Start at the Top
Starting the cleaning process at the top of the room and working your way down is a basic rule that is always a good idea when cleaning any room. Spring cleaning is no exception, and because you’re often tackling much bigger/messier projects it’s even more important than usual: begin cleaning at the top of each room and continue on toward the bottom.
For example, begin with dusting the ceiling fans and vents, move to washing the walls and floor boards, then clean the furniture and tables, and finally give the floor a thorough washing or vacuuming.
What usually happens is you set about cleaning the room and want to finish with the floors only to remember once the vacuum is out that you wanted to clean the ceiling fans and vents…there goes all the rest of the cleaning as little bits of clumped up dust fall over everything! Or what usually happens in my house is that I decide to wait until next time to tackle the fans and vents and end up irritated as I know everytime I turn on the ceiling fan it’s blowing dust all over my newly cleaned room. Note to self -start at the top!
Work One Room or Segment at a Time
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. Sometimes the mess looks worse before it gets better. Working on one room or segment at a time minimizes this problem.
One-Year Usefulness Principle
Most professionals have at least a variation 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 concept to keep in mind as you start the decluttering process.
When deciding whether to keep or toss an item, think about when you last used it, and if it’s been too long, it’s likely lost its usefulness (if it ever had any) and is now just taking up valuable space in your home and in your mind!
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 and 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’re 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.
Minimize to Maximize
Any professional will gladly remind you that the fewer items you have, the less you will have to clean and organize later on. As mentioned before – when you’re going through your home during spring cleaning, think about what you can live without. Get rid of unnecessary items whenever possible. Minimizing the “stuff” you hold on to can really maximize the enjoyment you experience in your living environment!
Spring cleaning is not always an easy task, but if you follow a few simple principles, you will make it much easier on yourself. Professionals have some secrets that can help anyone who is looking to become more efficient at this time of year. With these secrets, and a little elbow grease, you will soon have your home looking and feeling more spacious, fresh,and beautiful!
