Welcome to the month of March! As we transition into springtime, there are some quick and easy ways to get your life, home and self ready for the changing seasons. This article will provide fast fixes and helpful tips so you can make the most of March. From spring cleaning hacks to self-care rituals, read on for actionable advice you can implement now.
Do a Quick Spring Cleaning
March is a great time to do a light spring cleaning and get your home ready for the warmer months ahead. Here are some fast fixes to freshen up your space:
Clear Out the Clutter
- Go through closets and drawers and donate or toss anything you haven’t worn or used in over a year. Clutter sucks up energy and makes spaces feel smaller.
- Organize kitchen cabinets and pantries by getting rid of expired food and consolidating items into matching containers. This makes it easier to see what you have.
- Declutter countertops and coffee tables by putting away stray items like mail, kids’ toys and more. Use decorative trays or baskets to corral small objects.
Deep Clean Problem Areas
- Scrub kitchen sinks, bathtubs and showers to remove stains and built-up grime. Use a pumice stone to tackle soap scum.
- Clean out the refrigerator and microwave by throwing away expired condiments and splattered food. Disinfect shelves and wipe down exterior surfaces.
- Vacuum furniture and launder household textiles like pillows, curtains and area rugs. This removes dust and allergens.
Freshen Up for Spring
- Open windows on nice days to circulate fresh air. Place bowls of vinegar around to absorb odors.
- Change out winter bedding for lighter quilts, duvets, and sheets. Add decorative pillows in spring colors.
- Flip mattresses and wash all bed linens. Consider adding a mattress protector for easy seasonal cleaning.
- Display spring flowers like tulips, daffodils or hydrangeas to instantly brighten up indoor spaces.
Update Your Wardrobe for Warmer Weather
As temperatures start rising in March, it’s a smart time to transition your wardrobe over to spring and summer essentials. A few key additions can give you stylish seasonal options.
Fill Wardrobe Gaps
- Add lightweight layers like jean jackets, cardigans and pullovers. These transitional pieces pair well with dresses, skirts and shorts.
- Buy a new pair of sunglasses to protect your eyes from springtime rays. Look for trendy shields or color tinted lenses.
- Get lightweight loungewear like shorts, tee shirts, and stretchy pants for relaxing at home during warmer months.
Shop Smartly
- Look for natural fabrics like cotton, linen and rayon that breathe well in warmer temps. Steer clear of heavy wools or polyesters.
- Stick to versatile neutral colors like khaki, olive green, tan and white. These match with everything in your closet.
- Focus on quality over quantity by investing in fewer well-made staples that will last vs cheap disposable fashion.
Prep Current Items
- Have winter coats professionally cleaned then store them sealed in a breathable garment bag. This preserves fabric fibers.
- Repair or replace worn-out shoes and boots so you have good options for the changing weather and start of spring activities.
- Sell or donate anything not worn in the past year to pass along items still in good condition. Declutter your drawers and closet space.
Spring Clean Your Routines
March is also an opportune time to clean up your habits and daily routines. Small changes can optimize your lifestyle heading into springtime.
Energize Your Schedule
- Wake up 15 minutes earlier to start the day relaxed instead of rushed. Use the time for morning meditation, journaling or sipping coffee.
- Schedule exercise into each day, even if for just 20-30 minutes. This could be a brisk lunchtime walk or YouTube yoga class after work.
- Set a consistent bedtime allowing for 7-9 hours of sleep. Lack of sleep hampers focus, mood, productivity and health.
Streamline Your System
- Clear out your calendar by assessing pending commitments and removing non-essential activities. Funnel time into priorities.
- Unsubscribe from email lists you never read to reduce inbox clutter. Update notifications to control alerts from apps.
- Meal prep on Sundays to have healthy eats ready when hunger strikes all week. Bonus: this also saves money by reducing takeout!
Nurture Your Wellbeing
- Drink more water by keeping a bottle with you and swapping out sugary drinks. Proper hydration boosts energy, skin, weight loss and other health markers.
- Start a gratitude ritual like writing down things you’re thankful for or sharing daily highs/lows with your partner. This grounds mental health.
- Learn quick self-care techniques like deep breathing, guided meditation, and progressive muscle relaxation. Short sessions calm the nervous system.
Plan Easy Spring Home Improvements
With the weather warming up, March is prime time to make a few upgrades that can instantly improve your home’s function and aesthetic for spring and beyond. Consider taking on one or more of these refreshers:
Boost Curb Appeal
- Plant flowers or greenery in planter pots near entryways to add welcoming pops of color. Go for cheery spring blooms like tulips, pansies or daffodils.
- Refresh exterior paint or finishes before the summer sun takes a toll. A fresh coat in a modern neutral instantly modernizes.
- Clean siding, shutters, railings and doors to remove grime that accumulated over winter. Hose them down and let air dry.
Upgrade Outdoor Living Spaces
- Transitions deck furniture to weather-resistant pieces made of aluminum, synthetic wicker or teak wood. Toss torn cushions and frayed umbrellas.
- Repair and refinish patio furniture like wooden tables, chairs, and loungers. Sand away splinters, re-stain, and add weatherproof sealant.
- Install pathway lighting or lanterns to illuminate walkways and extend enjoyment of outdoor spaces into the evenings. Go solar!
Increase Energy Efficiency
- Seal air leaks and gaps around windows and doors with caulk and weatherstripping. This prevents cooled or heated air from escaping and lowers energy bills.
