Spring Cleaning 101: 11 Things to Clean Out of Your Garage NOW

Modern Picnic The Large Luncher Purse Lunch Box ($189)

This purse lunch box doubles as a super cute accessory that features a rosy color to match your outfit and an insulated interior to keep your food cool.

Leak Proof Stainless Steel Lunchbox ($14, was $25)

With its streamlined design and small size, this stainless steel lunchbox will fit perfectly in your tote bag. The tight-fitting, handle-lock lid will prevent your fruit, pasta, or salad from spilling everywhere.

YETI Daytrip Packable Lunch Bag ($109)

Fold it up or down depending on how much you plan on storing, this Yeti lunch bag keeps your warm lunch hot and your cold sandwiches cold.

Kate Spade New York Portable Soft Cooler Lunch Bag ($35)

This tote says stylish lunch all over it. The insulated lining helps keep your food and bev fresh for hours while it's easy to wipe clean.

Bento Lunch Box

Bento Lunch Box ($47)

This is not your grade school lunch bag. This compact lunch box is sleek and features three inner compartments for you to store your breakfast, lunch and even a snack.

JANSPORT Lunch Break Honey Lunch Box ($14, was $22)

The Lunch Break has an insulated interior to keep foods warm or cold plus an angled zip opening so it can lay flat so you can use it as a tray!

CALPAK Insulated Lunch Bag ($48)

Taking your lunch to work doesn't have to remind you of your elementary school days anymore because this insulated lunch bag is as stylish as it's functional! It has exterior pockets that'll safely house your drinks, utensils, and snacks all while being lightweight.

It's also water-resistant so accidental spills don't stand a chance against it. All you have to do is spot clean it by wiping it, but you can always secure your lunch by pulling the drawstrings to close it!

VLM Insulated Lunch Box ($12)

You may have been making no-cook meals, but this sturdy lunch box is for the days your leftovers are from a hearty meal. It has enough room to carry your lunch, drinks, fruit, and more because of the mesh pockets attached to it.

The premium PEVA material helps safeguard it from spills while the aluminium foil lining maintains the temperature of your food. To clean it, all you need is a wet cloth or baby wipe!

Unlike the prior lunch box, this one has a detachable shoulder strap so you can slide it on your shoulder as you're racing out your front door.

BentoHeaven Premium Bento Box ($30)

Pretty and well-designed, this Bento setup is completely leak-proof and also really cute (we love the bamboo). But our favorite aspect may be the free lunch notes that come along with the box. Whether you’re packing lunch for your kids, an S.O., or yourself, write a little note to put a smile on their face. Even if it’s your own!

BALORAY Lunch/Tote Bag ($10)

This lightweight tote bag is made with a waterproof and dirt-proof cotton and is roomy enough to fit your lunch as well as a whole day’s worth of snacks. The stylish stripes also allow it to be repurposed for an everyday tote or makeup bag.

MIER Adult Lunch Box Insulated ($24, was $35)

If you’re someone who likes to have both cold and hot food for lunch, this roomy insulated two-leveled lunch bag will help you keep those items separate. There’s a top “dry” section and a bottom leakproof compartment, and it also comes with a handy shoulder strap.

Kate Spade New York Lunch Tote ($30, was $32)

Keep it classy with this understated but refined lunch tote. We think polka dots make everything better.

Graben Stadium Approved Clear Lunch Bag ($17, was $22)

This lunch bag is great for bringing lunch to work during the week, and for packing all the kiddos' favorite snacks during the weekend. The heavy-duty strap provides support, and it's got plenty of space for lunch *and* dessert.

Bentgo Salad Stackable Lunch Container ($15, was $30)

The perfect way to travel with salad, this container has separate compartments for all of your toppings. It also comes complete with a matching fork for a very stress-free lunch break.

Fulton Bag Co. Upright Lunch Bag ($16)

The crush-resistant Fulton Bag Co. Upright HardBody Lunch Box is sturdy and practical and keep food cold by the time lunchtime rolls around.

Herschel Supply Co. Pop Quiz Lunch Box ($35)

For Herschel bag fans, this lunch box has a soft insulated main snack compartment that easily wipes clean of your favorite fare.

Hydro Flask 5 L Insulated Lunch Bag ($45)

Keep your lunch cold for hours with this sleek, modern lunch box from one of our favorite water bottle makers.

FIT Strong & Healthy 3 Compartment Glass Meal Prep Containers ($25)

Prep your lunch ahead of time with these 32 ounce picks that divide up your food and keep it contained. They're great for organizing your fridge and for maximizing space in your lunchbox.

