Spring Cleaning: Easy Checklist
Spring is the perfect time to freshen up your home and get it organized. But with so many tasks to do, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. That's why we've put together a simple spring cleaning checklist to help you tackle each task one by one without much fuss.
Spring Cleaning Checklist:
For those who simply want a quick list to keep in mind but can handle the rest on your own, here are the main things to keep in mind:
Declutter
Deep clean
Organize
Laundry
Clean up outside
For everyone else who'd like a more thorough breakdown of what you should be sure to cover, read on below!
Declutter
The first step in spring cleaning is to declutter your home. Go through each room and get rid of anything you no longer need or use. This includes clothes that no longer fit, toys that your kids have outgrown, and anything else that's taking up unnecessary space. Donate or sell items in good condition, and discard or recycle the rest. We recommend going in the following order:
Sort your kid's toys (might as well get the worst part out of the way first!)
Collect any items around the home you no longer want or need (set these aside for donation)
Sort through your child's/children's clothing
Sort through your own closet to check for things that no longer fit or that you no longer need or want
Check your garage or attic for anything that can be tossed or donated
Any items that are in good shape are great for donating to your local shelters or organizations that may be in need of such supplies. The types of shelters available will vary depending our your specific area, but it's always a good idea to check in with any local homeless shelters, shelters for victims of abuse and domestic violence, animal shelters, and other such resources.
Deep Clean
Once you've decluttered, it's time to deep clean your home. This includes tasks such as dusting, vacuuming, and washing windows.
Be sure to clean all surfaces, including the inside and outside of your cabinets, behind your appliances, any baseboards, door handles, light switches, and in-between furniture cushions. Don't forget to clean the inside of your refrigerator as well as clean your air vents and replace any air filters in the home!
*If you need a bit of help, be sure to check out our posts on How to Clean Your Glass Stovetop and How to Clean Your Dishwasher for more information on how to safely and properly clean up your appliances!
Organize
After decluttering and deep cleaning, now it's time to organize your home.
This includes tasks such as reorganizing closets, pantries, and drawers. If you didn't organize as you decluttered your and your kids' closets, now is the time to get those spaces easy to view and access to make getting ready in the morning quick and easy—or as quick and easy as it can get with kids around.
When sorting through your pantry, be sure to set aside any unwanted and non-expired foods for donation. Toss anything that's old or moldy, and wipe down any shelves or cabinets as needed before placing your food back when organizing. Be sure to place items that expire soonest toward the front where you can easily reach them so they can be used before they go bad, and you'll reduce your household's food waste.
Laundry
Spring cleaning is a great time to tackle your laundry, too.
Hopefully, your usual piles have gotten too excessive, but if you find yourself behind on this chore, now is a great time to catch up.
In addition to your usual clothing, you'll also want to wash all bedding, including comforters and duvets, and even consider washing your curtains and any other linens that may be found around the home.
Clean Up Outside
Spring cleaning isn't just about the inside of your home—it's also important to clean the outside of your home as well.
This includes tasks such as cleaning your home's gutters, pressure washing your home's exterior and any sidewalks, and getting the lawn and garden ready for spring. If you have any outdoor storage rooms or tool sheds, guess what? It's time to clean those up, too.
Final Thoughts
By following this spring cleaning checklist, you should be able to create a cleaner and more organized home in no time.
However, don't feel like you have to tackle everything at once—take it one step at a time, and soon you'll have a fresh and clean home ready for the new season!
For more information on keeping your home de-cluttered and clean year-round, check out some of our other posts: