As Old Man Winter hibernates for another year, it becomes time to "spring" your home back to life. Here’s to a home as refreshing as the new season.
The Preliminaries
The process goes by much faster and easier when you assess the situation before diving into it. Grab a pen and a pad of paper and take a tour of the house, both inside and out. Jot down the areas that should be tackled first.
- Discuss with your housemates how to handle each job—come to a group consensus
- If you live alone, see if a friend might help you in exchange for helping them
- Plan a weekend that works best for you and your fellow spring cleaners
- If the job needs more time, plan out a series of days, setting goals for each day
Supplies
Don’t feel overwhelmed by the project. Less is more. Head to the store, if you need to, but you should have most of these spring cleaning essentials at home anyway.
- All purpose cleaner
- Paper towels
- Rags
- Broom and duster
- Large bucket
- Furniture polish
- Garbage bags: large and small
- Vacuum cleaner
The Right Clothes
Dress down and prepare to get dirty. Also, protect yourself.
- Wear old clothing you don’t mind getting dirty or stained
- Consider wearing a hat or bandana to keep the sweat off your face and dust out of your hair
- Put on old tennis shoes with good traction
- Slip on protective rubber gloves
- Strap on knee pads for working on hard floors, if you have them
Make It Fun
The Seven Dwarves taught us to "whistle while we work. Take their advice and make spring cleaning a rewarding experience rather than a chore. Get energized. Time will go by before you know it.
- Put in your favorite music and crank up the volume while you work
- Consider making a CD of your favorite songs just for the occasion
- Plan a reward to make things even more fun—a pizza party makes things go by quicker for everyone
- If the kids are helping, promise some ice cream for their help
- Tell and listen to old stories, gossip, and discuss current events with your helpers
While You Work
Spring cleaning is easier when you can work faster and in a more pleasant environment. The fewer distractions you have, the faster you can get the job done.
- Turn off the TV and let the phone go to voice mail
- Open the windows—it brings fresh spring air in, and helps rid the house of the smell of cleaners
- Burn a favorite household scent
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