7 Ways to Prepare for Spring Cleaning

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Spring is so close! Some days, it feels like it's just around the corner.

If you're at all like me, that means you're starting to get that spring cleaning itch. I find it's especially bad when I look at my floors after my kids walk through the house.

The thing is, though, that I know it's too early. The minute I start spring cleaning, a new storm is likely to sweep through, making it impossible to air out the house and actually get rid of all the dust I know I'll accumulate.

Instead of actually cleaning, I am satisfying myself by getting ready to clean, which is its own process. (Yeah, I'm basically Monica Geller from Friends, so what? A clean house is a happy house.) Here's what I'm doing to get ready for spring cleaning, and what you can do, too.

1. Make an Appointment With Yourself

I know how busy spring can get, with practices, unexpected events, holidays, and more. So I am already penciling in time to get my house cleaned. I've done this enough times now that I know about how long it will take me, and that I like to work in larger chunks of time. I also know about when it will actually be warm enough to get to work, and I'm going through my schedule to find chunks of time that are at least two hours in length once that season hits.

Knowing that I have time set aside for cleaning helps me wait, because I know that I will have the time to get it done later. It also helps me feel like I'm doing something about it right now.

2. Get Your List Ready

I am making a list of everything that I want to be sure to get done this spring. While there are some tasks that I know by heart because I do them every year, there are a few that I don't always do, and this is why I make a list.

I add every single task I can think of to the list, but I make especially sure that the things specific to this year get on it. That way, I won't forget them. Making this list also helps me ensure that everything I want to do gets done. Also, I don't always think of my spring cleaning tasks when I'm in front of the list, but having the list means I can add them later, when I see something that I want to be sure to do.

3. Make a Playlist

I love having a clean house, but I don't always like the actual cleaning, so it's a good thing that music makes everything better! Right now, when I can't actually clean, I'm making a playlist of my favorite upbeat songs so that I have it when I'm ready to get started. That way, I'll feel happier about cleaning and I won't have to delay while I make the playlist.

4. Get Your Favorite Supplies

I don't know about you, but I know exactly which cleaning supplies I want to use, where I want to use them, and how I prefer to apply them (even which brushes, sponges, towels, etc., that I want to use). Right now, I'm making sure that I have an ample supply of everything so that, when it's time to start cleaning, I don't have to run to the store first. Because additional errands just slow everything down.

Buying these ahead of time also gives me the chance to make sure I'm getting the best deals possible on everything. I can scour the Internet to buy things at a discount, and even get the cheapest shipping available, because I don't have to have them right away.

5. Begin Decluttering

I've found that decluttering is something that I can start at any time. In fact, it can be such a frustrating and time-consuming chore that I've found it better, for me, to separate it from spring cleaning entirely. Now, I try to declutter year round. I keep a stock of a certain type of trash bag and, when I get the itch to clean, I pick a room and start in on the clutter.

6. Buy New Light Bulbs

Light bulbs are something that I always forget to have on hand when it's time to change them during spring cleaning! That's doubly bad in my house (and maybe yours, too?) because we have at least seven different types that we need, scattered throughout our various indoor and outdoor light fixtures.

In order to combat my impressive ability to forget to buy these, I make a comprehensive list once a year and go get them all at once. Buying ahead of time not only lets me take advantage of bulk deals, but it also gives me a chance to choose the type of bulb I want in each place. LEDs are great in some areas, but the wrong kind of light in others, traditional bulbs are my last choice except where other types of light just don't work, etc. I like having time to make an informed choice.

7. Get Your Expectations in Check!

This is one of my key preparations when it comes to spring cleaning. When I think about it, I envision a sparkling house — one without fingerprints, shoe prints, dings in the walls, and more. However, that's also a house without small children — and maybe without people — which isn't my reality at all.

Thus, an important part of preparations for cleaning involves bringing yourself back to what is realistic. After all, cleaning will only be stressful if your aim is perfection. But if your aim is the health, sanity, and safety of your family, you'll enjoy the efforts so much more!

How do you prepare for spring cleaning? Share with us in the comments!

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Guest's picture
Sabri

Good ideas.