5 Steps to Get Ready for Spring Cleaning

Spring is right around the corner. That means spring cleaning will most likely take over your to-do lists for the next few weeks. Spring cleaning is just like any other big project, preparation is key to success. We have created these simple steps to help you prepare for your most successful spring cleaning season yet!
  1. Make a spring cleaning checklist. Spring cleaning can seem overwhelming, especially when you don’t know where to start or what to do. Making a list of all your spring cleaning tasks can help organize your thoughts and help you make a game plan. Studies have shown that people perform better when they have written down what they need to do. Once you have your list, prioritize the individual tasks. This is the best way to determine your plan moving forward. Do you have an upcoming Easter celebration? It may be more important and time pertinent for you to clean entertaining areas first, before you tackle the basement or closets. Is there an area that needs cleaning more than others? Prioritizing it first will ensure that it gets completed. Low priority tasks are usually easier, so it is better to save them for last when you may be low on cleaning energy. If you are having trouble creating your spring cleaning list, we can help with that! Take a look at our spring cleaning checklist and customize it to fit your needs.
  1. Mark house spring cleaning days on the calendar. Many block out a weekend or specific day and dedicate it to spring cleaning. Don’t schedule any other appointments or non-related tasks for these days. It will help you stay focused. Divide the tasks you have written down on the list you created and assign them to the days you have blocked. If you can’t block an entire day, block several hours on separate days. Make sure you block enough time to complete the tasks scheduled for that day.
  1. Declutter your home. Nothing gets in the way of cleaning more than stuff. Decluttering is something you can do indoors, so there is no need to wait for spring weather to get started. Purging your home of items that are not being used, taking up space, and collecting dust before you start your spring cleaning will save time and energy later. Here are some tips for decluttering:
  • Get five category bags ready: save, donate, recycle, trash, and sell.
  • Go into decluttering with a realistic mindset. If it’s not an heirloom and you haven’t used it in three years, you are likely not going to use it, so do not place it in your save bag. If it takes a lot of energy and time (that you know you don’t have) in order to sell something, you are likely not going to sell it. Donate it instead. Be realistic and you will be happier with the results.
  • Start small. A failed attempt at decluttering can actually make things worse by shuffling things out of their storage areas and into living spaces. Make sure you have the time necessary to complete the area you are decluttering. Stopping and starting again usually doesn’t work well.
  • Declutter your storage spaces first, including closets, attics and basements. Many times the “out-of-sight, out-of-mind” items become hidden in these areas. Getting rid of these items now will open up storage space for items you actually want to keep.
  • Allocate decluttering time. Whether it is 10 minutes a day or one hour every Saturday, scheduling declutter time into your routine will make it easier to complete.
  • Tackle one area at a time and complete that area before moving on. One completed area is better than several half-completed areas. Tackling one area at a time will keep you organized.
  • When decluttering closets, cabinets and drawers, pull everything out onto a flat surface and then start grouping them into the five categories (save, donate, recycle, trash, and sell). Before placing them in bags, give your keep and sell items one more look-through to make sure you are not holding onto something you shouldn’t be holding onto.
  • When you have everything pulled out, go ahead and clean the area. Vacuum the closet or wipe down the drawer.
  • Take before and after pictures. Few things can give you a better feeling of satisfaction than seeing the results of your hard work!
  1. Purchase necessary cleaning supplies for a spring deep clean. Having all needed cleaning supplies can facilitate a smooth-running springtime cleaning day. Take a look at your spring cleaning checklist and make notes of supplies you need to complete the job. Then take stock of cleaning supplies you currently have in your cabinets. Purchase items you still need. Rug Doctor offers a variety of carpet, upholstery, and multi-purpose cleaning solutions and machines for indoor and outdoor cleaning. Visit our solutions and machines pages for more information. Rug Doctor also rents carpet and outdoor cleaning machines that you may not want to purchase due to the costs and only needing them once or twice a year. View all of our rental offerings on our rental page.
  1. Do your research. There is a plethora of spring cleaning articles, blogs, and posts on the internet to help you prepare for your spring cleaning project. Rug Doctor has several blogs dedicated to spring cleaning that you can browse. We discuss everything from budget-friendly spring cleaning to “green” spring cleaning tips. Researching best practices and tips, especially related to the specific spring cleaning tasks you want to complete, can help your cleaning day be more effective and efficient. Do your research beforehand, so on cleaning day you have the knowledge you need to stay focused and complete the tasks at hand.
Winter days are almost behind us and all the beauty that spring brings is starting to blossom. This is the best time to refresh your home and Rug Doctor is happy to help the professional grade cleaning solutions and machines for rent or purchase. We wish you a warm spring filled with bright colors and plenty of sunshine! We love to see your spring cleaning results. Share with us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.