The start of spring means many things. Warmer weather, longer days, time spent outside with family and friends. It can also bring something that many dread: spring cleaning. While the annual time for deep cleaning our homes may not make it to the favorite-parts-of-spring list, it is important to set aside some time to do the chores that are often forgotten throughout the year. And while the process itself may not be enjoyable, the result of a cleaner and brighter space can be just as refreshing as the first days spent outside taking in the fresh spring air.

While spring cleaning definitely takes some elbow grease, there are some tips and tricks to make the process as easy as possible. Roll up your sleeves, put on some gloves, and let’s get started!

1. Make a list: He’s making a list, and checking it twice! Make your list by walking through each room in your house and taking inventory of the space, and all the spots that need a deep clean_._ When you are surveying a room, work from top to bottom. At the top: check whether the ceilings, ceiling fans and light fixtures need to be dusted. In the middle: survey all your counter tops, tables, furniture and appliances in each room. Don’t forget about the walls and windows. Those in high-traffic areas may be especially in need of a good wipe down. Bottom: now is the time to scrub or vacuum your floors. Consider using a wet vacuum on carpeting or hiring a professional to clean your floors. Pro tip: A good place to start is the entryway. It’s the first impression for guests who arrive at your home, and it can likely benefit from a good scrub down from all the snow, water and sludge that’s been trudged in throughout the winter and early spring.
2. Schedule time: Sometimes it’s difficult to find the time to do “extra chores”, especially when our daily lives are so busy with work, kids, activities and the never-ending pile of dishes and laundry. That’s why it’s important to specifically schedule time to accomplish your spring cleaning list. Maybe you can set aside an entire Saturday to dedicate to spring cleaning, or maybe you can barely squeeze half an hour a day over the next couple of weeks. Either way, it’s okay! Since you have a list, it’s easy to pick a project for the amount of time that you have available, and keep going until you can check it off. Pro tip: put away all distractions during your cleaning time. By putting your phone and laptop away, you are more likely to stick with scrubbing instead of scrolling or sending that “quick” email that takes away from your cleaning time.
3. Get the family involved: Spring cleaning can seem like an unsurmountable task, especially for one person. Make your list more manageable by dividing and conquering. Older kids can accomplish a wide range of chores from helping clean out the fridge to scrubbing down counters and walls. By sharing the responsibilities, you can accomplish more of your list and move on to the more fun parts of spring. Pro tip: Once everyone has their tasks, make spring cleaning as enjoyable as possible. Crank up some tunes, and give yourself and your helpers a reward when all the checks have been made, whether it’s a trip for ice cream, a movie night, or a fun family outing.
4. Declutter: Spring cleaning is always the perfect time to declutter, and this year you can find plenty of inspiration from Marie Kondo’s method to popular tips for living a minimalist life. Whether you decide to do a full inventory of your home and get rid of a significant number of belongings or simply go through the stacks of papers that have been taking up room on your counter, there’s one thing to remember. The more you clear out, the less you have to clean the next time around! Pro tip: Not quite ready to throw your items in the trash or drop them off at a donation center? Try placing items you are unsure about in boxes and moving them to the garage or another storage space. If you don’t miss having them around after several weeks, load those boxes into your trunk and get them dropped off with no regrets.
5. Consider new organizational items: Once you’ve cleaned out unwanted or unused belongings, it’s the perfect time to consider more functional storage for your remaining things. For instance, if your clothes are still pouring out of drawers after you’ve cleared out the unworn items, you may want to consider additional bedroom storage, such as a storage bed with drawers under one side, both sides or the foot of the bed. If you find yourself constantly picking up shoes in your entryway, an ottoman with built in shoe storage can provide a place to store shoes when not in use, and a place to sit down while you are putting on the pair you’ve selected for the day. Storage ottomans can also make a great addition to a hallway, living room or even toy room to provide a hidden-in-plain-sight spot for extra belongings. New shelves, bins and caddy’s can also provide dedicated spaces for your belongings and help you stay organized throughout the year. Pro tip: For kid’s bedrooms, consider a twin storage bed, bunk beds with built in storage, or a captain’s bed_._
6. Don’t forget about the outside: The outside of your home can likely benefit just as much from a spring cleaning as the rooms inside. From cleaning windows to washing siding and your patio or deck, a good scrub can make the outside of your home ready to sparkle in the summer sun. Once you’ve cleaned out your main surfaces, it’s time to get your outdoor living space ready by getting patio furniture out of storage. If your pool, patio or poolside space need a revamp, consider new patio furniture and accessories now, so you can get the most enjoyment out of them throughout the spring, summer and fall. Learn more about how to create the perfect personalized patio in our blog post. Pro tip: Consider a pressure washer to make quick work of cleaning surfaces such as your siding and deck.

Once you’ve completed your spring cleaning, you can make a few small changes to update your home décor for the season. Learn how to put a spring into your home décor step here.