Does Spring cleaning have you spinning in circles, short of breath? Are you getting lightheaded and a little sweaty just at the thought of it? Perhaps you are procrastinating, finding plenty of other things to do? I know it can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be! After Spring cleaning for many Springs, I have compiled these 7 Steps to Simplify Spring Cleaning that help a lot!
A WORD ABOUT DETAILED CLEANING
Some folks prefer to do Zone Cleaning, which I’ve attempted several times over the years unsuccessfully. My mother always did Spring Cleaning and Fall Cleaning, and I find this works great for me.
That’s not to say that if I see a huge layer of dust on a light fixture and it’s neither spring nor fall, I wouldn’t knock the dust off of it. I generally “Clean-as-I-Go” anyway, so my house stays consistently clean, for the most part.
However, I feel that a twice per year DEEP, DETAILED cleaning is just enough to keep our house in shape.
1- Plan and schedule
First, grab your pen and paper.
Then, simply walk through each individual room in your house and make notes particular to each space. Write down every needed cleaning chore you can think of. In a separate column, make notes that are about general maintenance and repairs. Some things might need to be fixed, replaced, or painted for example.
After you make your lists, get out your calendar and schedule dates and times that are best for you to complete your cleaning. Then, schedule the tasks on the maintenance list. When scheduling, try not to bog yourself down with blocks of time that are too long. This way, you’ll avoid wearing yourself too thin. Quicker tasks can be completed first thing in the morning before work or other obligations, as well as when you return home.
2- Prepare and set the stage
Get things together for self-care.
I like to make sure I have easy snacks and meals ready-to-heat and eat. Keeping a large Mason jar or water bottle nearby is important for hydration.
Also, wear appropriate work clothes with an apron or smock.
And finally, I set up favorite music or podcasts which are great to listen to while working. When I do this, I actually look forward to cleaning!
3-Get the household members involved
Does your spouse/significant other/child/roommate need to be directed? That’s okay! Have a meeting and include children if they are living at home.
They can start with their own rooms and spaces, at least, and then help with other tasks.
It’s good to communicate and find out who likes which jobs most and least. These preferences are often subject to change without notice! Stay up-to-date and talk about this 1-2 times per year.
4-Inspect all tools and supplies
Having tools and supplies full, ready and in good shape is a must.
Do you need to clean your vacuum filter, change the bag, or clean out your bagless vacuum?
Do your spray cleaners need to be refilled?
How about your rags, sponges, applicators, brushes?
If you are thinking in terms of sustainability, check out our Kitchen Sustainability Challenge for tips, tricks and ideas.
Make sure everything is washed and ready so as not to slow down the momentum.
5-Get busy!
Move around each room in one direction (I go clockwise).
Work from top to bottom, left to right, trying to not have to backtrack. I started doing it this way after observing how housekeeping staff people work in hotels.
The floor comes last, after the rest of the space is cleaned.
6-Check items off your list as you go.
This is important so as not to lose track of what was already done, but it does help with feeling satisfaction of a complete job well done. Complete maintenance work as per your calendar, and check it off the list, too.
7-Reward yourself!
When it’s all done, you can step back and congratulate yourself for accomplishing what you set out to do.
Have that cup of tea, read the next chapter of that gripping novel, watch your favorite program, or take a hot bath, if that’s your thing(It’s totally my thing!).
If the spouse/partner and/or children were active participants, plan a special outing together or a favorite dinner.
I hope to get busy with my Spring Cleaning soon! Although, it is not behaving like Spring out there!
I hope this inspires you to clean! In spite of the snow, I like to get a jump on things and stay motivated.
I’d love to hear your thoughts about Spring Cleaning in the comments!
Wishing you many blessings this Spring!
♥
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