Spring Cleaning Made Easy

I used to get bogged down with my Spring Cleaning and made very little progress until I came up with a unique system that really works.  I love being able to make a huge difference right away which springboards me into even more progress.  Yes, spring cleaning can be easy.Click the video to see my system or keep on reading!I wish I could say that I don't do much spring cleaning because I keep up with it all throughout the year, but that's not entirely true. ?I wish I kept up with the serious, deep cleaning year round, but the reality is that I don't. As such I think it would be a tad unrealistic for me to take on an ambitious, full house, top to bottom spring cleaning. I could set such goals, but if I'm being honest with myself, I know it wouldn't happen and I would be left with a bigger mess than when I started!

Instead, I'm doing my own simplified version of spring cleaning, and I'd like to invite you to join me.

Of course, I've even put together a fun, spring cleaning printable to help us. You can click to download it and then keep reading to see how to use it.

Here's how I use this 2-page printable set. It's a bit unique, but it works well for me.

First, I'm using the first page to brain dump all the different spring cleaning projects I'd like to tackle. Spring cleaning is about getting done the things I want to get done. I include tasks like cleaning out the fridge or dusting the stairs. I also include organizing tasks that have gotten out of control. This will be different for everyone but I'm including anything from a reorganizing project (small or big), rotating out seasonal or outgrown clothes for the kids, and, of course, actual deep cleaning things like washing windows. At this point I have an overwhelming list of spring cleaning tasks, but here's where it gets good.Next, I rate each item on the “relief factor” and the “time factor.” (Yes, I totally made this all up.) On a scale of 1 to 5, I rank how relieved I'll feel when that item is complete – 1 being most relieved and 5 being least relieved. For example, reorganizing my kitchen utensil drawer will give me a lot of relief because I use it and see it daily and it's a pretty big mess right now.

Next, also on a scale of 1 to 5, I rank how long each task will take. Here's how I rank:

• 1 – 15 mins or less
• 2 – 15 to 30 mins
• 3 – 1 hour
• 4 – 2 hours
• 5 – more than 2 hours

In the sum column, I add the two scores together, and then I rank them from lowest score to highest score.

This may sound a tad complicated, but it literally only takes a few minutes.

I rewrite the tasks in the correct order on the next page, and I will mark them off as I complete them. This helps give a good order to complete the tasks.In this way, I'm starting with the things that will give me the most relief and take the least amount of time working up to the things that only provide minor relief and take a long time. In reality, I probably won't go in perfect order, but it will at least give me a good guideline and will help me build momentum. Also, it will likely take me at least the entire spring to finish the whole list. That's okay – there's no rush. It's about making steady progress.

If you are like me and don't always love Spring Cleaning, try following these tips:

1 – Set a Timer
Knowing that the clock is ticking can really help you get it in gear! Set a timer for some of the shorter tasks (10, 15, maybe 20 minutes), and go all out for that length of time. Once you’re done, it’s time for a break!

2 – Eliminate distractions

What’s your biggest distraction? While your timer is going, try to eliminate it if you can. Maybe that means turning your phone on silent. Maybe it means being determined to ignore the clutter in the rest of the house while you focus on just one area. Take whatever steps you can to get distractions out of sight and out of mind while you work.

3 – Make it enjoyable

Maybe you CAN enjoy sunshine and singing birds while you work by opening a window! Light a candle, listen to some music. If you make an effort to make things more enjoyable you MIGHT even look forward to your cleaning just a little bit.

4 – Celebrate every success

Once you reach the end of your cleaning session, reward yourself! Take a break, maybe enjoy a handful of chocolate chips, allow yourself a few minutes to do something fun and relaxing. Even if you didn’t quite reach your goal, making PROGRESS is still worth celebrating.

To anyone struggling with spring cleaning, don’t despair. Try this system and implementing one or more of these tricks and see if it helps you. I’ll be cleaning right along with you.

Get Organized

Sign up to receive the free Get Organized Once and For All ecourse.

Success! Now check your email.

There was an error submitting your subscription. Please try again.

First Name

Email Address

We use this field to detect spam bots. If you fill this in, you will be marked as a spammer.

Get Organized Powered by Kit