The onset of spring this year seems very different from one year ago when it felt eclipsed by the pandemic. Blooming magnolias and sprouting greenery deliver a clear and hope filled message of rebirth and renewal. The recommendation for copious cleansing of surfaces, recently downgraded by the CDC, lost it’s sense of intense urgency. One thing remains true every year, a good spring cleaning provides a needed boost to mental health and overall well-being.
The rewards of a good spring cleaning are even greater for people with vision loss. Choose a few ways you can quickly improve your environment at home. Think of it as a gift you give yourself. Being able to reach for something and finding it in its designated place, is a habit you’ll be happy to repeat, over and over. It never gets old.
Image of hands in rubber gloves washing dishes.
Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Get rid of clutter. Will you ever read that stack of magazines? Do you really need a CD collection? If in doubt, throw it out!
- Clean your refrigerator thoroughly, and throw out old or expired items. Organize the shelves so the items used regularly are prioritized.
Image of cooking tools and utensils neatly organized in a kitchen draw.
- Organize your kitchen for daily use, one section at a time. Make sure utensil drawers are neatly arranged, and that your favorite dishes and glassware are easy to access. Clean all surfaces and wash all items with hot soapy water so they feel fresh and new.
- Having your windows and carpets cleaned is a great way to refresh.
- Now is the time to get your bathroom organized anew. Get rid of all the items you don’t use and give the things you’re always searching for their own special spot.
Image of leafy houseplant in a white ceramic pot.
- Treat yourself to a new indoor foliage or a flowering houseplant. Refreshing the greenery cleanses the air and lifts your spirit.
- Clean a closet or two. Get rid of clothes you don’t wear, you can donate to charity or consign them for resale.
- Reorganize your closet for the new season. Put away winter gear neatly, for easy access when needed.
- Get your home office cleaned up and organized as well, it’s guaranteed to improved productivity.
- Go paperless, all bills and financial statements are available online.
- Don’t forget to do a much-needed cleaning to purge old mail, outdated files and apps from your computer and mobile devices.
More about low vision organizing and home on OE:
Image of colorful clothing organized in a closet.
An organized home is key for living with low vision.
An earlier version of this article was published Mar 27, 2020 and updated Apr 26, 2021.
