Welcome Spring: Spring Cleaning Tips

As the weather warms and we all prepare to spend more time outdoors, we are sharing our top tips to prepare your home for a healthy, organized, and social season. From refreshing your property after the cold winter months to readying your staff for a busy calendar of events, thoughtful planning is key to an easy transition.

Examine Outdoor Spaces

Before contacting any vendors or maintenance providers, we suggest you (or your estate manager) do a full walk-through of outdoor spaces and any areas that haven’t been regularly used during the winter months. Look for damage from storms, wear and tear, and things that might need extra attention. We recommend a full inspection of the pool if it was closed for the season, including heating, lighting, and filtration. Be sure to also check gym equipment, saunas, outdoor lighting, water features, and garage maintenance. Start with repairs, painting, and servicing before moving on to deep cleaning and organizing.

Prepare Outdoor Furniture

Once you’re certain all maintenance and repairs have been completed, it’s time to move on to cleaning and aesthetics. Outdoor kitchens, seating areas, pool grounds, and other social areas should be cleaned and stocked for the summer. Outdoor furniture and cushions should be professionally cleaned after months of storage.

Breathe Clean Air

Inside the home, replace HVAC and air purifier filters and cleans any overhead fans. It’s a good time to have all curtains and window treatments professionally cleaned, as well as carpets. Make sure to dust crown moldings, exposed beams, and other architectural details. Take the time to make sure you have only the smart home apps on your phone that you need; delete old apps taking up space.

Stock Wine Cellar & Bar

Depending on how you entertain, we suggest stocking commonly used areas with summer beverages. For the pool house or outdoor fridge, we’d bring out some rosé and white wine, as well as sparkling water, bottled lemonade, and your other favorite refreshing beverages. Make sure the ice makers and bar sinks are all cleaned and in good working order and that the wine cellar temperature is carefully controlled for summer.

Beyond the Usual Deep Clean

It’s a great time of year to go beyond the usual deep clean and have curtains and upholstered furniture professionally cleaned and steamed, as well as silver polished, and windows washed. Take the time to deep clean appliances, ovens, and grills.

Check Artwork Conditions

Double-check artwork positioning in the home in terms of sunlight and temperature. The harsh sun can quickly damage works that aren’t properly protected. Take this time to make sure everything you’ve acquired over the last year is properly documented and your insurance is up to date.

Personal Wardrobe

Swap out your items seasonally and review your closet for anything you can donate or give away. It’s a good time of year to have luggage and jewelry professionally cleaned. Luggage in particular is often overlooked but caring for high quality travel items will keep it looking fresh for longer, regardless of how often you travel.

We also recommend that you dry clean winter coats before putting them into storage, and make any necessary winter boot or shoe repairs now. Everything should be packed away clean and in good condition.

Prepare Guest Rooms

Swap out bed linens for lighter summer versions, add beach towels, and restock toiletries. Make sure the HVAC system is working properly in the room. It’s also a good time to add some little details to make your guest’s stay more comfortable – perhaps add a few books or magazines, a cozy robe, phone charger, and clearly available Wi-Fi information. Double-check that there is clear space in the closet and drawers for their items.

Security Systems Review

As we head into a busy time of year with plenty of travel, make sure you or a trusted member of your team reviews all security measures in place. They should check that all gates, keypads, cameras, and remote systems are working properly, and are accessible by key staff members. Make sure there is also an emergency plan in place that everyone is clearly informed of, including child caregivers and all family members.

Seasonal Staff

This is also a great time to review the need for any seasonal staff, including summer nannies or chefs. Take the time to prep staff on the summer schedule and travel plans, as well as holiday hours and events they will be working. Review staff’s summer uniforms, reorder or clean as needed, and make sure everyone is ready for a busy season.