Rebecca Harpster
Golden Gate Better Business Bureau
Although the current weather may be deceiving, spring is in the air! It’s the time of year for flowers, sunshine, and cleaning. Organizing over-loaded closets, deep-cleaning carpets, and decluttering drawers is a great way to lighten up, feel good, and get ready for summer.
But with so much to tackle, how do you know where to begin? It’s important not to overwhelm yourself. It may take you a few weekends or days off. Make a checklist with a timeline – it’s better to work slowly and steadily and stick to your plan than to give up after a few exhausting 12-hour days.
In your checklist, be realistic about what you can, and can’t accomplish on your own. There’s no shame in hiring a professional for those difficult jobs! The following BBB tips will help you get your home in order:
- Learn to let go. Are all of those knick-knacks in your junk drawer necessities? Or are they throwaways that are taking up valuable space? Deciding what to keep and what to give away is often what makes decluttering so difficult. For some, it’s impossible! If that sounds like you, consider hiring a professional organizer. They’ll help you organize your belongings and teach you skills that you can use in the future. However, in 2017, consumers complained to BBB about professional organizers that refused to issue promised refunds and exhibited unprofessional behavior. Visit bbb.org to find a trustworthy BBB Accredited organizer near you. Make sure to talk to multiple professionals and verify their references.
- Do some deep cleaning. Spring is a great time to thoroughly clean areas of your home that might usually be ignored, like your upholstery, curtains, or carpet. A professional can help you out with this, but do your research first. Consumers nationwide filed nearly 1,000 complaints with BBB about cleaning services in 2017. The leading cause of complaints was bad service. Some consumer complaints allege workers stealing valuables, and others involve customers being overcharged for services. Look at every business’ BBB Business Profile to see their BBB Rating, complaint history, and reviews from past customers. You can find local professional cleaning services, including carpet cleaners and other specialists, at bbb.org.
- Remember your yard. Stormy weather and lack of sunshine may have left your yard looking less than perfect. If you’re planning on spending more time outside, now is the perfect time for a landscape makeover. However, this can take a lot of work and be tricky for a do-it-yourself project. Before choosing a company, figure out your needs and the scope of your project. Whether you need simple lawn maintenance or a new sprinkler system, this will affect who you hire. For more BBB tips on landscaping and lawn care, visit go.bbb.org/lawncare.
- Don’t forget about digital spring cleaning. Your online life needs regular attention as well! BBB has an easy-to-follow guide that will walk you through this process. It involves: making sure your web-connected devices are free from malware and infections; enhancing the security of your online accounts; tending to your digital records and files; and cleaning up your online reputation. Visit bbb.org/digital-spring-cleaning for more tips and action items to help you get started!
You can reach your BBB at info@bbbemail.org or (510) 844-2000, or by visiting bbb.org.
