Ah, the smell of flowers, the buzz of the bees, and the sound of the birds chirping each morning... these are all signs of new life, of spring, of a new start! And, to some, the idea of 'spring cleaning' can put an excitement or spring in one's step, to others, the task can be as daunting as the inevitable rise of the thermometer in August.. either way - I know and often feel that tug inside that wants to enrich and enliven the spaces in which we live.
It's easy to lose sight of the benefits involved in clearing out our environment, to make a clean sweep of all that surrounds us. I find peace and joy, often, in knowing that I am serving my family in ways that only I can, by being fully present and intentional about the process and the task at hand.
Getting Started
Break it down by room or break it down by task
Whether you choose to tackle the entire room all at once or complete one task throughout the entire home, breaking down your to-do list can seem more doable and way less overwhelming as you begin.
How much time do you have?
Can you do everything you want in a day or do you have short bursts of time in each day over the course of a week? If you find yourself getting board - breaking up the tasks over a few weeks could help you be more successful in the long run.
Make sure you have what you need!
Who doesn't like to shop?! Sure - its cleaning supplies - but looking for just the right tools for this job - can be fun, too! I just bought some supplies through the Grove (I don't get any money for saying this) and I got the most adorable carrying caddy and glass reuseable spray bottle for multi-purpose and glass cleaning. If you are someone who needs to protect their sensitive skin - rubber gloves can be super helpful; sponges, scrub brushes and squeegees might all accomplish similar tasks - so consider ease of personal use; vaccum cleaners, mops and brooms are items that might be slightly more expensive - but - I promise - you get what you pay for; and baking soda has multiple purposes!
Small Changes (that also lighten up the vibe)
*Clean out or change filters, ducts, and dehumidifiers
*Change up the location of plants - dust, trim, water and rotate the scenery
*Change out/update pictures
*Change your floorplan (rearrange furniture for a fresh look without paying a fortune to redecorate)
List of Spaces and Tasks
KITCHEN, LIVING AREAS, BEDROOMS and BATHROOMS
*this is a great time to declutter each and every space, parring down what is unused (creating piles for trash, giveaway or even consignment)
*wipe down all hard surfaces (including baseboards, cabinets, appliances and any stone surfaces)
*sweep and/or mop
*clean and wipe down hanging fixtures (lights and fans)
*Wash sheets, blankets, comforters, and pillow coverings
*Organize anything with drawers (cabinets or dressers) or doors (pantries and closets)
*empty trash cans
*replace items like soap, flowers, and candles (to continue to inspire future use in each space)
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