Spring Cleaning

“Spring Cleaning”, in my opinion, seems to be more about “donating” than cleaning….it’s impossible to clean rooms with too much stuff—otherwise all you’re doing is shifting the mess! And from someone who isn’t shy about my compulsive need for “”, at least three times a year I find a trunk-full of kitchen/garage items and clothing to pass on to the next.

So first things first…encourage the family to collect at least ONE trash bag or box full of donated items from their individual “spaces”—kids rooms, “man caves”, garage, etc.  Most importantly, GIVE THEM A DEADLINE.  We all know otherwise, it’ll never get done.

Check out this simple list to get rolling on your Spring Cleaning:

1. Collect donated items and PHYSICALLY load them in the trunk (I’ve found that otherwise the bags and boxes to donate end up in the garage or closets for months on end)
2. Inspirational play list—who can get motivated for cleaning without a good playlist of your favorite tunes?
3. List—I know some of you don’t get the satisfaction from creating “to-do” lists, but you MUST get the satisfaction of crossing off items! Don’t be overly ambitious here—just start with key areas that need attention.
4. Avoid time traps—we’ve all dedicated ourselves to cleaning a space, only to be sucked in and side-tracked by projects that you discover while cleaning—set it aside and dedicate all “future projects” for later!
5. Once rooms are picked up/cleaned, NOW you get into the essence of “Spring Cleaning” which is tackling the detailed jobs:
   1. Cobwebs/dust cleaned off of baseboards, ceiling corners and walls
   2. Magic eraser those scuffs on walls, baseboards and doors
   3. Dust lampshades and ceiling fans
   4. Touch up/repaing any wall spots
   5. Clean windows, including the outsides!
   6. Dust furnishings
   7. Vacuum under those couch cushions
   8. Sweep then do a good mopping of floors
   9. Shake out mats, rugs, etc.
6. And when you’re finished, freshen up your space with clipped flowers from your blooming garden, or add some fresh, new pops of color on couches or chairs!

Leah Callahan