- Change HVAC filters monthly during high usage spring and summer months. Clean filters optimize airflow and performance.
- Install a smart thermostat to control temperatures via smartphone app. Program it to eco-friendly settings that save power when you’re away.
Get Financially Fit for Spring
March is Financial Literacy Month, so it’s a fitting time to get your money matters in order. Small steps now can pay (literally!) in the months ahead.
Budget for Warmer Months
- Factor in upcoming expenses like summer activities for kids, travel plans, home projects, etc. Get real about spending and start earmarking funds.
- Review insurance policies to ensure proper coverage for risks that increase in spring and summer like flooding, storms, travel delays and recreational injuries.
- Check your tax withholding and make adjustments if necessary. Spring is a good time to review so any changes impact your whole tax year earnings vs just one quarter.
Reduce Expenses
- Eliminate unused subscriptions and services like cable channels, magazines, software programs, and memberships not getting used. These recurring fees add up.
- Negotiate better rates for cell phone plans, cable/internet, insurance premiums, gym memberships, etc. Costs drop over time, so ask for current promotions.
- Slash energy costs by switching to LED bulbs, installing a programmable thermostat, opening windows instead of blasting AC, and turning off lights when not needed.
Increase Savings
- Boost automatic transfers from checking to high-yield savings accounts to force yourself to save more effortlessly. Set it and forget it!
- Tax refund time? Resist blowing it on impulse purchases and instead apply funds to debt pay-down or savings goals like an emergency fund or retirement.
- Start a spring change jar. Toss spare coins and singles into a jar all season. In summer you can use fun money for warm weather treats like ice cream, paddleboards, etc.
Prioritize Your Health This Spring
The shift to warmer and longer days in March is the perfect time to reboot your health habits. So take advantage and make meaningful strides!
Eat Clean and Fresh
Spring produce is ripe for the picking, so hit up local farmer’s markets and plan meals around in-season goodies like asparagus, berries, peas and more. Eating the rainbow gives your body the essential nutrients it needs after winter’s limited bounty. Other tips:
- Herb it up! Grow an indoor or outdoor herb garden with nutrient-dense picks like parsley, basil, oregano and mint to flavor dishes.
- Out with heaviness, in with lightness! In warmer weather, choose lighter meals focused on produce, lean proteins and whole grains vs heavy comfort foods.
- Stay hydrated! Drink at least 64 oz (8 cups) of water daily, more if exercising. Infuse it or make fruit-filled detox waters.
Get Moving Outdoors
Say bye to the gym and break a sweat in the great outdoors. Taking your workout al fresco gives you vitamin D, fresh air, and spring fever! Ideas:
- Go for jogs, walks or bike rides through nature. Bring the kiddos or pets along too!
- Try outdoor classes like boot camp, yoga, rowing clubs, tennis lessons, and more for a fun group activity.
- Plan active outings like kayaking, rock climbing, golfing, hiking and beach days.
Tend to Your Wellbeing
- See your doctor and dentist for annual checkups and screenings. Address nagging health issues now before summer fun starts.
- Manage stress through yoga, meditation, massage and other relaxing rituals that nourish your mind-body connection.
- Spend time outdoors to soak up mood-boosting sunshine and nature. Take breaks from work and get outside!
The arrival of spring in March is a chance to hit the reset button! Follow this advice to quickly clean, organize, upgrade, save money, and get healthy so you can fully enjoy the warmer and brighter months ahead. With these fast fixes, you’ll feel renewed and ready take on the rest of the year.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fast Fixes for March
What are some good spring cleaning tips?
Some quick spring cleaning tips include decluttering closets and surfaces, deep cleaning the kitchen and bathrooms, opening windows to circulate fresh air, laundering linens and area rugs, and use bowls of vinegar to absorb odors. Displaying fresh flowers like tulips or greenery like eucalyptus also helps freshen up your home.
How should I transition my wardrobe into spring?
To transition your wardrobe, focus on layering pieces like light cardigans and jean jackets, shopping for versatile neutral colors, and investing in quality spring basics like sunglasses and lightweight loungewear. Store away winter coats and replace worn-out footwear. Also, consider donating or selling anything not worn in over a year.
What are simple ways to improve my home this spring?
Some easy DIY home improvements for spring include planting flowers or containers gardens to boost curb appeal, sealing leaks and gaps to increase energy efficiency, upgrading outdoor living spaces with fresh deck furniture and lighting, repairing and refinishing patio furniture, and giving the exterior a fresh coat of modern, neutral paint.
How should I do financial planning for spring?
Important financial to-dos this spring are budgeting for increased expenses in the coming months, reducing unnecessary expenses like unused subscriptions, reviewing insurance policies, increasing automatic transfers into savings, evaluating tax withholding, and seeking ways to slash energy costs around your home.
What are some good health habits to implement in springtime?
To get healthy this spring, eat more fresh and seasonal produce, get moving outdoors with activities like walking, running, golfing, outdoor classes, etc., see your doctor for annual physicals and screenings, manage stress through yoga and other relaxing rituals, and spend more time outdoors soaking up the mood-boosting sunshine and nature!
How can I do a quick spring clean of my daily routines?
Spring cleaning your routines involves optimizing your schedule by waking up earlier, exercising daily, and setting an earlier bedtime for better sleep. Also streamline unnecessary commitments and declutter obligations from your calendar. Meal prepping on Sundays, drinking more water, starting a gratitude ritual, and learning quick self-care practices are other excellent spring cleaning strategies for your lifestyle.