by Olivia Gregory

Created on: March 12, 2010   Last Updated: March 23, 2010

Spring cleaning can be an overwhelming task, but if you do a little planning ahead of time, your job will become much quicker and easier. Here are some suggestions for your complete spring cleaning checklist:

First, make sure you have all the supplies on hand that you will need. This list could include a vacuum, new storage bins, magic erasers, a Swiffer, some kind of duster, paper towels or cleaning cloths, garbage bags, and some type of cleaner such as Windex. Gathering all your supplies ahead of time will make it easier to complete your spring cleaning quickly, for you will not have to waste valuable time running to the store to get what you need to do the job.

Once you have everything together, you are ready to begin tackling your spring cleaning. Consider tackling one room in your house each day: this may take a week or more to finish, but you will be able to be more thorough in each room and also not get discouraged by having to clean the entire house all at once. Remember to include both big rooms (bedrooms, kitchen, living spaces) and also smaller areas (bathrooms, closets, hallways) in your plan. For each room or space, here are some suggestions for what to do:

* Use the garbage bags to throw away items that are broken or not used anymore. This can include old appliances, clothes, or toiletry items.

* Store coats, hats, scarves, and gloves away in a bin during the warmer months.

* Sort kids' toys into bins according to category.

* Rearrange books and knick-knacks on bookshelves.

* Clean windows and screens inside and out.

* Dust vents, light fixtures, ceiling fans, and baseboards.

* Use magic erasers to remove scuffs and stains on the walls.

* Change linens and wash blankets and rugs if possible.

* Shake out drapes to remove dust.

* Clean floors with vacuuming or mopping.

* Wipe down fixtures, doorknobs, light switches, and window sills.

* Clean all mirrors.

* Remove trash and dust under any furniture.

Also consider some spring cleaning activities on the outside of your house: pressure washing the house makes it look fresh and clean, and sweeping all walkways and patios will remove dirt and debris that has accumulated over the winter. As the weather warms up, add cheerful flowers in planters or flower beds in the front of the house.

If you follow these steps for spring cleaning, you will be well on your way to finishing the job quickly. In no time at all, you will have a house that is spic and span and ready for the new season!

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