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Turning thoughts to spring cleaning This article is provided by local Realtors and the Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA) for the benefit of consumers in the real estate market. Now that the icy clutches of winter are beginning to loosen their grip, many homeowners are starting to turn their thoughts towards spring. It‘s the time of year to shake off the cobwebs, get orgaâ€" nized, revitalized â€" and of course â€" start your spring cleaning. If you‘re like most homeowners, you probably have mixed feelings about this annual "rite of spring." While you‘re motivated by good intentions and the prospect of a muchâ€"welcomed season, you dread opening up that crammed cupâ€" board at the back of the garage or sorting through this fall and winter‘s accumulaâ€" tion of jumble in your basement or mudâ€" room However, if you approach the task with the right attitude and a bit of foreâ€" thought, you‘ll find that you‘ll be swingâ€" ing into spring in no time at all. CONSULT WITH FAMILY First of all, consult with other family members to decide what needs to be done and make up a comprehensive list. Don‘t forget that spring cleaning chores don‘t end at your front or back door. Be sure to factor in your yard, garden, garage, and toolshed into your cleanup plans as well. After all, you‘ll want to have easy access to the grass seed and gardening tools without having to rummage your way around snow shovels, toboggans and ski equipment. B); organizing things in the early part of spring, you‘ll have much more time to enjoy the warmer temperatures when they actually do arrive. LOOK FOR DAMAGE You may want to start your spring cleaning ritual in the basement â€" which for most homeowners, serves as a catchall for all types of seasonal items. While you‘re sorting through this year‘s accumulation of paraphernalia, take a good look around at the walls and floors for any signs of winter damage like cracks or heaving â€" or any evidence of water seepage If you spot anything, make a note of it and plan to get it fixed before it can develop into a major problem later on. SsSORTING Sort through old junk and throw out what you don‘t need. If you store Christmas decorations and wrapping paper in the basement, make sure these items are well away from any sources of heat â€" like the furnace. Rotate other seasonal items so that you‘ll have easy access to any garden tools, lawn furniture or other items that you store in the basement. If your lawn furniture looks a little seedy or is in need of some repair, now is the time to do it â€" not when that first balmy spring day arrives. Most plastic (See "Organize" RE 8)