Spring cleaning week is almost over and I didn’t get through every project. The clothes swap took much longer than I expected but now the kids have manageable closets! The good news is I got my closet cleaned out, the girls room cleaned, the boys’ room cleaned and a few other smaller projects finished. I think the reason I haven’t accomplished more this week is because I didn’t start with a plan. You know what they say, those who fail to plan, plan to fail.
Now I’m definitely not failing, but I could be accomplishing more if I actually had a list. Here are a few simple tips for making spring cleaning a little easier.
Make a Plan and Write it Down
How much time do you have to devote toward spring cleaning, a week, a day, 30 minutes? Figure out how much time you can spend on your project and plan accordingly. If you only have 30 minutes a day you probably are not going to be able to clean out an entire bedroom. But you will be able to organize a closet, clean a bathroom, sort a sock bin, or catch up on laundry folding. It doesn’t matter how much time you have, what matters is how you use your time.
After you’ve decided what you are doing write it down. There is something fulfilling about crossing things off a list.
Gather Your Supplies
If you are cleaning, make sure you have all your cleaning supplies before you start. It is frustrating to start a project and not be able to finish it because you don’t have the right cleaning supplies. When organizing I like to use bins or bags to sort our stuff. When I organize our clothes I have three containers labeled pass, toss, and donate. The items go right into the bags so I don’t have to touch them twice. Having these containers or bags ready to go before you start makes the process easier.
Focus on a Small Job First
Those who are familiar with Dave Ramsey know that he advocates paying off the debts from smallest to largest. I like this idea when spring cleaning too. If you tackle a huge job first it is easy to get overwhelmed or discouraged and want to give up. I try to tackle several small jobs first to gain momentum for the big jobs. It might sound silly but it works!
Let the Kids Help
This might not seem like a good idea at first, but eventually it will pay off. If you don’t teach your kids to clean and organize when they are little, they won’t know how to do it when they are older. Even your toddlers can help by wiping baseboards or sorting toys. My older kids move bins and boxes, dust, wash windows, and vacuum, sweep, and more.
Reward Yourself
Everyone likes a little incentive right? If you are working all day spring cleaning take the night off from cooking and put in a frozen pizza or serve cereal for dinner. The kids will love you for it and you don’t have to deal with dinner on top of all the cleaning. If you are cleaning throughout the week declare Friday night popcorn and movie night. Even setting the timer for 15 minute breaks throughout the day and giving yourself time to check Facebook, read a magazine article or blog, make a phone call, or sit in the backyard will motivate you to get through the rest of your cleaning.
Spring Cleaning is Worth It
I realize that most of us do not have homes that could be featured on Hoarders, but we all have problem areas. Tackling these a few times a year can really create a peaceful home. An organized home can also save you time and money. No more lost bills and late fees or searching for those missing car keys. A clean home is also healthier. Healthy families = less trips to the doctor.
What did you accomplish this week?
dgsandbjsmom says
We have been spring cleaning for 3 weeks now. Add in new furniture and I decided we are going to keep going until everything is clean. Why just a week? If you do not get everything clean than keep cleaning!
Mel B says
I am interested to know what your kids room’s look like..just wondering how you have set up the kids in their rooms…do you use bunk beds and trundle beds or do you have certain kids in each room?
I also have been spring cleaning..although mine came after my vacation which is what normally happens. I come home after living for a week or more out of a suitcase and realize I do not need EVERYTHING I have cluttering up space…so far one bag to goodwill, one bag of trash, and a few items I’m trying to decide what to do with.
Brittney - Our Greener Acres says
Those are some really great tips. We had a big family garage sale last weekend. I think we got rid of about half our stuff but we have enough left over that we’re doing it again this weekend. Whew!!
Jennifer Hiscox says
That is great advice! My family and I have slowly started “spring cleaning”. With the departure of our two puppies,which were the cause of my husband and daughter’s allergies, we can now do a major cleaning throughout the whole house! Plus we are also preparing to head outdoors to “spring clean” our back yard!! It’s so nice out these days, why not take advantage of it??!! 🙂
Pro Window Cleaning Services says
Great tips and suggestions! Can’t wait to get started on my spring cleaning!