It's that time of year again when the snow disappears and warm weather takes over. Spring cleaning is a ritual for many people who are tired of feeling cooped up in their house who are ready for a fresh, clean feel to match the fresh and clean air that spring brings. However, everyone knows that after a long winter with months of having the house closed up, it can be an overwhelming task trying to get the house clean. It is time to remove the clutter- but although we are excited about spring, we dread the thought of starting such a major project. Here are some tips to making your spring cleaning easier and faster than ever.
It is a good idea to start with a schedule- break up the tasks over several days if you have to- no one said that spring cleaning had to be done all in one day! Instead of spending an entire day of your life cleaning the basement, break it up into an hour each day. You have to have a plan, and follow it. Many of us find that there is so much to do with our homes that we go from room to room to room in a very unorganized way, picking up here and there as we go. Have you ever cleaned in a scattered way and after an entire day of back breaking work you found your house didn't look much different? Focus on one room at a time- you can start with the room that you spend the most time in so that you can finish it and be inspired and motivated to work on other rooms.
Part of your plan needs to be a list of cleaning supplies that you will need. Gather them together in one closet or one area so that you have everything ready. It will be detrimental to your plan if you have to stop every so often and run to the store to buy a cleaning supply that you do not have. Also, don't think that you have to do all of the cleaning by yourself! Get your spouse, partner or kids to help you out, even if it is just for a little bit each day. One of the best ways to get a good grip on the spring cleaning is to have you start in the common areas of the home and have your kids clean their own rooms. Chances are good that you will have to go in the room and clean after them, but at least garbage will be collected and thrown out, toys will be put in the general correct area and laundry will be tossed into baskets.
A good tip that I have found really helpful is to clean as if you were moving out: we have all seen that when people are moving out they do a pretty good job discarding items that they really do not need that they would rather donate or get rid of instead of moving it. Fight the urge to be a pack rat- ask yourself, if you were moving, would you take it with your or get rid of it?
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