Start Your Spring Cleaning

A THOROUGH CLEANING IS GREAT FOR YOUR HOME AND YOUR MOOD

One of the hardest parts about spring cleaning is knowing where to begin. But once you start, chances are you’ll easily get in the groove. And the best part? That amazing feeling of satisfaction and calm you’ll feel when your house is finally decluttered and clean. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

Focus on one room at a time. Set aside a small amount of time each day to focus on one particular project in your room — maybe your closet, your dresser or your shelves.
Declutter your belongings. Sort your items into four categories: trash, donation, storage or keep, designating a place for your everything in your “keep” category.
Dust thoroughly. Make sure to dust hard-to-reach areas like the tops of ceiling fans, window casings, shelves and the books themselves. Work from top to bottom, vacuuming dust that falls onto the floor.

Focus on seasonal chores. Get ready for BBQ season by cleaning your patio, grill and outdoor furniture. Put away your winter bedding and décor, and pull out lighter accessories in bright, spring colors.
Clean windows and screens. And don’t forget the window treatments! Make sure to check labels for care. Many drapes are machine washable, although it’s best to dry clean fabric shades. You can easily wipe down wood blinds with a damp cloth.
Get the family involved. Give household members age-appropriate chores and throw on some music. For a little incentive, offer a reward for a job well done.

Focusing even just 10 to 15 minutes each day on one small task can make a world of difference. And you may find you stay in the habit of daily cleaning long after the season is over.