HOMESPON Reusable Lunch Bag ($8)

Simple and stylish, the reusable lunch bag is also roomy enough to fit an entire's day worth of food and then some.

4 Tier Indian-Tiffin Stainless Steel Medium Lunch Box ($24)

Take a modern twist on a classic design with this tiered set inspired by century-old vessels from northern India. The interlocking tins are perfect for your multi-course lunch.

Tirrinia Insulated Lunch Box ($15, was $22)

Lunch boxes should be durable like this one! Designed by Tirrinia, it's made of 600D Oxford cloth and has thick foam padding as well as insulation in it. That alone tells us your food, snacks and water bottle will be securely kept in one place.

You can't detach the shoulder strap, but you don't need to. It has a rotatable and detachable buckle that helps you avoid any discomfort.

BUILT Gourmet Getaway Soft Neoprene Lunch Tote Bag ($9, was $10)

This colorful neoprene tote is compact, machine-washable, and insulated.

Fit & Fresh Laketown Lunch Box ($15)

Your sandwich boxes will fit nicely in this lightweight lunch bag. It also comes with a side bottle holder and compartment for utensils.

Sistema 1.1 Liter To Go Split Lunch Box ($9)

If you don't care about having a stylish lunch box, that's okay! This mini lunch box keeps things simple by offering a modular design that separates your sandwich from any fruit or snacks you want to eat at your desk.

LunchBots Large Trio Stainless Steel Lunch Container ($35, was $38)

Forget those soggy bread balls you get when you wrap your sandwich in plastic wrap — this box promises you the perfect sandwich every time. This metal lunchbox is a great container for smaller meals and snacks like crackers and cheese or celery and peanut butter.

Stanley The Legendary Classic Lunch Box ($55)

Stand out with a vintage lunch box roomy enough to hold lunch for two. There's even a metal bracket just inside the lid that can keep your full-size Stanley Vacuum Bottle or Mug secure.

LunchBots Duplex Insulated Lunch Bag ($27, was $30)

Gray and pink is a classic color combo and an insulated liner ensures everything stays cold. We also love that it’s big enough to carry your lunch as well as utensils and a bottle of water or two.

OmieBox Bento Box for Kids ($46)

This hard plastic box boasts a game-changing, vacuum insulated bowl that promises to keep cold yogurt cold and hot soups hot. There are also several leakproof compartments. Although, for those of us unwilling to give up our PB+J, the bowl can be removed for a sandwich spot.

Kipling New KICHIROU Lunch Bag ($71)

Those extra long work days require extra snacks. This bag comes in a variety of colors and is big enough to hold several shifts’ worth of snacking.

Loobu 52 Oz To Go Salad Container ($10)

If you're only taking salad to work for a week, you don't need to worry about looking at traditional lunch boxes. Instead, feast your eyes on this salad container!

You'll get a salad bowl, 3 compartment topping trays, dressing container, leak proof lid, and a spoon!

ECOlunchbox Three in One Classic Stainless Steel Food Container Set ($59)

This plastic-free stainless steel set of three containers fits perfectly together so you can take three dishes on the go. Basically, you can put a sammie (or other main course) in the largest container, and two sides in the smaller ones.

JarJackets Silicone Mason Jar Protector Sleeve ($25)

Pack these cute and yummy Mason jar lunches safely with these colorful protector sleeves.

Life Story To-Go Salad Bowl Container ($18)

You’ll never have to eat a soggy salad again with this incredible container. Not only does it keep your greens fresh, but it also comes with a separate container for dressing and a fork which both snap into the lid.

Igloo Luxe Lunch Tote Cooler Bag ($48 was $60)

This functional cooler bag is great for keeping your cold drinks and salads cold due to its MaxCold insulation. The exterior is also made of vegan leather so it's sustainable!

Nike Futura Sportswear Lunch Tote ($38)

Toss your heels under your desk and slip into your comfy sneakers before grabbing this sporty lunch tote for lunch in the park.

CORKCICLE Baldwin Boxer Lunchbox ($48, was $60)

Take this sleek lunchbox to work and your scheduled yoga sessions once you clock out!

ban.do Lunch Bag ($30)

This lunch bag is the perfect match for the person who can't stop making charcuterie boards. It has the cutest quilt design and contrasting blue zippers that make it easy to open and close.

We don't suggest stuffing this mini lunch bag though! It has just enough room for fruit, an oatmeal packet, yogurt, and a small sandwich!

Bentgo Prep Deluxe Multimeal Bag ($40)

For the busy girl who needs a ton of snack options in between breakfast and lunch, Bentgo's multimeal bag is a dream come true. It can hold up to five meals that you've packed in different Bentgo containers.

