Plan spring cleaning for maximum efficiency
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As winter snow thaws and the sun brings new life to the earth, the words “spring cleaning” strike fear into the hearts of homeowners everywhere. But spring cleaning doesn’t have to be overwhelming. It can be a rejuvenating experience — and quite a satisfying one — if properly planned.
• Get organized
Plan your cleaning day from the beginning so you can be most efficient with your time. Take a walk around the outside of the house to check on gutters, windows and the lawn, etc., to determine what needs to be done to ready the outside of your home for spring.
After an outdoor inventory, make a list of what you want to accomplish inside. Typical spring cleaning chores indoors might include cleaning light fixtures and walls, washing windows, shampooing carpets and rugs, dry cleaning the drapes, donating old clothing, or organizing your CDs, movies and family photos.
• Get help if needed
Once your list of tasks is ready, you may find you need an expert’s help for major chores like cleaning the chimney. Local resources can be found in the newspaper or phone book, and the Internet can also provide a wealth of background information. Of course, you’ll probably still have plenty of “to do’s” on your list. For those chores, turning spring cleaning into a family activity can help get the job done quickly and enjoyably.
• Make it fun
Turn on some mood music — invite everyone to provide a CD they’d like to listen to, and take turns playing their selections. As a fun addition, you can even offer prizes for the best and worst cleaning music.
Add a bit of competition into the mix by offering rewards for the cleanest/most quickly cleaned area, or hide coupons for break time around the house. When a worker finds a coupon, he or she gets a five-minute break. Games like these will not only make the time go faster but motivate people as well.
Keep everyone’s energy up with snacks; this is especially important so younger cleaners don’t get worn out too early.
Assign “fun” outdoor chores like washing the car, clearing flower beds or sweeping in between less exciting activities like organizing a closet. Giving everyone some time in the sun will make the day less monotonous.
Celebrate the completion of spring cleaning with a pizza party or other family favorite. And remember, all this work has a purpose; with a shiny clean home, you’ll feel the spring renewal, too.
