Photo Credit: Envato Elements
Spring cleaning is easy enough right? Do we really need tips on how to straighten up our home? Well, for those of us who struggle with organization, a bit of direction in efficiently cleaning our homes can be beneficial. So, here are 8 straightforward tips to assist you in getting organized and started on the right foot!
1.) Set Your 80/20 Goals
The idea of doing a full spring cleaning overhaul can be daunting and downright overwhelming! But don’t let yourself get discouraged before you even start. Take a moment to set clear goals and identify which areas of your home require the most attention. These high-priority spaces should be classified as your top 20%, while the remaining areas fall into the 80% category. The key to success is to stick to this 80/20 plan and focus on the top 20% first. If you find yourself getting off track or distracted, take a step back and refocus on the most important areas. By holding yourself accountable and following this method, you can streamline the process and make it more manageable. Pro tip: use this method in your work life too! It’s a game changer.
2.) Create a Music Playlist
Is listening to music essential to cleaning your home? Of course not. But it certainly makes it a lot more enjoyable! To create a fun and energizing atmosphere, consider creating a playlist on your preferred music app. This way, you can hit play, get started, and let the tunes keep you motivated throughout the cleaning process. A playlist can help you avoid stopping every few minutes to change songs, as this can disrupt your flow and slow you down. You may also consider listening to podcasts, which can provide hours of juicy content to keep you going.
3.) Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff
Trekking back and forth through a bunch of clutter is only going to cause frustration. So take a look around and purge any unnecessary items laying around or tucked away. By getting rid of these items, you’ll be able to create more space for organizing. Additionally, you can donate the items you no longer need and feel good about giving back. Decluttering your physical space can also help declutter your mind, providing a sense of calm and clarity.
4.) Gather Your Supplies
There’s nothing more annoying than sorting through piles of dirty clothes and tossing them into the washer only to find out there’s no laundry detergent. To avoid setbacks like this, take a moment to go through your cleaning supplies and make note of anything that needs replenishing. However, it’s important to be realistic and not let the absence of certain materials deter you from getting started! Identify your essential cleaning supplies and ensure that you’re stocked up and ready to go. This will help you stay on track and make the cleaning process more efficient.
5.) Take it Room by Room
Just like the 80/20 rule and creating a checklist, separating your duties room by room is another great way to keep from feeling overwhelmed by the enormity of spring cleaning. Start with the main spaces that guests see first. Once you finish these rooms, it’s going to feel good and help keep you motivated to move onto the next. Plus, if your mother in law decides to make an unexpected visit, you won’t be scrambling to clear space for her on the living room sofa.
6.) Refresh Your Bedding and Linens
Who doesn’t love that feeling of crawling into a clean bed with fresh linens after a long day’s work? Don’t forget to wash your sheets, pillow cases, and blankets. It’s best to clean your linens in hot water to really remove that dirt and grime and kill any lingering bacteria. Perhaps it’s time for a mattress flip too! Clean bedding is essential to maintaining good hygiene and keeping your living space healthy. It also improves the air quality and reduces the risk of illness.
7.) Don’t Forget the Nooks and Crannies
It’s simple enough to tidy up areas we can see, but what about the spots that aren’t so visible? Don’t overlook the neglected areas that accumulate dust and dirt over time. Pay attention to baseboards, ceiling fans, light fixtures, window sills, and other hard to reach places. Doing this will help you maintain a cleaner home over time and help prevent allergy flare-ups which can be quite common when it comes to spring cleaning.
8.) Clean Up Your Digital Space
No one is safe from the clutter that takes up space and hinders our digital workflow. Just like purging those old shoes that are 2 sizes too small, it’s time to consider trashing those desktop tax files from 2012. Cleaning up old photos and archiving important documents will also help keep you organized.
As we embrace spring, how do you tackle your cleaning routine while staying organized? Are there secrets to really maintaining a clean home throughout the year? Share your strategies and experiences!
