Today we do not have the need to do spring cleaning, although in many families it is a ritual that brings about peace and renewal in our homes — after an entire day or week of intense cleaning. In this day and age, however, our schedules and days are so full that it is hard to devote more than the few hours necessary just to keep our home running smoothly.

 

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Instead of doing one deep cleaning I have vowed to “spring clean” all year long. If you are anything like me, try and incorporate these tips into your daily routine so that you can relax while everyone else is tired and haggard from their day of spring cleaning. Here are a few ideas for getting these tasks done:

Getting Started

Begin by making a checklist of everything that you would normally do during your spring cleaning. Things like washing all the linens and drapes, wiping down baseboards, washing windows inside and out, cleaning out your pantry, washing your shower curtains, organizing your linen cabinets, wiping down walls and cleaning doorknobs and light fixtures.

Take inventory of your cleaners and the tools that you will need in order to accomplish all of the necessary cleaning. Nothing is worse then getting ready to do your task and then finding out you are missing that one component needed to complete your task. Put the items that you will need on your shopping list and get these items on the day you perform all of your errands.

The Secrets to Getting it Done

Continue doing your normal daily routine, but add an extra hour each week towards accomplishing just one of these tasks on your list. Check off the item that you accomplish and press on to the next one. By devoting one hour a week towards your spring cleaning goals you will have a more manageable deep cleaning routine.

Clear out as much clutter as you can. Make a box for trash and a box for charitable donations and fill these with all of the unnecessary clutter in your home. By donating these items to those less fortunate you will gain so much. Not only will someone who needs these items more benefit from your donation, but you can receive a tax break and reclaim space in your own home. I have decided to look at every item in my home in a new light. Now I look at everything as one more thing to dust and care for. If you don’t like to dust it, don’t love the item, and want an organized home — donate it!!

Keep a caddy of cleaning supplies on each floor. I find it much easier to clean my house when I know that the tools I need to accomplish my task are just a few steps away. Keep your checklist either in one of your caddies or somewhere that is accessible so that you can always stay on track with your deep cleaning.

Do your cleaning when it is convenient for you. Some people work better during morning hours, while others of us would rather be snoozing and do better in the evening. Take advantage of the times that you work best. If you would rather break the hour into smaller increments, that is totally up to you. The idea behind all of this is to make it as easy as possible, so fit it in wherever and whenever you can.

Put your spring cleaning task on your calendar each week. It sounds silly, but don’t you remember your appointments and engagements better when it is written on your calendar? It is hard to ignore scheduled tasks in glaring print.

Enlist your helpers to help you on these tasks. Your children and your husband can be active participants in getting your home organized, just like they help to contribute to the clutter. Schedule dad for clearing out the garage, taking inventory of the tools you will need to do your gardening, cleaning out the basement or other tasks inside and outside of the home. Children can aid by cleaning their own rooms and helping to remove some of the clutter in the house. Involving your family can be beneficial in showing them everything you do to keep your house running smoothly.

It is hard to accomplish tasks around the house if you have a poor attitude about what you are doing. I certainly don’t jump up and down when I clean, but I take great pride in keeping my household running smoothly. Turn on some fun music, watch television while polishing tables, do whatever you can to make getting your home clean easier and fun.