Photo by Andreanna Moyer Photography

Ah, the fresh smell of spring air.  It is a sure sign that not only is warmer weather on the horizon, but so too is that inevitable need to spring clean.  Whether you start by tackling your classroom or at home, we have tips that can save you time.  In just a few hours, your home will be filled with the freshness of spring.

Laundry First

It can be the bane of your existence, but laundry is an inevitable part of life.  When you start spring cleaning, begin by gathering up all of the laundry and taking it to the laundry room.  Strip the beds of their winter flannel sheets and toss the week’s towels in the basket before you head down to the washer.  Once you have a load of laundry going, set a timer for when it will be finished, and move on.

Room by Room

There are many different ways to clean a house, but when you tackle your home by section or room, you can accomplish a lot in a lot less time.  Start with the rooms that you use most frequently.  The living room, dining room, kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom  are probably going to be the spaces most frequented by your family.  Gather all of the supplies you will need in a large bucket, grab the vacuum and head off to clean the first space.  Once you are there, work from the ceiling to floor to dust, wipe down, fluff, straighten and vacuum.  When a space is clean, move on to the next.

Windows to the World

While it may be tempting to just throw the windows open before you start cleaning, take the time to clean them first.  If you want to get some fresh air in before you go room to room, start by cleaning the windows as you open them.  With a spray bottle of window cleaner in one hand and some paper towels or rags in the other, you can quickly go around the house cleaning your dusty windows.

Donation Box

As you are cleaning, keep with you a bin or box that has things that you no longer want, need, or use.  By the time you have finished cleaning the house, you will have a collection of items that are perfect for donating.  If you donate them to an organization that is classified as a charity, you can even get a tax deduction for your taxes next year.  Be sure to keep a list, or a picture, of the items that you donated to verify the donation.

Photo by Daveybot (flickr.com)

Mood Music

One of the most important things to do while spring cleaning is to put yourself in the right mood.  If you are energetic and happy, spring cleaning will be much more enjoyable than if you are trudging through it.  Put on some of your favorite, uplifting music and dance as you rid your house of winter dust and germs.

Flowers

Fresh cut flowers can be expensive, but in the spring, Daffodils are plentiful and inexpensive.  But a bunch of blooms and place them in a pretty vase on your dining room table, coffee table or kitchen counter.  The fresh burst of color and life will bring energy to your room.

Spring cleaning does not have to be a dirty phrase.  After a day of clearing out clutter and dust, you will find yourself resting in a fresh, clean home.  Take a deep breath and enjoy all that spring has to offer.