Everybody likes having spring cleaning done, but hardly anyone likes actually doing it! However, with a little planning and organization, you can knock off those annual tasks one by one, and before you know it, you’ll be through with it.

Work from a Plan

Sometimes it seems like the spring cleaning checklist is endless, but it’s not! There’s a finite number of jobs that must be done, and you can list them. Moreover, even though you’re busy, there are times when you can slot in the work: a Saturday morning here, a few evening hours there. With a plan in place, the task becomes much more manageable. It’s easier to jump in and get started when you know where you’re going!

So put each job on your calendar, and include a few spare slots for slack. It’s easy to see the date when all will be finished. It’s weeks, not forever! How nice it will feel to sit with a cup of tea and admire your handiwork!

Clutter Be gone!

If you’re like most people, there are more items in your home than you really need. You’ll find that spring cleaning tasks go more smoothly if you give some thought to decluttering up front!

First, is there enough room to move all that stuff out of the way while you’re working? Second, and even more beneficial, is there a place for all your belongings once your home is spic and span?

There are two ways to deal with clutter. One is to get rid of it! If you haven’t used something since last spring, it could be time to channel your inner Marie Kondo: sell it, give it away or throw it out.

The second method is to stash it somewhere. If you haven’t got enough somewheres to stash everything, there are solutions for that. One is to make better use of closets with additional shelving, hanger organizers, and even a bookcase or chest tucked in a corner. Another is storage furniture, i.e., furniture that doubles as organizers with shelving and hidden space. Examples are storage beds, storage benches, occasional tables with drawers and shelving, storage ottomans and benches, and also baskets and bins.

Once you’ve dealt with everything you’re going to stash away or discard, here are some areas that might be on your list, with a few tips concerning each.

Upkeep for Fabulous Floors

The specifics of cleaning hard flooring – hardwood, tile, vinyl, laminate – are different, but on a periodic basis they all should get more than vacuuming and scrubbing. Start your deep cleaning with a good sweeping, then check the manufacturer’s instructions for the next steps. Each flooring type has products and tools that are OK as well as some that are not.

While you’re at it, inspect the floor protectors under the legs of your tables and chairs. Replace them if necessary. If you haven’t been using these protectors, there’s no better time to start!

If you have carpeting, most manufacturers recommend it be professionally cleaned every 18 to 24 months. If you didn’t do it last year, don’t skip this one! As for rugs, some benefit simply from vacuuming, while others can be cleaned professionally. If yours are old and worn, treat yourself to some new ones! You might even warm the atmosphere of a room by introducing a rug where there was none before!

For the Love of Furniture

Furniture consists of wood and upholstery, and each has its cleaning needs. Before you start, however, check to see that your pieces are structurally sound. Look for any loose legs and tighten them. Inspect sofas to ensure that springs are still in good shape.

Clean wood by dusting it. Then, you can wipe it down with a damp – not soaking wet! – cloth. Don’t let water sit, but dry wood promptly. If it’s still dirty, there are cleaning products for wood, but follow the instructions precisely! You can also polish using a reputable product.

As for upholstery, vacuum it and its cushions with the proper attachments. Throw slipcovers and pillowcases in the wash. Upholstery, like carpeting, is best cleaned by professionals! If you do the job yourself, check the cleaning instructions on the label. Some upholstery tolerates water and some doesn’t. There’s also upholstery that is dry clean only.

Mattress Management

We expect our mattresses to work hard for us every night, so they deserve extra TLC once a year! Strip the bed and wash all the bedding. Vacuum the mattress with an upholstery attachment. If there are stains, spot clean them with a little – emphasis on little! – soap and water. If they won’t come out easily, try sprinkling them with baking soda and letting it sit before brushing it off.

Now is a good time to rotate your mattress. Many mattresses these days are “one side up,” but if yours can be flipped, do so.

Now’s a great time to replace old or worn bedding or even to spice up the room with a new throw blanket. Also, mattresses don’t last forever. If yours has lumps and valleys, or if you’ve been waking up with a stiff back, it might be time to retire that old mattress and put a new one to work.

Congratulations on a Job Well Done!

You might have a few other items on your list, such as washing windows inside and out or sprucing up your patio furniture. You’ll love your home even more with everything in spring-cleaned order! And don’t underestimate how fresh your rooms will look if you replace a few long-serving items with new ones!