Spring cleaning is traditionally a home chore to prepare for the warmer season. It is time to get rid of the dust, grime, clutter, and debris that has collected over the cold months and make things lighter and brighter. Applying the concept to your grooming space can be a pleasant and practical way to prepare for our industry's typically hectic time of year.
Here are some ways you might do a spring spruce up in your grooming space:
- Start at the entrance. Does the door need washing? They can get grimy, and it's easy to overlook smudges and grit. If you have a doormat, does it still look bright and attractive? They wear out after a few months and can look pretty disreputable. Lift it and sweep under it and around the entrance. Consider a seasonal wreath, flag, or other décor to make your entrance look neat and welcoming. Maybe a pot of bright flowers (tall enough to avoid being "watered" by dogs!)
- Step inside and look at your work area through a customer's eyes. Do this with a notepad and pen in hand, and jot down any changes you'd like to make.
- Do your windows need washing? After winter storms, welcoming in the light through sparkly windows is a treat.
- Move on to your workspace. The busy, warm months are upon us. Do you need to send scissors, blades, and clippers out to be sharpened or serviced? Is it time to order fresh blades, guide combs, new brushes (they do wear out!), or other tools? Make a list.
- Are you pleased with the way your tools are organized? Can you find which tool you need for each pet immediately? If not, consider an overhaul to make your space more user-friendly.
- Are there any seasonal decorative touches you would like to add to your space to make it more pleasant for you? A new plant, sweet-smelling candle, or even artwork? Because you spend so many hours a day working, making your workspace a place you enjoy being in is worthwhile.
- Spring and summer bring anticipated challenges to groomers: mats, tangles, shedding, external parasites, and close clips. Ensure you have the tools and products to tackle those challenges. (If you have never tried shampoos and conditioners that help tackle matted or shedding coats, you don't know what you are missing!)
- Order seasonal bows and bandanas soon so you can get the best selection.
The time-honored tradition of sprucing up in readiness for the change of seasons is a good one, not only for our homes but for our workspaces as well.
