As the birds chirp and flowers bloom, it’s time to embrace the spirit of renewal with a thorough spring cleaning session! Bid farewell to the dust and clutter of winter and welcome the season of freshness and rejuvenation. Whether you’re a seasoned cleaning aficionado or a novice in the art of tidying up, these handy tips will help you breeze through your spring cleaning checklist with ease:

Create a Plan of Attack: Start by making a list of areas in your home that need attention. Prioritize tasks based on urgency and allocate specific days or weekends for tackling each area. Having a plan will keep you organized and motivated throughout the cleaning process.

Declutter Before You Clean: Before diving into deep cleaning, take some time to declutter and streamline your belongings. Sort through closets, cabinets, and drawers, and donate or discard items that you no longer need or use. Decluttering will not only make cleaning easier but also create a sense of spaciousness in your home.

Gather Your Supplies: Stock up on cleaning supplies before you begin. Invest in eco-friendly and non-toxic products to minimize environmental impact and ensure the safety of your family and pets. Essential cleaning supplies include microfiber cloths, all-purpose cleaner, disinfectant wipes, vinegar, baking soda, and a vacuum cleaner with attachments.

Start from the Top: When cleaning each room, always start from the top and work your way down. Begin by dusting ceiling fans, light fixtures, and crown moldings, then move on to surfaces like countertops, tables, and shelves. Finally, tackle floors and baseboards to sweep away any accumulated dust and debris.

Focus on High-Traffic Areas: Pay special attention to high-traffic areas of your home, such as entryways, kitchens, and bathrooms. These areas tend to accumulate more dirt and grime and require extra attention during spring cleaning. Scrub floors, wipe down surfaces, and disinfect commonly touched objects like doorknobs and light switches.

Don’t Forget the Windows: Brighten up your living spaces by giving your windows a thorough cleaning. Use a glass cleaner or a solution of vinegar and water to remove dirt, smudges, and streaks from windowpanes and frames. Don’t forget to wash curtains, blinds, and window sills for a complete refresh.

Freshen Up Fabrics: Refresh your upholstery, carpets, and rugs by giving them a good cleaning. Vacuum upholstered furniture to remove dust and pet hair, and spot-treat stains with a gentle cleaner. Consider steam cleaning carpets and rugs to deep clean and sanitize them effectively.

Tackle the Outdoors: Extend your spring cleaning efforts beyond the confines of your home and spruce up your outdoor living spaces. Sweep patios and decks, power wash exterior surfaces, and trim overgrown bushes and shrubs. Clear gutters and downspouts of debris to prevent water damage during spring showers.

Organize and Label: Take advantage of your spring cleaning momentum to organize and streamline your storage spaces. Invest in storage bins, baskets, and organizers to keep items neatly categorized and easily accessible. Label containers to quickly identify their contents and maintain order throughout the year.

Reward Yourself: Once you’ve completed your spring cleaning checklist, take a moment to celebrate your hard work and enjoy the fresh, clean ambiance of your home. Treat yourself to a well-deserved break or indulge in a favorite activity to recharge and rejuvenate for the season ahead.

With these simple tips and tricks, you’ll breeze through your spring cleaning routine and welcome the warmer months with a clean and refreshed home. Happy cleaning!

March reflects strong seller’s market and price increases

March sales rose to 2,664 units, a 10 per cent year-over-year gain and much higher than long-term trends. While new listings did pick up over last month, the 3,172 units were still below what we typically see in March and not enough relative to sales to drive any change in the supply situation. In March, the sales-to-new listings ratio rose to 84 per cent, and the months of supply fell below one month.

“We have not seen March conditions this tight since 2006, which is also the last time we reported high levels of interprovincial migration and a months-of-supply below one month,” said Ann-Marie Lurie, Chief Economist at CREB^®. “Moreover, we are entering the third consecutive year of a market favouring the seller as the two-year spike in migration has driven up demand and contributed to the drop in re-sale and rental supply. Given supply adjustments take time, it is not a surprise that we continue to see upward pressure on home prices.” 

Inventory levels have declined across properties priced below $1,000,000, with the steepest declines occurring for homes priced below $500,000. In March, there were 2,532 units in inventory, 22 per cent lower than last year and half the levels we traditionally see in March.

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