windows can be a little intimidating, but there are some simple tricks thatcan keep the jobs manageable.T A C K L E T H E S E A S O N A L C H O R E S

4 Bucket MethodThis box should include any item that you do not need or want, but that is notworth donating or selling. Damaged and broken items should be included inthe trash if they are not worth someone buying it and repairing it.T H R O W A W A YWe all aspire to a more streamlined life, but getting rid of the clutter in your home isnot as easy as it sounds. Even the things we might have used only once or twice seemto call out to us with its greater purpose in the scheme of our lives once faced with thetrash can. With this simple-to-follow method, with a little willpower, it is possible togive clutter a life far away from yours.Find 4 boxes and label them with the 4 categories:1/Here is your chance to be generous. Think about the uses someone else mightget out of the items vs. the use it gets in your home buried in cabinets orclosets. You should also consider the financial benefits of selling your stuff ata garage sale.G I V E A W A Y2/This is where you put items that you cannot part with but do not need on aregular basis. Make an inventory of the items as you box them. Group similaritems together. Remember one good way to clean out closets is to store out ofseason clothing.S T O R E A W A Y3/This should be your smallest category. These are items that need to be out ona regular basis. Monitor yourself by determining if you have a place for eachitem. If the items in this box will not fit into your home without cluttering anarea up, try to reassess if you really need them. If you do need these essentials,try to come up with a storage solution that fits into your home.P U T A W A Y4/

4 Bucket MethodItems are not equivalent to memories of the person who gave them to you, butpruning items with an emotional attachment can be difficult. Consider carefully ifyou need the item to have the memory or emotional attachment. If you simplyaren't sure, consider storing items on a trial basis, or giving them to anotherfamily member for safekeeping. Get rid of old clothing even if it's the size you used to be and hope to return to.It's tempting to keep them for when you reach your goal but think about insteadrewarding yourself with a new wardrobe when you get to your goal weight.Keeping things just because you might need them someday may seem like agood reason for clogging your closets. Remind yourself that what you really needis space and organization.T H I N G S T O R E M E M B E RWorking room by room, sort items into the appropriate boxes. Work with one itemat a time determining its proper place in your newly organized life. Do not forgetto go through closets, cabinets, and storage spaces. Removing clutter from roomslike the kitchen and bathroom may be very easy to do, while rooms with storagecontainers and closets may take a lot more time.Work on one room at a time to provide yourself with an easy stopping point forinterruptions. When you come to a stopping point, be sure to throw out the trashimmediately. Box up the storage box. Place the giveaway/sell box in the garage,or out of sight. If you allow yourself to contemplate the decisions you have made,your brain can trick you into rescuing the clutter.

Open windows.Remove and clean window coverings. For each cabinet or drawer: Remove items, wipe out drawer,place items back neatly. Wash and sanitize cutting boardsWash cabinet doors and knobsClean and organize pantry. Check food expiration dates.Clean oven.Clean stove top. Remove elements and drip bowls, ifapplicable, wash and put back.Clean and organize fridge and freezer. Check food expiration dates.Clean under fridge and stove.Vacuum refrigerator coils.Clean microwave.Clean crumbs out of toaster.KITCHEN

Wipe down any other counter appliances.Wash and shine sink. Shine faucet. Clean drain.Clean Dishwasher with vinegar.Dust light fixtures.Wash windows and window sills. Remove window screensand wash.Wash switch plates. Wash walls and trim as needed.Wash doors and door knobs.Wash counters and back splash.Wash floor registers and other vent coversSweep and wash floor. KITCHEN

Open windows.Wash curtains.Wipe down table and chairs.Wipe down or dust other furnishing.Clean chairPolish table, if necessaryCreate a pretty spring vignette on table!Dust any displayed china or serving dishes.Launder table linens.Shine silverware.Dust art.Wash windows and window sills. Take out and washwindow screens.Wash switch platesWash walls and trim.Wash doors and door knobsWash floor registers and other vent covers.Clean floors.DINING ROOM

Open windowsVacuum sofasSpot clean sofas, if applicableLaunder throw pillows and blanketsDust shelves, furniture and decorClean lamps and lampshadesWash windows and window sillsTake out and wash window screensClean television screenCarefully dust electronicsTidy electronics wires. Tuck nicely out of sight Sort through music and DVD collections. Purge things thatno longer suit your families interests. Organize what is left inan attractive mannerSort books and magazines. Donate or recycle ones that nolonger suit your families interestsWash hard plastic children's toys with warm soapy water.Rinse and dry. Launder stuffed toys. Donate or store toysthat your children have grown too old forLIVING ROOM