Your food will be insulated for up to 8 hours and you'll be able to store everything from napkins to utensils inside!

JanSport Big Break Insulated Lunch Bag ($22)

This lunch bag will probably remind you of one of the cute backpacks we've found for school and office, but that's the point! It's another spacious option that'll keep your food warm or cold, plus the exterior pocket will hold any extra lunch supplies you need.

Packed Party Bring On The Fun Insulated Confetti Cooler Bag ($42)

This pretty confetti cooler bag will remind you of the last-minute getaway you and your besties took before heading back to work. Aside from it's mermaid-inspired look, it's designed to stash your lunch without compromising it's temperature or taste.

So Soul Design Name Custom Insulated Lunch Bag ($19, was $50)

Customize your very own insulated lunch bag with this cute design! It has a waterproof lining that protects against any sauce that may leak from your lunch and it has drawstrings that make opening it super easy.

Deep Clean Your Most-Used Appliances

Whether it’s your fridge, microwave, washing machine, toaster, or coffee machine — now is the perfect time to give your household appliances a good scrub with some cleaning tips. A deep clean keeps them working in tip-top shape and can keep you healthy. Over time, grease, grime, and food particles can accumulate, affecting just how well your machines work or how clean their output becomes.

How Long Should It Take: Approximately 1-2 hours, depending on the number and type of appliances.

Level of Difficulty: Moderate

How To: Each appliance will have its own cleaning requirements, but here's a general overview.

1. Declutter or remove everything from inside the appliance. That could mean taking everything off the shelves of the fridge, or disposing of your coffee maker's filter and grounds. This is an excellent time to dispose of expired foods or takeout you’re never going to eat.
2. Take out any removable parts and soak them in warm, soapy water. Dish soap and warm water in your sink work well.
3. Wipe down surfaces with a suitable cleaning solution. I like vinegar and baking soda because it gets rid of odors and the chemical reaction can actually lift grime and dirt. Plus they’re both food-safe.
4. Vacuum or wipe dust from coils, vents, filters, etc. Trust me, if you’ve never done this before — you will be horrified and never forget to do it again.
5. Reassemble and restock.

Clear & Clean Your Gutters (& Check Your Roof While You’re Up There)

No one likes to realize their home has water damage, and regularly cleaning gutters and inspecting the roof will keep the surprises to a minimum. Leaves, debris, and even pests can accumulate in gutters, leading to clogs and water overflow that can damage your home's roof and foundation. Make sure you’ve cleared those gutters to keep rainwater flowing, especially if your home has lots of trees around it.

How Long Should It Take: 2-4 hours, depending on the size of your home

Level of Difficulty: Moderate

How To: Adjust this tip depending on if you live in a single- or multi-level home, and make sure to practice extra caution — feel free to have someone nearby keep an eye on you.

1. Safely climb a ladder to access gutters. Have someone hold the ladder for you and make sure to wear shoes with a good tred and ankle support.
2. Remove debris by hand or with a gutter scoop (make sure to wear safety gloves!). You’ll most likely find wet leaf clumps. Leaves fall into the gutters and when it rains, they stick together, clogging up your home’s way of redirecting water. You can use a leaf blower to lift some of the gunk too.
3. Once the big pieces are out, flush out remaining dirt. Then, run a hose down the gutters to check for leaks. Take note of where the water funnels out and make sure it’s away from the house, ideally downhill towards your street’s gutters or another water source.
4. Inspect the roof for damaged shingles or potential issues. Carefully walk the roof and feel for “soft spots,” where sitting water may have soaked into the roof, compromising the structural integrity. Cracks, punctures, or corrosion are common, but fixable.
5. Make the necessary repairs or consult a professional for assistance. Many fixes can be done by simply visiting your local hardware store. But for any extensive damage, be sure to call your home insurance company first, and then a recommended professional.

Protect Your Home From Pests

As the weather starts warming up, you may notice a few unwanted guests. Spring is a time when pests become more active, so don’t skip your pest maintenance or you’ll spend summer swatting away mosquitoes! Preventing infestations early on helps protect your home from potential damage and can make outdoor relaxation much more enjoyable.

