Spring is here, and while it brings bright flowers, sunshine and longer days, one shadow looms: the dreaded spring clean. Giving your home a deep clean, organizing the chaos and decluttering what is no longer needed are all daunting prospects, but they can have big rewards. We’ve got some tips to help you tackle your spring cleaning checklist, so you can enjoy the season—and an organized and spotless home!
make a plan
Thinking ahead will help make a whole-house clean more manageable. Take the time to figure out what rooms need the most done and where you would like to focus on decluttering. With that done, take stock of your cleaning supplies before you start. That way you can fill any gaps without running into the frustrations of needing something and not having it.
start with high traffic areas
Start organizing the places in your home that are used the most—and may get the most messy. This is going to vary between households, but some good places to consider are closets, pantries, entryways and bathrooms. Transition your closet from winter to spring, throw out expired foods and personal care items, and declutter countertops in the kitchen and bathroom. While you are doing these things, you can start implementing new organization systems.
don’t forget overlooked surfaces
Now is the time to focus on the things you may overlook in your regular tidying. Make sure you are cleaning things like the baseboard, door frame, other trim and even the walls themselves. They can be thoroughly cleaned using a sponge and a dishwashing liquid mixed with warm water.
tackle one room at a time
Don’t get overwhelmed with the scope of your spring clean. Stay focused on one room until you have finished everything you have planned. For example, don’t start organizing the kitchen but move onto the garage before you’ve finished. This can also be a great motivating tactic. As you cross entire rooms off your to-do list, you’ll be able to more tangibly see your progress.
work outside as well
Your gameplan should also include your home’s exterior spaces. Make seasonal changes like putting away snow shovels and other winter gear while preparing space for garden tools and potting supplies. Clean and ready outdoor furniture for warmer weather, inspect your gutters, powerwash your siding and windows, and consider updating the exterior paint if needed.
consider a safety check
A spring clean is a great opportunity to tackle all of your home’s safety checks. As you work through rooms, change the batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, inspect the handrails on your staircases, check locks on doors and windows, and if you have a fire extinguisher, make sure it is properly maintained—if you don’t have one, consider getting one for the kitchen or garage.
