How To Clean and Reorganize Your Home After a Storm
Sometimes storms breeze through without much fuss, leaving behind nothing more than a few puddles and scattered leaves. Other times, they can wreak havoc on your property—tree limbs scattered across your yard, shingles peeled off your roof, or worse yet, damage that finds its way inside your home through leaks, broken windows, or structural issues.
When Mother Nature decides to redecorate your space, you're left wondering where to start picking up the pieces. Cleaning and reorganizing your home after a storm doesn't have to be another storm you have to weather. Let's explore some practical tips to help you bring back the calm after the chaos.
Start With a Safety Check
The first step after any storm is to check your property for safety issues. Look for downed power lines, which can be very dangerous. Keep a safe distance and report them immediately. Inside, check for structural damage like cracks in the walls or ceiling. A professional inspection can give you peace of mind and identify problems that might not be obvious at first glance.
Tidy Up the Exterior
Once you know the area is safe, you can begin the outdoor cleanup. Start by gathering fallen branches and other debris from your yard. Check your roof for missing or loose shingles. You should also take a look at your gutters and downspouts for any blockages. Clearing these areas will help prevent future water damage the next time it rains.
Address Damaged Windows
A storm can cause minor or major window damage. You can often fix minor damage, such as small cracks or loose seals, yourself with a simple window repair kit. For more serious issues like a broken window, a few steps are necessary to handle the emergency like a pro.
First and foremost, wear protective gloves to pick up any large pieces of glass. For smaller shards, a vacuum will work well. You can then cover the opening with a heavy-duty plastic sheet or a piece of plywood and secure it with tape to keep the elements out until a professional can replace the window.
Dry Out Wet Areas
Water has a way of getting into the most unexpected places. If you find leaks or puddles, address them quickly to prevent mold growth. You can use towels to soak up excess water. Fans and dehumidifiers are excellent tools to help dry out carpets, furniture, and walls. The faster you can get everything dry, the better.
Tackle Indoor Clutter
With the immediate issues handled, you can turn your attention to organizing the inside of your home. A storm can leave rooms in disarray. Go through each room, put items back in their proper place, and clear any clutter that might have accumulated. This is also a good opportunity to sort through belongings and decide what to keep, donate, or discard.
Moving Forward After the Storm
Cleaning up your home after a storm can feel like a marathon, but these steps can help you tackle the job systematically. Some tasks are best left to professionals, especially those involving electrical work, major structural damage, or hazardous materials. Take breaks when you need them, and don't hesitate to ask friends and family for help—many hands really do make light work. With patience and persistence, you'll have your peaceful sanctuary restored before you know it.
