How to Prepare for Spring Cleaning

Spring cleaning is not an easy task, but it can be less daunting when you prepare the right way. Having a plan and the proper supplies will allow you to do the task with minimal stress, so you can relax in a fresh, clean home you love.

Schedule Time for Spring Cleaning

Planning ahead is important for spring cleaning. Since it’s such a large task, you’ll need to allow for enough time to get everything on your list done. The amount of time you need will depend on the size of your home, the specific tasks you need to do, and how much help you’ll have. For example, if you live in a home with lots of windows, you may need to allow for extra time for window cleaning and washing curtains, or you may want to hire a professional for that task so you can focus on other cleaning chores. Schedule time to do it on your calendar to motivate yourself to get the job done. A long weekend is a great opportunity to tackle spring cleaning, or you may opt to break it up into chunks of time over a couple of weeks.

Have a Checklist

Have a checklist created to ensure no spring cleaning chore is overlooked. You can create your own checklist, or use a printable online spring cleaning checklist that you can customize with specific chores needed for your home. Make sure to include all rooms in the home. If you plan to tackle exterior cleaning chores at the same time, include those on a separate list. Be sure you include areas that are infrequently cleaned, such as:

• Windows and sills
• Curtains, blinds, and drapes
• Baseboards, molding, and trim
• Ceilings and ceiling fans
• Vents, lights, lampshades
• Cupboards and cabinets
• Appliances
• Under beds and behind furniture
• Deep or detailed cleaning carpets and floors

Look to include areas that aren’t usually in your daily or weekly cleaning regiment.

Add Areas That Need to Be Reorganized to Your List

In addition to deep cleaning and caring for areas outside your normal routine chores, you’ll also want to consider areas that may need to be recognized. This includes spaces such as bedroom closets, children’s rooms and closets, bathroom closets and medicine cabinets, pantries, laundry rooms, mudrooms, coat closets, and entryways. Planning to reorganize these areas can help all spaces in your home feel fresh and clean for the season. Removing clutter and setting existing home decor or decor for kids aside can help you reorganize with ease.

Stock up on Supplies

Once you’ve planned the time to do your cleaning, addressed what needs to be done, and created a great checklist, you’ll need to stock up on supplies. Consider what you already have on hand and then add to it so you’re ready to go when cleaning day comes. You’ll likely need:

• Window cleaner
• All-purpose cleaner
• Carpet cleaning detergent or mopping solution
• Baking soda and vinegar to create natural cleaning solutions
• Microfiber cloths and sponges
• Cleaning brushes (smaller ones can help get into difficult areas while larger ones can help with general cleaning)
• Polishes — wood, stainless spot steel, etc.
• Paper towels
• Gloves

Include any specialty supplies you may need specific to your home, such as grout cleaner if you have bathroom tile or spot cleaner for upholstered furniture.

Enlist Help From Friends and Family

Get the whole family involved to make the spring cleaning process less painful. Older kids and teens can help with many standard spring cleaning chores, and you can reward them with something special. New room decor for kids, a pizza party, or a family movie night can be great incentives for kids to help out. Teens may perk up at the prospect of new bedding or curtains for their room. Extended family or close friends might also be happy to chip in. If you have small children, plan for a babysitter or to have them spend the day at grandma’s while you clean.

Create Your Post-Cleaning Wish List

Preparing for your spring cleaning is half the battle. With a plan of attack ready, you’ll feel less stressed and know you can get the job done. Create incentives for yourself to look forward to when you complete the job. Maybe there’s a new restaurant you want to try or a movie you’ve been wanting to see. You can also create a wish list of items to refresh or decorate your home with once the spring cleaning is done, such as:

• New curtains or drapes (consider custom curtains for a unique look)
• Tablecloths, runner, seat covers
• Cushions and cushion covers
• Sheets and bedding
• Decorative home decor or artwork

Even smaller items such as scented candles, decorative baskets or trays, a vase of fresh flowers, or small home decor items can make your newly clean home more refreshing and relaxing. Prepare to fall in love with your home after the spring cleaning is done!