How Long Should It Take: 1-2 hours, depending on the size of your home

Level of Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

How To:

1. Seal cracks and crevices to prevent entry points. The first line of protection is prevention. Bugs come in through windows, doors, crawlspaces, porches, and more. Do a quick walkabout to ID any potential entry points and close them off.
2. Remove standing water. Mosquitos love a resort-style pool so make sure your yard and surrounding areas are draining properly. Don’t let planters, wheelbarrows, chairs, or buckets fill with water. Turn them upside down to avoid creating bugs’ ideal vacation spot.
3. Trim vegetation and keep a distance between plants and your home. Plants bring bugs and while they’re not all bad, if they’re too close to your house, they may try to break in. Keep everything manicure to avoid a breeding ground for bugs of any kind.
4. Use natural repellents or consult with a pest control professional. Many pest control companies will come quarterly or monthly to spray and keep pests at bay. If you prefer to do it yourself, there are plenty of at-home kits or natural ways to deter bugs, like repellent plants or essential oils. Bugs are deterred by lavender, basil, peppermint, citronella, mint, and rosemary. Other solutions include neem oil, dryer sheets, vinegar, and Diatomaceous earth.
5. Regularly inspect and clean areas prone to pests, such as basements and attics. Be vigilant, and stay on top of those suckers!

Declutter Closets/Donate:

This spring cleaning checklist definitely extends to decluttering closets, creating a more organized and spacious living environment. Donating unused items not only reduces clutter but also benefits those in need. You’ll be better to make some space and your home will be easier to maintain. Looking to make some extra money? Try these sites for selling your clothes.

How Long Should It Take: 4-6 hours, depending on the size of your closet.

Level of Difficulty: Easy

How To:

1. Remove all items from the closet. Sometimes it has to get worse before it gets better. Don’t let the chaos deter you — it’s a crucial step in the process!
2. Sort items into keep, donate, and discard piles. Channel your inner Marie Kondo and ask “does this bring me joy?” If the answer is no — let it go. Also consider how frequently you wear or use the item. If it’s been six months or more (and the item is in season), you can probably live without it.
3. Clean and vacuum the closet space. Say goodbye to dust bunnies and hello to a blank slate. Wipe everything down and give your clothes or other items a clean place to live.
4. Organize remaining items by category or use. For clothing, some people like to organize by color, others by article of clothing like jeans, sweaters, and tees. Find a system that not only looks nice but will easy to maintain. If you find yourself never putting your sweaters back on their hangers, maybe find some baskets to fold and store them in instead.
5. Donate gently-used items to local charities or organizations. Or at least take it to your car. It’s ok if it sits there for three months. You’ll get to it eventually.

Change HVAC Filter

Changing the HVAC filter on your heating and air conditioning is a simple yet crucial maintenance task that enhances indoor air quality, improves system efficiency, and extends the life of your HVAC unit. While you're at it, there are plenty of filters throughout your home that need to be cleaned or replaced including your water filters, air purifiers, and laundry filters. Keep a running list of each.

How Long Should It Take: 5-10 minutes

Level of Difficulty: Easy

How To:

1. Turn off the HVAC system. You don’t want it to be blowing air out while you’re dusting and cleaning.
2. Locate the filter access panel. It’s usually on a wall and looks like a grate with a small door that open and closes. You may even notice dust accumulating on the outside. Go ahead and vacuum that.
3. Pull out the old filter and place the new one in. I buy filters in bulk so I have 6-12 at a time. I replace my filter once a month and only have to purchase filters 1-2 times a year. Each unit will have specific filters or sizes. Consider buying higher end filters if you have lots of pets or live somewhere that’s dusty or sandy often.
4. Install a new filter, ensuring it's positioned correctly. It should slide right in, filling the existing hole in your system.
5. Turn the HVAC system back on and keep an eye on it.

​Other Home Maintenance Tasks To Add To Your Spring Cleaning Checklist

• Check your windows and doors, and their weatherstripping, to ensure a proper seal and prevent drafts.
• If you’ve been using your fireplace all winter, give it a good clean before closing it up for the season.
• Fluctuating temperatures can be hard on your pipes. Inspect them for leaks or corrosion.
• Prepare your outdoor living space for epic get-togethers. Wipe down patio furniture and clean your grill.

Looking for a full list of home maintenance tasks for your spring cleaning checklist? Check out my Homeowner Handbook, which includes seasonal cleaning tasks that make caring for your home so much easier. In addition to checklists for every season, it also includes an easy way to organize your home DIY projects, warranties and key home information, as well as a glossary of helpful terms and power tool cheat sheets.

The goal in keeping up with home maintenance is not only to keep your home looking beautiful, but to protect your investment and ultimately YOU. A healthy environment makes for a healthier you. And if we can avoid costly repairs by checking a few times each year, why wouldn’t we? Just a few hours a week can mean the difference between spending your bonus on a summer vacation or a new HVAC unit.

Together, we can hold each other accountable and tackle those daunting yet necessary tasks. If no one has told you today, I’m proud of you for creating and caring for your home, and by extension, yourself!

