If you’re like most moms, the thought of spring cleaning evokes a feeling of dread. 

Sure, it’s nice to refresh your home and restore that vibrant, clean, and cheery atmosphere. But with so many tasks to do and very little time available, how do you get everything done? 

That’s where we come in. We’ve provided a detailed guide to help you start spring cleaning along with some hacks to save you time. Let’s dig in. 

How to Start Spring Cleaning

Check out this step-by-step guide for spring cleaning:

Step 1: Come up with a cleaning plan

Want to spring clean your home efficiently and not miss any spots? Then start with a cleaning strategy! Yes, this will probably eat into some of that “me time” you’d set aside. But, trust me, it will save you time in the end. 

With a notebook and pen in your hand, take a stroll around your apartment. Write down all the tasks that have to be done in every room. While you’re at it, pay more attention to the areas that you typically neglect like the top of your refrigerator, the shower drain, and kitchen table legs. 

By the time you’re getting to the last room, you should have a concrete list of things that need to be done. You can then categorize them into two: small tasks and big tasks. 

Step 2: Set aside time for cleaning

Most moms find it challenging to incorporate house chores into their ever-busy schedules. So adding spring cleaning to an already crammed routine is not only overwhelming but also nerve-racking. 

So how do you get everything done? The key is to create a schedule and stick to it. If you work from home, create a to-do list where you plan for every hour of your day. You can then devote an hour or more to spring cleaning. 

Spread the tasks over two weeks so that you have ample time to get everything done. Having trouble keeping track of everything? Apps like the Spring Cleaning Checklist by AMSApps make it easy to monitor your progress. 

If integrating spring cleaning into your daily routine seems impossible, then pick one day of the week when you’re not too busy. When that day comes, clear your schedule and purpose to do spring cleaning tasks. 

Step 3: Start by decluttering

Another tip that really comes in handy for busy moms is getting rid of clutter. Decluttering does two things. One, it forces you to sort items into what’s useful and what’s not. 

Two, it makes it easier to move things around. For instance, it will be much easier to clean a decluttered kitchen countertop than one that still has grocery bags, leftover food, and dirty utensils on it. Both of these things will save you a tremendous amount of time. 

Besides, studies have shown that decluttering improves your ability to focus. So when you finally start cleaning, you’ll be more efficient and productive. 

For easier decluttering, set aside some boxes or containers where you can put different categories of items, such as:

• Store correctly - items that should be put back in their designated storage spots
• Recycled - items that can be reused
• Trash - items that should be thrown away
• Amend - items that need fixing before being stored
• Donate - items to be given out as a donation

Step 4: Gather all your cleaning supplies

The next task on your list should be to gather all the supplies you’ll need for spring cleaning. You don’t want to start looking for the bathroom cleaner in the middle of your cleaning. Doing so only causes you to waste more time. 

To save time, I like to set aside two shelves in the laundry room where I store all my cleaning supplies. If you have more space, you can even organize these items according to the room they’re used for cleaning. 

Then right before I start cleaning, I put all my supplies in a caddy so they’re easier to carry when moving from one room to the next. 

Step 5: Prioritize the big tasks 

You have gone the extra mile by creating a spring cleaning plan and scheduling it. As such, you should spend the allotted time doing precisely that. 

Don’t get sidetracked by the day-to-day chores of doing dishes and laundry. Focus on the bigger tasks first- like sweeping and mopping the attic or cleaning the walls, windows, and door frames. 

Spring Cleaning Tips for Busy Moms

Now that you know how to start your spring cleaning, here are a few tips to help busy moms:

Work From Top To Bottom

There’s nothing more annoying than having to re-clean or dust off areas that you’d already cleaned. To avoid this, use a top-to-bottom approach. For instance, if you’re cleaning the attic, start with the ceiling and windows, then mop the floor last. 

Delegate Some Tasks

If your kids are a little older, then you can save time by getting them to help with some tasks. After all, they’re partly responsible for all that mess around the house. 

Still hesitant to engage your kids in spring cleaning? Then consider this: they’ll be learning some crucial life skills in the process. One study actually found that kids who undertake house chores early on have a better sense of responsibility, self-reliance, and self-esteem. 

Besides, this is also an opportunity to bond with your little ones! So, here are a couple of spring-cleaning tasks that kids can do:

• Checking the expiration dates of foods and medications
• Organizing spices in the kitchen cabinets
• Sorting clothes by putting the dirty ones in the laundry basket
• Putting back toys in their designated storage areas
• Folding clean clothes
• Taking out the trash
• Loading and unloading the dishwasher

Work Smart

Earlier, we mentioned that you should prioritize time-consuming tasks. However, this doesn’t mean that you can’t work smart. If certain tasks can be done simultaneously, save yourself time by doing so. 

Are you planning to clean your oven? If so, apply some baking soda and spritz it with vinegar. While this solution soaks, get something else done. You can load the dishwasher, organize the cabinets or deep-clean the countertop. 

Set The Ambience

Yes, spring cleaning is taxing and time-consuming. But, it shouldn’t dampen your mood. You’ll be surprised by how much work you’ll get done when you create the right ambience.  

Whether it’s playing your favorite music or listening to an audiobook, find something to boost your mood when spring cleaning. 

Follow these tips and you’ll find spring cleaning to be a breeze!