Spring Cleaning (post-COVID) with Rachel Rosenthal
So fresh and so clean.
Let’s be real here—we’ve been “spring” cleaning since our pandemic lives began last spring. When you’re stuck within your own walls, the clutter in there with you simply can’t be glossed over. Still, with a little flicker in view at the end of that proverbial tunnel—and an improved sense of what we like and need in our homes—we can approach this year’s annual rite in a whole new way, perhaps discovering some all-new areas to tackle. We reached out to our favorite organizing expert Rachel Rosenthal to find out how to level-up our cleaning and decluttering routines.
Rethink your stockpile.
As in your pantry and freezer, which has perhaps been in doomsday-prep mode for a while. Of course we are once bitten, twice shy from those 2020 supply-chain snafus, but despite some continued shortages (just stop it, paper towels), we mostly are firmly back in a land of abundance. Therefore, it makes sense to revisit the many things you may have grabbed in your apocalyptic supermarket sweep. Things that are still good, but you haven't used, can go to any number of organizations helping with food insecurity. A reminder that things that you may not think of can go bad, so check expiration dates; this includes your freezer stash. You might want to check here to see how long even things that are frozen last (throws out ground beef from last year).
Curate COVID staples.
After buying up every mask and hand sanitizer under the sun, we recently culled through our masks to keep only those that fit well and get used. We also bought some questionable hand sanitizers early on (is it supposed to eat through our gloves?), so be sure to check out the CDC’s list of bad actors. Last, remember when we told you about putting together a COVID kit for your pantry and medicine cabinet? It’s worth checking dates here as well, and replacing any expired items..
Prep to hit the road.
As we begin to imagine traveling once again, we realize that we haven’t set eyes on our suitcase or dopp kit in, like, forever. It’s a good idea to get reacquainted with them, so you can hit the ground running when it’s safe to indulge your wanderlust once again. Does your suitcase or travel bag have tears or need repairs? With diminished demand, now could be a good time to replace luggage and travel gear. Survey your toiletries and replace anything missing or past its prime. Though travel might resume, we know it will be different, so consider what you may need to add to your standard kit, like hand sanitizer, surface wipes, extra masks and gloves. Also, in case of reduced services or stops you want to avoid, a snack bag is always a good idea. Last, throw in some cold and flu medicines to your stores, just in case. Relax in knowing that when you do get the green light, you will be ready to fly out the door.
