Having the right type of bedding can improve your sleep and help you wake up feeling refreshed. If you use flannel sheets and heavier blankets in the winter, wash them and pack them away when the temperature rises. Cooling sheets offer a comfortable option for warmer weather. Replace heavy blankets with a few lighter options. This lets you layer the blankets if you need to without getting too hot on warmer nights.
Throw pillows and blankets dress up your seating area with colorful designs. Changing them with the seasons helps refresh your living space while creating a more warm-weather look. Instead of buying several different throw pillows, simply buy throw pillow covers for each season. It's easier to fold and store the covers than to pack away full pillows.
Heavy throw blankets that keep you cozy in the winter could be too warm for spring and summer. Look for thinner, lighter-weight throw blankets in fun spring colors.
When you live in a small space, decluttering helps you keep the space tidy. It also helps you maximize your space. Schedule spring cleaning as the weather warms to tackle any clutter you've collected over the winter. If the job seems overwhelming, break it down into smaller areas. You might clean out your closet one day, your kitchen cabinets another and your living space on the third day.
While you're spring cleaning, decide what you want to keep and what can go. You can toss, donate or sell the items you no longer want. Items you want to keep can go in storage, either in your apartment or off-site.
After you declutter, do some deep cleaning. This might include your baseboards, windows, cabinet fronts, walls, light fixtures and other areas you don't normally clean. It's also a good time to shake the dust out of your rugs and clean other fabrics like your window coverings and upholstery. Freshening your home with a deep clean gets you ready for warmer weather and can help boost your mood.
Small space living often means you need to swap out the clothes in your closet as the seasons change. You won't need many sweatshirts or jackets in Youngtown when the warmer months hit. Under-bed storage containers work well for off-season clothes. You can also use them to pack away your winter accessories and boots. This frees up more room in your closet for your warmer-weather clothes so you can easily find what you need.
Even small spaces can warm up quickly in the hot months. Start to prepare for those warmer days now. Pull out your fans to help keep the air circulating. If you have ceiling fans, change the rotation direction so they move counterclockwise. This helps push cooler air down into the room.
Window coverings can also help you stay cool. While open blinds let in mood-boosting sunlight, they also let in lots of heat when the sun is shining directly on the windows. Installing thermal window coverings and keeping them closed during periods of direct sunlight can help your small space feel cooler. It's also a good time to test your windows to make sure they open and close freely so you can enjoy fresh air on mild days.
Spring is an ideal time to switch up your decor to themes that are a little brighter. Pack away any wintery decorations that you've had on display to make way for warmer weather decor. This might include bright colors or summer-related themes. You can also include seasonal decorations, such as Easter or 4th of July decor. Ideas for small spaces include wreaths, rugs, wall hangings and table centerpieces. Avoid adding too many decorations, which can make a small space feel cluttered.
Just as you're ready to enjoy activities in warmer weather, the creepy-crawly pests in the area are also more active as the weather gets warmer. Look for gaps around doors and windows that offer an easy entry point for pests. Clean up crumbs and store food in airtight containers when possible to avoid attracting pests.
With warmer weather comes many more options for fresh produce that's currently in season. Clean out your refrigerator to make room for those delicious foods. You can also stock up on various seasonings that make your veggies taste even better. Check your recipe books or look online for new ways to prepare your favorite warm-weather foods. You can even grow some of your own herbs and veggies in a container garden in your small space.
