Bring spring to your home

They're the places we eat, sleep, work, relax, play and do just about everything else - but after a long winter our homes can feel more like dungeons than sanctuaries. Outside, nature is cleaning up its act and renewing the environment; and indoors, many of us are doing the same. It's the season for some serious cleaning and for making amends for untidy habits.

There's something to be said for having your home in order. If an environment looks like a disaster area, it can cause stress-related problems for the people living there. Worse yet, these problems don't get left on the doorstep -- they often follow family members to school and work.

On the flip side, a clean, organized living space offers many rewards. It's a joy to come home to, and it also makes the day-to-day business of life much easier. It provides a sense of well being and boosts confidence.

"If you have a clean house, you have a clean life," says lifestyle expert Mike Chalut. "Everything starts at home. When your house is clean and organized, you're ready to take on the outside world."

And he would know: as co-host of Kim's Rude Awakenings, he has helped reform messy and cluttered homes -- and the families living in them -- and he has seen how these organizational makeovers improve a person's quality of life. Cleaning house, though it seems like an unpleasant task, does wonders for boosting the spirit.

It's not surprising then that spring cleaning can wash away those winter blues. To help you get started, Chalut offers these tips.

Think of the exercise

Getting rid of dust, mould and other indoor air pollutants is good for your health, but don't overlook the other physical benefits of a good scrub. Like gardening, cleaning is good for you -- all that moving around, lifting and scrubbing is exercise and it burns calories. Not only will it promote a sense of accomplishment and well being, it's another way to work in some that of that physical activity that experts warn is essential for maintaining good health.

Start on a sunny day

April showers are good for the garden, but not so good for our moods. If you find yourself feeling a little sleepy on rainy days, try starting on a sunny day instead. Throw open the curtains and let the sun in -- and open the windows for a good airing. In other words, get your momentum going when the weather is nice.

Tune in

Snow White knew something we often forget: Keep the atmosphere fun. Before you dive into the cleaning, Chalut recommends a little planning first. Get out your favourite music and keep it handy -- especially the songs you can't help but sing along to, or make you want to move. It doesn't matter what kind of music it is, so long as it promotes a positive attitude.

Another thing you can do to lighten the mood is have some favourite drinks and snacks on hand. (And you can dance with the broom, if you want).

Keep it natural -- and keep it handy

With all of the cleaning products on the market, what does Chalut reach for when it comes to cleaning up? Baking soda. Not only is it budget-friendly, it won't harm the environment and it's safe for kids and pets (and you too). There are no skulls and crossbones on the packaging, and it's a product you can actually eat.

The trick to using it is keeping it convenient. Pick up a couple of shakers from the dollar store and keep them handy. You can sprinkle baking soda on surfaces to wipe clean, or shake it on carpets, upholstery and even your pets to deodorize. Sprinkle some in your garbage can before you put in a new bag, or in your recycling bins too.