Friday, March 25, 2011

Spring Cleaning Tips

There is nothing worse than entering something unprepared. You end up taking twice the amount of time needed for the task. I know we are all busy and want to maximaize our time so I have put together a few tips to keep in mind as you plan your own spring cleaning.






1. Make a plan and set realistic goals for ourself

I typically make a list for each room and cross things off as I go. If it isn't written down I will forget about it. Once you have your lists for each room set some goals. Be realistic. Don't set out to do the whole house in one day. Find what works for you and your schedule and get started.



2. Complete one room before moving to the next

Sometimes my mind goes faster than my body and I am on to the next task before I 100% complete the task at hand. When I am all finished...I look at my list and find there are a few tasks left in each room still. I am sure none of you have this issue, but if you do...make sure you complete 100% of each room before you move on.



3. Check for supplies

Go through your cleaning supplies and make sure you have everything. You really don't need much in the way of cleaners. Cleaners are expensive and there are many basic products that double for different uses. For instance vinegar. I buy the economy size for next to nothing and use it for windows, floors, and things like that.



4. Clean up before you begin

Pick up clutter. Do the dishes. Get all of the junk out of the way so you can actually clean clean and not just surface clean.



5. Get out a donation box

If you haven't used it for a year consider donating it. At the end of 2010 we donated a lot of things and used
http://www.itsdeductible.com/ and actually got quite a bit deducted off our taxes which resulted in actual cash back. Cool nifty kitchen tools are great, but they do create clutter and if you aren't going to use it...get rid of it. Get over feeling bad about it and just do it.


Next week I will share a spring cleaning list for your kitchen...and a look into my spring cleaning!


What are your tips?

Make sure you leave them in the comment section!

7 comments:

Bitterroot Mama said...

These are great! I tried to clean 5years worth of clutter in 3 days. (With a baby and being sick.) Not a good idea! I like the idea of sticking to one room at a time. My mind does that same fast forward thing, so I'm pretty sure I have cleaning ADD. Now I'm a little burnt out and waiting for more motivation.

Misty said...

What great tips! I would love to hear how you use vinegar to clean, that would save me a TON of money and more space to stockpile. :)

I can't wait to spend some time this weekend and make a list of every room and what needs to be done. I like how you mentioned REALISTIC goals because I am notorious for getting in over my head and making more of a mess than there was to start with and then burning out.

Bitterroot Mama, I hear ya on the cleaning ADD. :)

Thanks for the motivation!

Katie said...

Bitterroot Mama,

You sure took on a lot, to say the least! Cleaning ADD...that is sooo my problem :)

Katie said...

Misty,

I will have to share some ideas of cleaning with vinegar and things we all have on hand!

Make sure you keep them realistic!

Melissa Jenkins said...

Thanks for the tips for spring cleaning. I am hoping to start on mine next week. My tips are to start one room at a time, or one project at a time like all the baseboards in the house.

thanks again for the great recipes - I became your newest follower- check out www.creatingourcozyhome.blogspot.com

Melissa

Katie said...

Melissa,

Thanks for sharing your tips! Thanks for following...I will go check out your blog :)

robbie @ going green mama said...

Great tips - I am very behind on the cleaning (and frankly the organization around here stinks!) Some day, I will get it together.

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