Top Ten Spring Cleaning Tips

I hate cleaning - so I try to find tips that work! This is a short list of the ten suggestions I have found the most helpful.

1. Make a plan. I use an Excel spreadsheet. (Most office supply stores - like Staples - carry the program.) You only have to do this once unless you move. It's easy to expand the list if you realize you forgot a task. Make a column for each room. Then make a row for each task. Just use paper if you prefer, but it's nice to have a sheet for each room in case you need to add tasks as you go.

2. Check each task off as you complete it for a sense of immediate satisfaction.

3. Focus on the big things that do not get handled on a regular basis. Get them out of the way first.

4. Get a new O'Cedar mop to wash those out of reach places like the ceiling. That way you don't have to hold your arms over your head all day to clean the ceiling. Ace Hardware - and most department stores carry them.

5. Get a labeler if you don't have one. My personal choice is a P-Touch labeler. It makes really nice, easy to read labels. Labeling things you don't use everyday makes life easier. It also makes it easier for spouses and children to help out. I got mine at Home Depot, but I have seen them in other stores.

6. Go through closets and get rid of clothes that do not fit or that you do not like.

7. Take everything out of your cupboards. If there is anything unused in the cupboard, put it in a box to get rid of. Put a label inside of the cupboard to mark what you keep.

8. Drawers - same thing - if you do not use it, there's no reason for it to be taking up space in your home. If something does not have sentimental value or utility and you have not used it in the last year - let it go. Give it to charity, sell it, or just throw it away.

9. Use natural cleaners whenever possible. They are better for your health. For example, baking soda is great for cleaning stainless stove tops and sinks. It also makes a safe carpet freshener that won't hurt pets the way scented carpet fresheners can.

10. Use the labeler from tip #5. Label things you move. This can help your family remember where things go (plus you'll look SO organized.) If the spoons are in a different drawer or you relocated the household tools it is just easier for everyone to be able to check the labels.

Start with a great plan, go through it step by step, and spring cleaning will be done - well - not before you know it - but it will be done.