Spring cleaning might not top your list of fun activities, but few things compare to the joy of a pristine home as warmer days approach. Yet, figuring out how to start can be a challenge.
This year, armed with my usual spring cleaning checklist, I decided to try out some professional methods on how to kick off my cleaning. I’m skilled at decluttering, but I was curious to learn fresh techniques to streamline my efforts.
From understanding how to get ready for spring cleaning to picking the right starting point, here are five effective strategies that made a difference in my home.
Starting Points for Spring Cleaning
After learning the ideal time to begin spring cleaning, I aimed to enhance my routine with expert suggestions. Through research and discussions with cleaning pros, I've compiled these recommended strategies:
1. Plan Your Approach
One of the best pieces of advice I received was to outline my plan on paper before grabbing any cleaning tools.
While it’s possible to clean your entire house in a single day, I chose not to tackle that challenge. Spring cleaning can feel daunting, but when I break it down into smaller tasks, it becomes manageable. So, I created a list of what I aimed to accomplish and scheduled specific tasks for each day.
Taking the time to plan makes it easier to set yourself up for decluttering or deep cleaning. I found it more straightforward to start when I allotted specific times in my calendar and committed to those moments.
2. Set SMART Goals
This next tip builds on the first. If you found the planning helpful, consider this strategy.
“View spring cleaning as a chance to set goals,” suggest cleaning experts Kristi Lord and Lindsay Droz. “Make your cleaning Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.”
I must admit, the thought of setting SMART goals for my personal tasks wasn’t appealing at first. However, it truly works. For instance, a SMART goal could be:
“By the end of the week, I will have decluttered and deep-cleaned the kitchen, including removing expired items from the pantry, cleaning the fridge, and organizing the cabinets, dedicating one hour each afternoon to complete this.”
Try establishing SMART goals for various spring cleaning tasks before you begin and see how much smoother the process becomes.
3. Start with the Most Used Room
After planning and setting goals, the next decision is which room to start in. When I consulted cleaning experts, opinions varied between the kitchen and bedroom, but I found the best advice was to tackle the busiest room first.
For me, that’s definitely the kitchen. Cleaning expert Maria Mooney points out that this area needs the most attention since everyone in the house uses it frequently.
If you agree, kick off your spring cleaning by trying out quick kitchen cleaning tips that work for you. Starting in the busiest room removes a major hurdle and gives you motivation to continue. Plus, the satisfaction of completing the toughest area first can propel you forward.
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4. Begin with Your Closet
Another helpful suggestion is to start with your closet, being careful to avoid common mistakes while cleaning out your wardrobe.
“This is the first opportunity to transition between seasons,” Kristi Lord and Lindsay Droz explain. “Wash winter clothes and store heavier pieces like wool and cashmere in bags to protect them over the warmer months.”
I prefer to organize my closet at the start of spring cleaning because it not only helps eliminate items I don’t wear but also makes daily outfit choices easier.
If you haven’t worn something in the last year, think about donating it. This tactic simplifies your closet, making mornings easier and optimizing your clothing space.
5. Focus on High-Traffic Floors
When deciding where to start your spring cleaning, don’t forget about the floors. High-traffic areas like entryways, hallways, and living rooms accumulate dirt and debris quickly.
I usually begin my spring cleaning by vacuuming the hallway thoroughly, then tackling carpets and area rugs with extra attention to edges and beneath furniture where dirt collects.
For hardwood, laminate, or tile floors, a good sweep followed by mopping with the right cleaner brings back their shine, instantly refreshing your home’s appearance.
If you have pets, I recommend this powerful cordless vacuum. It effectively removes pet hair, making it perfect for busy floors.
Applying these five essential techniques can make your spring cleaning feel less daunting. Remember, the aim is not to scrub every corner but to refresh your living spaces. Adapt these suggestions to suit your needs and find what works for you.
