5 Simple Spring Cleaning Tips To Fall-Proof Your Home!

5 Simple Home Modifications to Fall-Proof Your Home for Spring 

Did you know that 60% of falls happen in the home? With spring in the air, now is the perfect time to refresh your space—not just for cleanliness but for safety! A well-organized and fall-proof home can greatly reduce your risk of injury while also improving your mental well-being.

Here are five simple yet effective home modifications to keep you safe this season:

1. Declutter Pathways for a Safer, More Joyful Home

Spring cleaning is your sign to declutter! Have you heard of Marie Kondo’s method of discarding items that don’t “spark joy”? Not only does decluttering free up space, but it can also reduce stress and create a more peaceful environment.

Many of my clients have downsized from larger homes into smaller spaces. Some do it well, creating a Feng Shui-inspired home with clear pathways, while others bring too much with them, leading to cramped, cluttered spaces that increase fall risks. If that sounds like you, it's time to declutter and reorganize!

Pro tips for a safer, clutter-free home: 

• Remove tripping hazards like stacks of magazines, loose cords, and unnecessary furniture.
• Create wider walkways to ensure you have enough space to move safely, especially with assistive devices.
• Ask for help! Family members, friends, or professional decluttering services can assist in making your home safer and more organized.

By clearing out excess items, you’re making your home both safer and more serene—a win-win! So put on some good music and clear out those cob webs because Spring is officially here!

2. Upgrade Your Seating for Better Mobility

Take a look at the seating in your home—is it working for you or against you? Chairs that are too low or lack armrests can make getting up and down a struggle, increasing the risk of falls.

Here’s what to check: 

✅ Are your chairs sturdy and high enough off the ground? 

✅ Do your dining chairs have armrests for added support? 

✅ Is your sofa too low? Consider using furniture risers to make standing easier. 

✅ Toilet too low? A raised toilet seat or commode can make a world of difference. 

✅ Got a rolling office chair? It’s time to replace it! These are an accident waiting to happen. 

When shopping for new furniture, look for pieces that promote good posture, stability, and ease of movement. A few small adjustments can make getting up and down much safer and more comfortable.

3. Brighten Up Your Space for Safety

Did you know that seniors need lighting that is 2 to 6 times brighter than younger adults to see clearly? Poor lighting is a major contributor to household falls, especially at night.

Here’s how to enhance your home’s lighting: 💡 Install nightlights in hallways, bathrooms, and bedrooms. 💡 Use motion-activated lights to illuminate pathways when you get up at night. 💡 Under-cabinet lighting in the kitchen can prevent accidents while cooking. 💡 Smart lighting systems allow you to control lights with your voice using Alexa or Google Assistant. 

Here’s a simple guide to setting up voice-activated lighting:

1. Install smart bulbs in key areas.
2. Connect them to a smart home system like Amazon Echo or Google Home. 
3. Use voice commands like “Alexa, turn on the hallway light” for instant illumination.

By upgrading your lighting, you can enhance visibility and significantly reduce fall risks in your home.

4. Reorganize for Accessibility & Balance

Reaching for items on high shelves or bending down too low can throw you off balance, leading to potential falls. A simple reorganization of your most-used items can make daily life much safer and easier.

What to do: ✔️ Keep frequently used items at counter-height—no more stretching or stooping. ✔️ Use pull-down shelving for upper cabinets to bring items within easy reach. ✔️ Install lazy Susans in deep cabinets so you can rotate items instead of reaching in. ✔️ Store heavier objects in lower drawers to prevent strain when lifting.

By making these small adjustments, you can maintain independence and reduce unnecessary risks. 

5. Secure Area Rugs & Choose the Right Footwear

Loose rugs and slippery floors are among the biggest fall hazards in the home. Even if your balance is great, a small shift in a rug or a slippery sock can quickly turn into a dangerous fall.

Here’s how to keep your floors fall-proof: 👣 Secure area rugs with double-sided rug tape or non-slip backing. 👣 Wear non-slip footwear—avoid walking around in socks or slippers with no grip. 👣 If you have hardwood or tile floors, consider adding non-slip strips of tape in high-traffic areas.

Here are the best types of footwear for home safety: ✔️ Supportive, non-slip house shoes with rubber soles. ✔️ Well-fitted slippers with heel support (no flip-flops!). ✔️ Grip socks for added traction on smooth floors.

By making these easy modifications, you’re taking a big step toward a safer and more comfortable home. 

Take Your Fall Prevention to the Next Level!

These five simple home modifications are just the beginning. When you sign up for The Fall Prevention Program, you’ll gain access to expert coaching, personalized home assessments, and countless strategies for reducing fall risks in your home.

✅ Ready to make your home a safer place?

👉 Join The Fall Prevention Program today!