What to do THIS MONTH

Get your home organised and looking its tip-top best with these easy cleaning and DIY hacks

- LISA FAZZANI 

With spring on the horizon and brighter days ahead, now's a great time to get things organised and shipshape indoors. Tidying busy downstairs spaces like hallways, utility rooms and even pet areas can be a good place to start. Or, if you have a spare hour, try a quick fridge detox. If a mini decor project takes your fancy, our easy shelf revamp idea can be done in an afternoon and looks super stylish.

Pretty up planters

Treat friends (or yourself) to a floral pick-me-up to brighten an empty windowsill. Make inexpensive bulbs look special by covering up the pots with pretty paper. Use floral gift wrap or wallpaper cut in a square and then folded in half to form a triangle. Place the straight edge around the bottom of the pot and wrap around, tying into place with twine. Add a little straw and top with mini eggs.

Clean cupboard shelves

While worktops get wiped down daily, insides of kitchen cupboards are easily missed and can get quite grimy with food spills and sticky jars and bottles marking shelves. Start by taking everything out and placing to one side. Use a vacuum or small brush and pan to get rid of any crumbs, then use all-purpose cleaner and a cloth to wipe down shelves. For stubborn marks, sprinkle on baking soda and scrub off. Wipe down door fronts and handles at the same time. Allow shelves to air-dry before replacing food, getting rid of anything that's out of date.