Ahhh, spring! The flowers pop their little heads up from the frozen ground, the birds return and start building their nests, the sound of lawnmowers fills a Saturday morning... I love spring!
For some people, Spring signals it's time to clean house! For other people, Spring signals dread and hopelessness because... it's time to clean house!
Spring cleaning isn't that bad if you have a plan! But here's the secret: You can't use someone else's plan! You have to develop your own, and work it yourself. So here is one way to think through your plan.
Keep in mind that you’ll need to unclutter before begin cleaning. This shouldn't be a huge task if you followed along with the January Organize-a-thon. It will be difficult to clean rooms that have blocked pathways or a large number of items without designated storage places (especially if you have to move furniture). Once the clutter has been cleared, your plan should include:
- Priority areas. No matter how small your home may be, it’s very unlikely that you’ll be able to clean it all in one weekend - or maybe one week. Start thinking about specific rooms or areas that you’d like to work on first, and focus on one or two tasks per room. That doesn’t mean you can’t work on other things, you’ll just be giving your attention to the most important items first.
- Specific cleaning days. To stay on top of all your cleaning tasks, try scheduling your spring cleaning activities on specific days and be realistic about how much time you’ll have to work on each area of your home. Use a checklist so you don’t forget to do something. I like to print one huge master list check it off as I work. I keep the big picture in mind, but can also see all I've accomplished... that keeps me motivated. Find what motivates you and use it!
- Cleaning supplies. Will you be making your own cleaning solutions or buying something already made? Do you need special cleaners for particular surfaces? Do you prefer green cleaners? Before you go shopping (or create you own special mixture), check your cabinets to see what you already have (check for cleaning cloths, too) and what you’ll need to acquire. Obviously, I recommend Shaklee products. I've tried everything known to man and I cannot find anything that works as well!
- Other tools and supplies. You may need to borrow, rent, or buy tools and equipment that you don’t use every day, like a ladder to reach high ceilings, microfiber cloths, air filters (be sure you have the right size). As you walk through each room, make notes of things you need to help you get the job done.
Once you've made your list you may feel overwhelmed. But take your tasks one step at a time and you'll reach your goal!
Only By His Grace,
Billie