Q: I am feeling the urge to do some spring cleaning. What are some tips for how I can clean out with safety in mind.
A: I commend you for feeling ready to refresh your home environment to feel ready for the springtime. I love any opportunity to organize, clean out and start fresh. Cleaning can be a chance to get rid of things that are causing clutter, as well as releasing emotional baggage. It is also a great time to think about rearranging your home to prevent falls.
When thinking about cleaning your home with safety in mind there are a few things to consider. Start with your medications. Get rid of expired medications and organize your current prescriptions to ensure you are taking them correctly. Consider using a pill box to organize your pills for the week or even for the month. When disposing of old medications look for medication disposal bins in your city. Check with your city or local pharmacy for a location near you.
Take this opportunity to check the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Check the expiration date of any fire extinguishers in your home. Do an outside walk around to check that brush is cleared and there is a safe perimeter from dry plants for fire safety.
Vacuum and dust to prevent allergens. Replace all your air filters. Clean out your fridge and throw out any expired or old foods. Take this opportunity to stock your fridge and pantry with healthy food options.
Review your emergency kit, if you have one, and make one if you do not. Ensure nothing has expired and that your contact information is still accurate. Make sure you have flashlights and batteries in case of a power outage.
Do a walk through your home to look for anything that may cause you to trip. Ensure throw rugs are secure, there is no clutter on the floor, pathways are clear and wide, and that there is adequate lighting.
Look around at what brings you joy in your home and what causes you stress. Start with the section that causes you stress. Perhaps it is a stack of paperwork you need to organize, or a pile of items you do not have any place to put away.
Tackle one task a day or one task a week so you do not get overwhelmed. Sort items for things to discard, things to donate, and things you may want to give to a family or friend.
Now think about what brings you joy in your home and expand on that. If you like looking at photos of loved ones, then rearrange so they are the focal point and add new photos. If plants brighten your home, create more space for them and buy a new plant or pot that makes you smile.
Sometimes we hold onto things that no longer serve us or bring us joy. As you clean out, think about things through the lens of what brings you joy. Create a home that feels catered to you and what you enjoy being around.
Martha Shapiro can be reached at Senior Concerns at 805-497-0189 or by email at mshapiro@seniorconcerns.org.
