Sure, everyone has their own Spring cleaning methods, and choose to clean their house in a different way. But, these simple tips can work for anyone, can help make the task of cleaning things out, and getting rid of junk easier, and can cut back on how long it takes you, to complete the task. Regardless of how in depth the cleaning is, or what you plan on getting rid of and keeping, these are some tips that will help you when you begin the process.
Map it out -
Spring cleaning goes above and beyond the daily dusting, vacuuming, and wiping down surfaces. Whether you live in a mansion, or a studio apartment, planning it out will help you complete the task, and hit every mark. So, if you never done the annual ritual in the past, where do you begin? Making a plan, like you do for any other big endeavour, allows you to do it right. List every room (including garage, utility rooms, etc), and areas you generally don't clean. This will give you a foundation for knowing where to begin, and what areas require the most work.
Get your supplies -
Window cleaners, stove cleaning supplies, scrubbers, mops, and more. By having everything you need in a bucket before you begin, it allows you to move from room to room, without skipping over any areas. It can be rather annoying to have to start and stop, because you forgot something, or don't have the cleaner and have to run to the store to buy it. So, prior to getting underway, make sure you have all the supplies, even items you might not need, when you get underway.
Declutter first -
Set up three piles: keep, donate, or toss. Before you start cleaning each room, go in to each room, and decide which items in that room should go in any of the three piles. You aren't just cleaning; you are getting rid of items you don't use, items which are taking up space, and things that aren't relevant to you. By clearing out the items you don't need, and removing them from the room before you begin cleaning, it will make the task easier, and will result in a better finish.
Top down -
Bring out the dusters and dry vac for the ceiling fans, for furniture, and everything above-head. You want to start up top, so that you won't have to vacuum twice, or wipe down furniture twice. This is not only efficient, it is the easiest way to get dirt down from above-head, and avoid leaving a mess behind after you have cleaned other surfaces at ground level.
Use shortcuts -
In high traffic areas, use shortcuts. If you have a ladder, use a spray hose on the exterior windows and deck, rather than wiping each window down by hand. If you have a wet vac, or indoor floor steamer, this works far more efficiently than a vacuum, plus it cleans far better. These heavy duty cleaning supplies make your life easier, and they get areas far cleaner than you would be able to get them by hand.
No matter when you begin your Spring cleaning, these simple tips will help you get the job done in less time, get rid of clutter, and really get the home looking good.