There is something about the fresh, crisp air of spring, the return of abundant sunlight, and the warmth, that makes most of us want to start spring cleaning.
The problem is, though, that most of us know what it is, and we want to do it, but … we’re not really sure HOW.
It’s been a couple of generations, after all, since all the housewives were doing their spring cleaning at the same time and teaching their daughters to do it, too.
So let’s look at what the professionals say about spring cleaning. These are the people who are still coming into homes and freshening everything up from top to bottom.
The One-Year Principle
Most professionals have at least a variant of this particular rule, which says that if you have not used an item for at least one year, you probably shouldn’t keep it. There are exceptions to this rule, but it is a good general idea.
Yes, that refers to all that junk you pushed into a corner of the basement. Box it and get it out of your home!)
When deciding whether to keep or toss an item, think about when you last used it, and if it has been too long, it is likely useless and taking up valuable space.
Top to Bottom
This is a basic rule that is always wise.
When spring cleaning (okay, to be honest, when cleaning at any time of the year), begin cleaning at the top of each room and continue on toward the bottom.
For example, begin with washing walls, then cleaning furniture and tables, and finally give the floor a thorough cleaning.
If your mother taught you to wash the dining room table, do the dishes, and then finish up by sweeping the kitchen and dining room floor (which is what my mother taught me and I’m teaching my children), that’s why. Top to bottom.
Most particles generally fall downwards, and this tip ensures that you will not clean the floor, only to have dust, crumbs, and other junk fall from furniture as you move to the next step.
Keep, Donate, Trash
When you are going through anything from old clothing to extra clutter, keep this simple rule in mind: keep, donate, or trash.
Always divide the items into three piles as you sort them.
Keep the items you love, donate the items that are in good condition but someone else can put to better use, and trash anything with damage. This makes every pile easier to deal with and to organize.
Don’t Work Alone
Even the most ambitious and organized professional will tell you that it is almost always easier to get a job done with a little help.
If possible, include family members by giving everyone their own personalized “to do” list.
If you are not getting enough cooperation from immediate family members, or you live alone, consider doing a cleaning swap with friends, or give thought to hiring a professional.
Don’t underestimate the value of having a friend help. I have a friend who currently can’t do much physical work, but she can sit and talk with me as I fold clothes and clean.
And when other friends of mine were packing to move, I’d bring my computer over to get some writing done while offering encouragement and advice. In that case, having someone who has moved house a few times say “Oh, there’s not a lot. Here, we can get this done in a few hours” can really help someone who is feeling that the job is huge.
The same thing works when spring cleaning. Get help – professional if you need it, or a friend who can physically help, or even a friend who will encourage and keep you company.
Work in Sections
One tried and true method for making spring cleaning easier to handle is by working in segments in your home.
If you attempt to tackle everything at once, you will soon be overwhelmed.
Move through your home room by room, and corner by corner. In no time at all, you will have completed your entire list.
Minimize
The fewer items you have, the less you will have to clean and organize later on.
As mentioned before – when you are going through your home during spring cleaning, think about what you can live without. Get rid of unnecessary items whenever possible.
Spring cleaning is not always an easy task, but if you follow a few simple principles, you will make it much easier on yourself.
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