A Spring cleaning list does not have to be a dreaded list of endless chores. When done right, it can be a rewarding experience that provides a fresh start and new structure in our life.
As soon as the snow melts and the trees begin to blossom, it evokes a sense of new beginnings. This feeling acts as the prelude to a frantic rampage through the house; organizing, cleaning, and re-arranging.
To be honest, I love that time of year. The time when old covers are unfolded and new pages can be written, where anything seems possible if you can just dream it.
Every year, I go into my spring cleaning with a sense of hope, accomplishment, and motivation. And every year I end in a pitiful, exhausted heap of sweat, lost in the battle against clutter and dust.
Ugh, how I hate that slump in the middle of it all. Where you look around, it seems like you have accomplished nothing amidst the chaos, and your motivation fades into the darkest corner, only creeping around again next year.
Trial and error have brought me to realize it is possible, if I do it the right way.
Below are the KEY factors that have dramatically changed my spring cleaning game.
1. Spring Cleaning Lists
Making lists is the most critical point of having a SUCCESSFUL spring cleaning.
Writing a spring cleaning list actually helps you feel more productive, be more productive, and get things done sooner than without.
There is just something about writing a list and checking things off as you go along which provides such a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment. It provides you with a visual aid of what you need to get done and have gotten done.
If you don’t have time to write things down and are keen to get started, below is the spring-cleaning list I use for free download! Or create your own by writing everything down you need to accomplish by breaking it into chunks from room to room.
2. Clean Room to Room
Cleaning room to room has been the key in my completing of spring cleaning.
If you start de-cluttering all rooms, by the time you have lost all motivation, you will find yourself in a sea of garbage, things out of place, and laundry.
When you clean room to room, you see the progress happening.
It always helps me to go into my completed room and enjoy the cleanliness before attempting another room.
And remember, you don’t have to do it all in one day. Spring cleaning can be done when it best suits you, over a few hours, a few days, or even a few weeks; the key is to simply get it done!
3. Only Minimal Supplies
Before you start cleaning, grab everything you need. This may include:
- Cleaning caddy
- All-purpose sprays
- Microfiber towels
- Broom
- Disinfectant
- Garbage bin or bag
- Basket to place miscellaneous
Take this with you into every room, it is much easier to have these on hand than to run around grabbing these things while in the middle of cleaning.
KEEP IT MINIMAL! You do not need 10 different towels and 4 different sprays.
I simply keep one microfiber towel for dusting, a microfiber towel for glass surfaces, and one spray which I use for all surfaces and windows.
Related Posts:
10 Easy and Quick Ways to get Motivated to Clean
4. Do the Worst, First
So often I have begun cleaning with my favorite area of the house.
Give it an hour or two and I am powered out and tired, and SO reluctant to start cleaning my least favorite part. We all know which part of the house we avoid.
TACKLE THIS FIRST!
5. De-clutter
While going through drawers, have a bin handy for things you would like to donate. I also ask myself these 3 questions during the process:
- Do I really need this?
- Will I use it in the next months?
- Have I used it in the last 6 months?
If the answer is no, to any above, I put it into the donate bin. If yes, I keep it.
The donation bin then tends to sit in my closet or car for a few weeks until I find the time and remember to bring it away. If I don’t reach for those things in those next few weeks, I am 100% sure I won’t be regretting donating them in the future.
There are so many different ways to de-clutter! Finding what works best for you is key to successful de-cluttering.
6. Get Help
You do not have to do everything yourself. Get a friend to help, your siblings or parents, or even hire someone to help you get things done.
If you have younger children, asking somebody to watch them for a day or two so you can fully focus on your task at hand is a game changer!
You can even offer to watch their children the next weekend so they can get some things done!
7. Reward Yourself!
Remember to reward yourself after you have finished.
Even if it’s having somebody over for coffee to admire your pristine home or treating yourself to something special. Rewarding yourself afterwards is crucial in appreciating yourself and the things you have done and will provide greater satisfaction and a bigger motivation to do it all over again next year!
Spring cleaning is not easy and knowing how to do it properly and successfully is an amazing first step! Following these 7 tips is going to give you greater success, more motivation, and even greater satisfaction in the end.