October 22, 2024 – Zach Bryan Announces His Breakup With Brianna Chickenfry

On October 22, 2024, after some recent speculation that Zach Bryan and Brianna Chickenfry split up, Zach took to his Instagram stories. The country star said, "Addressing something: Brianna and me have broken up with [each other] and I respect and love her with every ounce of my heart. She has loved me unconditionally for a very long time and for that I'll always thank her."

He continued, noting, "I have had an incredibly hard year personally and struggled through some pretty severe things. I thought it would be beneficial for both of us to go our different ways. I am not perfect and never will be. Please respect Brianna's privacy and space in this and if you have it in your heart, mine too."

To wrap it all up, he closed by apologizing to his fans. He said, "With everything I am and to anyone I let down, I am sorry. I try my best in everything. I failed people that love me and mostly myself."

Brianna hopped on her own Instagram stories shortly there after. She posted, "Hey guys I'm feeling really blindsided right now. Gonna hop off social media for a while and attempt to heal privately, when I'm ready I'll be back and ready to talk. I love you guys so much thank you for all of your kind words. Remember you are so loved and everything's always gonna be okay 🫶"

The Brianna got on Youtube next, posting a raw, emotional video about the situation. Sitting on the floor of her bathroom, she opened up as much as she could in the moment about her breakup. She said, "I just woke up to Zach posting on his Instagram that we broke up and I had no idea that post was going up. He didn't text me, he didn't call me. I just woke up to a bunch of texts, like, 'Are you okay?'"

Brianna, with her teary eyes and red face, explained she's been crying for "five days straight." She said, "I'm at the point where it's like, how can you give someone everything and love them so unconditionally, like through stuff that you shouldn't because you just love them and you want them... like you see the good in them?"

The internet personality said that this is all "so embarrassing" and "really, really heartbreaking." She elaborated that the couple broke up on October 21, but wanted to process on her own and "didn't want it to be public."

Much like her Instagram story, she told her audience that she'll come back when she's ready.

November 7, 2024 — Brianna Claims Zach's Emotionally Abusive, Wanted $12Mil NDA

Well, it appears this week, Brianna decided she's ready. On Barstool Sports' BFF's Pod November 7, 2024, Brianna gave an inside look at the breakup unlike any other. Not only did she claim Zach was abusive, but she also alleged that he offered her a $12 million NDA to "not talk about the relationship."

After saying it's been the hardest year of her life, she said. "I'm still scared right now because I'm scared of him. My brain's rewired and I'm scared to make him mad and last week, I didn't want to talk about it 'cause I was scared."

Brianna then described the alleged emotional abuse. She noted that everything was cyclical and that he would build her up only to break her back down again. "There was always another excuse as to why he was treating me so poorly and why I'm crying myself to sleep every night, why he's screaming at me," she said. "And then you wake up, it's the apology, it's the 'I'm going to be better like I need you in my life,' but if you've been through this — I don't expect people to understand emotional abuse if you haven't been through it. I hope you never have to go through it but if you've been there you know what I'm talking about."

Not only does Brianna allege she was offered an NDA, but she said that other women that came before her had to sign their own agreements. She declined the offer because she didn't want to "sign away [her] experiences and what [she] went through to protect someone that hurt [her]." She also wanted to share this experience for other women who've suffered something similar.

And when it comes to the logistics of losing out on the famous lifestyle and alleged $12 million? She said, "It was never about the money — I was with the dude because I loved the dude."

November 8, 2024 — Zach Quit Touring Amid Abuse Allegations

On November 8, 2024, Zach posted on Instagram — where he clearly loves to share all his big news — that not only is his new single "High Road" out today, but that he's also ending his tour early. Read his full statement here:

After not being home for a year and a half I drove out to my mothers gravestone in the dead of night a few days back on familiar Oklahoma roads and I came to realize just like in the past, that she never would call me again

Told her I quit touring because I got accepted to get my masters in Paris next year, I told her I was back in Oklahoma, told her about all my best friends in New York and all the nights we howled with the moon, told her about the immeasurable laughter my band and me have shared these last five years, all the calluses on my finger tips, every tear shed, told her about making it on The Rolling Stone and most importantly told her about porch swinging with my beautiful sister.
I wrote the chorus for this song a month or two back and finished it when I realized I was blessed with all these things.

I figured it was about time I released it.

Thank you guys for listening to ‘This Worlds a Giant’ last night and thank you to all the people who love me; who have truly carried the weight with me.

Seems that all these Quiet Dreams have gotten much too heavy but I’m home now and I’ll hold you through the pain.

High Road is out today and I appreciate all of you"