Five Tips to Make Spring Cleaning Easier

By Michael Majors

Spring means a lot of things. The days start to get longer, the birds can be heard singing and, in many areas, it means warmer weather and more time spent outdoors. Of course, spring also marks the start of spring cleaning.

Cleaning your home in the spring can be an excellent way to celebrate the season's themes of rebirth and new beginnings and also a great way to shake off the winter blues.

However, many people dread spring cleaning. They see it as a busy time filled with unpleasant chores and constant scrubbing and sorting. The good news is spring cleaning doesn't have to be a difficult chore! Here are some tips that can make spring cleaning easier and more enjoyable.

Make a Schedule

If spring cleaning seems like an overwhelming ordeal, sit down and create a schedule. Planning and structuring your cleaning can make it much easier to handle. Write down the tasks you want to accomplish in order. Think of the areas that need the most work or the ones that you often miss during regular cleaning. These spots may be good places to start.

If your cleaning process is going to take a few days (or longer), write down what you hope to accomplish each day. Then, cross off each chore as it's completed. Not only will this keep you organized, but crossing off items will give you a sense of accomplishment that can be very motivating.

Clean Room by Room

One of the most effective ways to clean is to tackle the process room by room. When you're making your schedule, create a checklist for each room. This is a great way to ensure everything gets done.

Different rooms will have different priorities. For example, in your bedroom you may want to focus on sorting and organizing your clothes, while scrubbing and deep cleaning could be the top priority in the kitchen.

Declutter

Don't just move things from one room to another (or one pile to another). This might temporarily make your home look cleaner, but it won't solve the problem in the long run. Most people have too much stuff, and getting rid of some of it will make it easier to keep your home clean all year.

While you're cleaning, sort your belongings into four categories: throw away, donate, store, and put away. Anything that's obviously trash (junk mail, broken or damaged items, etc.) should go in the garbage pile. Items that are in good condition, but that you don't use anymore (or clothing that no longer fits), can be donated or sold at a yard sale. Items that matter to you, but that you don't use regularly, can be put into the "store" pile. Put these items in storage (either in your home or in a storage unit). Finally, the "put away" pile should be for things you use regularly. Keep these items in easy-to-reach locations for when you need them.

Put on Some Music

Listening to music while you're cleaning may not actually make the cleaning process easier, but it can certainly improve your mood and give you some more energy. Cleaning doesn't have to be a joyless task! Fill your home with upbeat, cheerful music and you'll be much more motivated to clean.

Get the Family Involved

Tackle spring cleaning as a family! Not only will this make the clean up process faster, but it will also give you a great way to spend time as a family. Divide up tasks among family members. For instance, you may want to give each family member one room or one floor. Even young children can be involved in clean up. Think of some age-appropriate activities they can do (such as sorting their toys or sweeping the floors) and get going as a family! When you're done, celebrate with a special dinner or a family movie night.

Spring cleaning doesn't have to be a dreaded chore. By following some simple tips, you'll get the process done sooner and you'll have a clean and organized home to enjoy for the rest of the year!