Is spring cleaning an absolute must-do? No, but it’s still a good idea. Psychologically speaking, spring cleaning is a “temporal landmark,” a happening or event that signals a significant transition and provides motivation for a fresh start. Therefore, good deep cleaning — inside and out —will not only make your personal environment healthier, but it will also lift your spirits and encourage you to continue decluttering and organizing. Also, think of it this way: If there’s a move soon, you’re a big step ahead.
In this article, we’ll give you a quick overview of tips and tricks you can use to pull off a successful spring cleaning of your home’s interior spaces.
Start with a Supply Checklist
Preparation is half the battle — and having all the right tools at hand in the first step in the process. At the very least you’ll need
- Broom
- Dust Cloths and Spray
- Paper Towels
- Boxes
- A Mop or Steam Cleaner
- A Vacuum (preferably HEPA-equipped)
Be Ambitious, But Realistic
It can be overwhelming if you think only in terms of the scope of the entire project. Instead, take it one day, one room, and one trash bag at a time. Plan to tackle just one room – or even a single task – each day. Make a decluttering checklist and cross out tasks when completed. It will help you see how much you’ve accomplished.
Divide and Conquer
Let’s begin with the four major areas of your home. While these to-dos are by no means comprehensive, they’ll provide a springboard to get you going in the right direction.
Living room and Family room
- Vacuum under and behind furniture
- Dust shelves, electronics, baseboards and ceiling fans
- Clean windows, mirrors and light fixtures, declutter paperwork and knickknacks
- Use a vacuum attachment to freshen up pillows, rugs and any upholstered furniture
.
Kitchen
- Clean stovetop, oven, refrigerator, microwave and small appliances
- Mop floors, wipe cabinets, counters and backsplash.
- Sharpen knives
, - Dispose of spices, non-perishables and canned goods that are past their expiration dates
Bedrooms
- Strip the bed, wash all bedding and linens
- Vacuum and mop floors
- Dust ceiling fans, lampshades and baseboards
. - Clean out closets and dressers, donating or throwing out anything you do not use
. - Freshen up mattresses with a spray-on protector or topper
. - Rotate mattress.
- Organize closets and switch seasonal clothing items
Bathrooms
- Dispose of expired medications
- Scrub showers, tubs, sinks and toilets
- Mop floors, wipe cabinets and counters
- Clean mirrors and fixtures
- Refresh/replace rugs, towels, shower curtains and bathmats
Don’t Neglect Filters and Fire Alarms
Although you should really be checking these items much more frequently, use this temporal landmark as a reminder to
- Replace water, furnace and range hood filters
- Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors
- Check or replace the thermostat batteries
- Check exterior pipes for leaks
And the Biggest Spirit Lifter of All
Wash your interior and exterior windows! There’s nothing more satisfying than windows that let you look outside and enjoy blossoming flowers, budding tree leaves, and warm sunshine.
We hope your journey to Finding Home is smooth and successful. And remember, no matter where you happen to be in the moving process, you can count on Mayflower to be with you Every Step of the Way®.
Moving or about to move? Get a no-obligation quote from Mayflower.
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