It’s almost time for spring, and that means cleaning the homestead. What can you do to make getting out the mop and bucket feel like less of a chore?
Make it pleasurable and mindful by taking a step-by-step approach to keep your motivation running high. This eight-step guide outlines easy ways to make spring cleaning much more manageable.
1. Start With Your Entryway
You need motivation to tackle any tough task. People often lose momentum when they don’t see results for their efforts. That’s one reason it’s vital to break larger jobs down and celebrate along the way.
Therefore, one of the best ways to keep your spring cleaning momentum going is to start by creating a tangible result that greets you every day when you return home from work. That means taking an hour or so this weekend to spruce up your entryway.
Start by cleaning that dirty glass, and tending to your windows. Doing so will improve your view inside and out, instantly cheering up your home. Sweep away dead leaves and debris from your front porch and hose down any furnishings. Add a few fresh flowers to a pair of planters or window boxes to welcome the new season.
2. Make a List
Next, it’s time to get organized. What chores do you need to tackle? Go through your home with a notebook and make a list. Make a separate line item for each task.
If you live solo, you now have a handy to-do list that you can check off as you go. If you have a family at home, it’s time to divvy up the chores so everyone does their share.
3. Start by Decluttering
Why dust something you plan to give away, anyway? Your first order of business is decluttering. You might have every family member start with their individual closets, then make a group effort in shared living areas.
Sort everything into three piles: to keep, to donate, and to repurpose. Even the most worn clothing items can become something new – like turning old shirts into cleaning rags.
4. Let There Be Light
If you relied on curtains to cut drafts over the winter, it’s time to take them down and caulk your windows. Natural light makes your living space look roomier and happier.
Do you have your dust rag out yet? Please don’t neglect your light bulbs. Dirty ones can reduce light output by 30%, making your room look hazy and dim.
The Original Declutter Caddy Kit
For most people, decluttering is a necessary part of getting organized. Sometimes it can feel like an impossible task.
But the Declutter Caddy kit is here to help!
It’s so easy to get started with our declutter caddy kit because it has everything you need to declutter every space of your home.
Instead of getting distracted, you can focus on removing unwanted stuff with the tools included in this caddy.
This is an instant download, which means you have access to it right away! Download and print off all the materials included to create your own declutter caddy with everything you need inside the kit.
5. Think Multipurpose
You don’t need to invest in oodles of cleaning products to tackle the job. A good multipurpose solution works for most tasks, from wiping down walls and cabinets to cleaning stains off furniture.
You can even DIY a non-toxic version you feel good about using around your kids and pets. For glass, a simple solution of distilled white vinegar and water does the trick. You can then add to the brew to clean other surfaces.
6. Deep Clean Your Floors
After you’ve decluttered, organized, and dusted everything up high, it’s time to get low. Carpets can harbor enormous numbers of germs. Invest in a professional shampoo or DIY.
Now is also the time to deep-clean your grout. Use baking soda, water, and an old toothbrush to scrub away tough stains.
Pro-tip: Once you get your floors spic and span, aim to keep them cleaner over time. Install a shoe rack by your door, and have your family get in the habit of removing their shoes upon returning home.
7. Organize Your Garage and Garden Shed
Even if it’s still too cold to start your spring planting where you live, you can get ready for the warm season. Organize your garage and garden shed so that you can find the right tool when you need it.
Organizing your garage can even raise your property value. One of the things new homebuyers look for is storage space. Installing some pegboard, a few shelves, or cabinets to stow your old paint cans and lawn equipment makes a big difference even if you don’t intend to sell.
8. Bring the Outdoors In
The finishing touches can make a huge difference. Spring is all about bringing the outdoors in.
Polish off your spring cleaning by investing in some fresh flowers to make a striking centerpiece for your dining table. Improve the quality of your indoor air by adding a new houseplant or two. Did you make it through the entire pandemic without planting an herb garden on your kitchen windowsill? Why not line it with fresh basil and chives?
Make Spring Cleaning More Manageable
The warm season is on the way, meaning it’s time to tackle your spring cleaning. How can you make the chore less stressful? There are plenty of ways to get organized, and set yourself up for success.
All you need is a plan to break the project down into small tasks that will be easier to accomplish. Follow this eight-step process to make spring cleaning easier, and more manageable.
