Fall cleaning tips for apartment dwellers

While spring cleaning gets a lot of attention, many people forget that fall is another transition season when you can get a lot of things accomplished to get ready for the winter.

Most rental apartments are small (at least compared to houses), so it’s easy for clutter to build up over the summer. I mean, when the sun is out, the last thing you want to do is clean — so you leave it until fall.

So, where should you start? Get your apartment in tip-top shape for the holiday season with these fall cleaning projects!

Clear off balcony or patio

If you are fortunate enough to have an apartment with a balcony, fall is an excellent time to clear it off now that it’s getting colder. If you have a patio set, planters, bikes or other seasonal items out there, you probably won’t be using them again until spring, so it’s time to organize!

If you have storage in your building, put away all seasonal outdoor furniture, flower pots and planters, and recreational equipment, such as bicycles. If you don’t have the room to store these items, make them as compact as possible, place them close to the wall and tarp them using bungee cords. This will protect them from the elements during the winter.

You should sweep the surface of the balcony or patio and wipe down railings so that you’ll be in okay shape when you set it back up come spring.

Clean windows and doors

During the spring and summer, you likely had your windows and screen door open to let in some fresh air. As fall brings cooler days and colder nights, the windows and doors will close. The summer breeze probably felt nice, but it also blew in some dust and debris. Give your window wells a good wipe and clean the glass on the outside where possible (windows and patio doors located off the balcony).

Once the frost sets in, you won’t have another opportunity to wash the windows until spring.

Clean closets

You’ve put away your summer clothes, so it’s time to do inventory on your fall/winter wardrobe. Are there items that you no longer wear because they don’t fit or just aren’t your taste anymore? Do you have winter boots that have seen better days?

Make piles for keeping and donating. Try not to replace what you donated unless necessary to avoid adding more clutter. Be discerning about what you buy in the way of shoes and apparel — opting for quality staples you can mix and match rather than cheap fast-fashion. Apartments don’t often come with walk-in closets, so work with the space you’ve got.

Change bedding

After you tackle your closets, do the main part of your bedroom next. In addition to tidying and decluttering, you should consider changing your bedding. If you used a light blanket or duvet for the summer months, consider adding some blankets or a heavier comforter for winter.

Store your summer bedding in your linen closet or storage container. Fall/winter is all about being cozy, so start fresh with a winterized bedroom while you clean.

If you’re looking for a new place for fall/winter, find an apartment for rent in your ideal area on Gottarent.com. Enjoy apartment living this fall in a clutter-free environment!