Kitchen
- Clear countertops of anything not used daily
- Donate any appliances/gadgets not used
- Rid yourself of any expired food products, remember the spice rack!
- Clean out the cupboards and replace shelf and drawer liners
- Vacuum refrigerator coils (sometimes under and sometimes in the back)
- Clean under the stove and inside the oven
- Wash out your garbage can
Out Back
- Wash down deck and re-stain if necessary
- Scrub and refill birdfeeders
- Replace dead plants or flowers in pots on porch with new plants
- Clean and replace needed BBQ equipment
- Uncover, clean, stain or paint porch furniture
Bathrooms
- Check dates on all prescription bottles and toss the old
- Sort bath products and store by category i.e. hair care, cosmetics, first aid, prescriptions
You get the idea. Now create lists for any other rooms in your home and set up times to complete the projects. It is essential to actively put the projects on your family calendar before other obligations make their way into that space of time. Get the entire family involved in spring-cleaning activities. There are many jobs that children can do. Be sure to reward the efforts with a family night out, maybe a movie or pizza!
As a Certified Professional Organizer I cannot go without including the idea of clearing clutter as part of your spring-cleaning goal. Again, this project can take place in smaller pieces of time. What are you doing after you read this article? I challenge you to find 10 items within the room you are in that you no longer need or love. If they are still in usable condition then donate them; if not, throw them out. Continue collecting items to donate in a bag or box and when it is full, take it to your local charity. Challenge your family members to do the same.
How about the size 6 clothes in the closet? You have been a size 10 for nine years! Face it, as we get older our bodies settle in and it is highly unlikely that we will ever be a size 6 or 8 again! Every time you see those clothes in the closet how do you feel? Guilty! Removing clutter from your life is good spring cleaning for your head.
It seems the most difficult part of spring cleaning for anyone is finding the time. Take a look at your calendar today and make appointments for your spring-cleaning projects. Clear the clutter and feel the instant renewal of spring! Spring-cleaning can be very therapeutic and the rewards tremendous.
Now you’ve finished the article. Take a look around and find 10 items to eliminate from your life and you have started your spring cleaning!
Learn more about Cyndy Ratcliffe at www.organizingsolutions.biz.