Wash switch platesWash walls and trim as neededWash doors and knobsWash floor registers and other vent coversClean floorsLIVING ROOM

Open windowsWash windows and window sillsTake out and wash window screensWash cabinet doorsWash inside cabinetsWash laundry sink. Shine faucet. Clean drainsWash outside of washer and dryerWash inside of washing machineWash lint trap with soap and water to remove filmy build-upfrom laundry soaps and dryer sheets. Let air dry thoroughlybefore putting back in placeWash switch platesWash walls and trimWash doors and door knobsWash floor registers and other vent coversSweep and wash floorsReseal grout lines, if applicableLAUNDRY ROOM

Open windowsWash windows and window sillsTake out and wash window screensWash cabinet doorsWash inside cabinetsDust down the ceiling and cornersDust the vents and fansScrub the shower and tubClean/wash shower curtainScrub down the toiletVacuum Out the ClosetWash down the sink and fixturesClean out underneath sinkWipe Down Light Switches, Fixtures Shake out bathroom rugs/washClean Windows and Mirrors BATHROOMS

Empty and wash out the trash canGo through any junk drawers you may have andclean them outClean the Floors/Vacuum the CarpetBATHROOMS

Pick Up and Put Away All Clothes, Books, BelongingsStrip the BedLaunder the BeddingFlip the MattressPush Aside the Bed and Clean Under ItVacuum Out the ClosetDust all Surfaces Wipe Down Light Switches, Fixtures and Ceiling FanDust down the ceiling and corners in the masterbedroom.Clean Windows and MirrorsWash Curtains or Clean BlindsRemake the BedGo through any junk drawers you may have andclean them outClean the Floors/Vacuum the CarpetBEDROOM

Pick up all trashFind everything that belongs in another roomPut away things that are on the floorPut away the things on the desk, dresser andnightstandDustClean any glassChange the sheetsMake bedPick up all dirty clothesRefold or rehang all clean clothesWipe down door and trimClean windows Clean CurtainsVacuume/mopKIDS ROOM &PLAYROOM

Sweep/vacuum stairsSpot clean wallsWipe down handrailDust art and light fixturesSTAIRWELLSSweep porches and walkwayWash thresholdsWash exterior doors Give front door a fresh coat of paint, if necessaryClean or replace welcome matWash sidingChange any burnt out light bulbsOUTSIDE

15 Minute CleanUp Method

The 15 MinuteClean Up MethodK E E P Y O U R H O M E L O O K I N G G R E A TIf you have last-minute hosting duties or have just forgotten to clean the house in awhile, use the 15-minute cleanup plan for any room (or all of your rooms). Try setting atimer and doing it all in 15 minutes.A 15-minute cleanup works because it recognizes that there are three types of items youneed to clean up in a room. Everything falls into one of three categories: 1. Trash 2. Things that don't belong in the room. 3. Things that belong in the room, in a different place.Having only a few categories to sort items into makes a pickup run more smoothly. The15-minute cleanups also work because they are designed to maintain a room. Having aquick cleaning session in a room several times a week will keep your home looking greatbetween more intense cleanings.H O W A 1 5 - M I N U T E C L E A N U P W O R K SA 15-minute cleanup is a brief step-by-step guide to cleaning a room in 15 minutes orless. While the room may not be white glove clean, it will be presentable to guests.Quick cleanups are a great way to maintain a home in between more thoroughcleanings. These cleanups include step-by-step instructions, a list of supplies, tips, andlinks for more thorough information.A 15-minute cleanup is not the only cleaning regimen you’ll need to keep your home intip-top shape. It’s not an intense cleaning, but only a brief pickup of a room. To reallykeep a home clean, more thorough work will need to be done according to yourcleaning schedule. Before intensely cleaning a room, it’s a good idea to start with thatroom's quick 15-minute cleanup.W H A T A 1 5 - M I N U T E C L E A N U P I S A N D I S N ' T

Who is Jennifer?Jennifer is no stranger to the real estate world! With over 17 years of experience in theindustry, her passion for the business is contagious.Jennifer has built her reputation on the understanding that client needs come first,because they're important. Because you're important. And it all starts with listening, anability that leads to greater collaboration. Jennifer has ditched the cookie-cutterapproach for over 17 years, and there are hundreds of happy clients to prove it. Next Steps…Ready to work together? Call to find out how Jennifer can make your real estateexperience one you won’t forget!

thank youWE WOULD LOVE TO WORK WITHYOU, PLEASE REACH OUT IF YOUHAVE ANY QUESTIONS.JENNIFER RODGERS517-398-2541 | JENNIFERRODGERS@GREENKEYSELLSMI.COM | WWW.GREENKEYSELLSMI.COM