Now that we're heading closer to the warmer months of spring, it’s a good time to start preparing your spring cleaning plan.
A spring cleaning ritual helps us transition from the cold, dark days of winter, to the sunny, warm days of spring. The flowers are blooming. The birds are chirping. And everyone is excited to be social again. Why not harness the positive vibes by giving your house a refresh?
Plus, spring cleaning is good for your health. We don’t really think of ourselves as being exposed to germs in our own home, but our rooms collect a fair amount of dust, mites, and allergens. Giving your space a deep clean can help you clear the air and protect your immune system. This is helpful if you suffer from allergies and skin irritations.
Furthermore, spring cleaning can boost our emotional and mental health. Our space is often a reflection of our internal world. When our lives feel chaotic, our spaces look chaotic too. Reducing clutter can help relieve stress and anxiety, and bring a sense of calm. Not to mention, there’s something deeply satisfying about giving your house a good scrub!
While it’s no small feat to clean and organize your home, you can make the process a lot smoother with a spring cleaning plan. We’ve provided our favorite tips to help you plan your spring cleaning project. Your home will be clean and inviting in no time.
Create an achievable action plan
You don’t have to spring clean your house in a day. Make it easy on yourself by creating an action plan with specific tasks and deadlines.
Cleaning your house is similar to managing a project or pursuing a big goal. You’ll want to keep an eye on the big picture, while also breaking it down into smaller stages. This way, you can clean your entire house without losing your mind.
Step 1: Organize your house by zone
Remember; you’re not going to clean your entire house in one fell swoop. You’ll want to tackle it a zone at a time. Bedroom. Kitchen. Bathroom. Livingroom. Entryway.
Zone cleaning will make your cleaning project a lot less overwhelming, and much more doable.
Step 2: Make a list of tasks for each zone
Now take a look at each zone and make a list of things that need your attention. Maybe your closets are overflowing with clutter. Your bathroom tiles could use a good scrub. And your shelves need some dusting.
It helps to add little boxes next to each task. This way, you can check off a box as you go, and get that adrenaline rush of finishing a task.
Step 3: Create a schedule
Next to each task, give yourself an estimated time frame. How long do you think it would take you to clear out your closet? If you’re unsure, then give yourself a time limit instead. Sometimes it’s easier to complete a task when you have a hard out. You’ll do as much as you can in that designated time, and then pick it up again when you’re free.
Identify the days and times that you can devote to each task. Put it on your calendar. This way, you’re more likely to stick to it.
You can also use our free Spring Cleaning Worksheet to help you manage your house cleaning projects and create a cleaning plan.
Spring cleaning supplies checklist
After you’ve created an action plan, take a look at your cleaning supplies. Make sure you have everything you need to get the job done. Here’s a rundown of the supplies you might need:
- Rubber gloves
- Duster
- Vacuum
- Mop
- Bucket
- Broom
- Dustpan
- Sponges
- Scrub brush
- Cloths
Cleaning and organizing strategies
Below are some strategies you can employ to make sure your spring cleaning plan is a success.
Declutter first
Make sure to eliminate clutter before you start cleaning and organizing. Otherwise, you’re just organizing items you don’t plan on keeping.
Do a decluttering session and identify items that you can recycle, toss, or donate. You can do this by zone and tackle the areas that need your attention the most. For example, if your bedroom clutter is stressing you out, do that first.
Decluttering also goes for your kitchen and bathroom. Assess your pantry and toss out old and expired items. Take a look at your medicine cabinet and properly dispose of expired medication.
Go top to bottom
Start high and then go low. This way you’re not cleaning your floors, only to get dirt and dust on them from cleaning your ceiling fans. So start with ceiling fans, windows, top of your shelves, then make your way down.
Clean your house around a specific event
Sometimes, we’re more motivated to get our house in order when we have guests coming over. Whether it’s a dinner party with friends or a birthday gathering, having a firm deadline will give you the impetus you need to get your house nice and sparkly.
When you have the date locked down, you can plan around that event and get your house clean and organized in time.
Combine your spring cleaning with a treat
Some people love to clean their house, while others view it as a big chore. If you’re in the latter camp, you’re not alone. Make it more pleasurable by combining your chore with something you like. Use your spring cleaning activity as an excuse to listen to your favorite playlists or catch up on podcasts or have a fun movie on in the background.
Maintain a regular cleaning and organizing routine
Now that you have a spring cleaning plan, you’ll want to keep your space looking tidy and fresh year round. You don't have to do a deep clean every time but it helps to tidy your home on a regular basis. This way, it won't seem like a huge task every time you clean.
Of course, real life is bound to get in the way. You can still do little chores here and there, or whatever you have time for. Below are examples of little ways you can maintain your home on a regular basis.
- Make the bed in the morning
- Recycle magazines and junk mail every Saturday
- Clean out the fridge every weekend
- Declutter closets every month
With your spring cleaning plan in hand, you’ll be well on your way to a happy and cheerful spring.
