Realistic Spring Cleaning: 5 Tips for a Tidy Home

Spring is in the air (YAY!), and along with it comes the pull of spring cleaning. Even though it feels necessary, it can also feel daunting, especially when you've got little ones running around and your schedule is packed to the brim. The thought of sorting through closets and scrubbing floors can feel downright overwhelming. But fear not! Spring cleaning doesn't have to be a colossal chore. With a few strategic tips, you can freshen up your home without turning your already hectic life upside down. Let's break it down into manageable pieces so you can enjoy the satisfaction of a clean house without the stress.

1. Break It Down: Room-by-Room

This one might sound obvious, but it can be a game-changer in actually getting started - instead of looking at the entire house as one giant project, divide your cleaning tasks by room and spread them out over several days or even weeks. Tackle just one room at a time, or even just a part of a room, like a closet or a single drawer. For instance, you could set aside a Saturday morning for decluttering the kids' room, another for the kitchen, and so on. This way, you won’t feel overwhelmed, and each task will feel like a small, achievable victory.

Check out my Spring Cleaning Guide that does just this! I break down some of the basic and not-so-basic cleaning tasks into weeks and then individual days. With this guide, every week, for 5 weeks, you will focus on one area of your home and decide which tasks are an absolute must-do! You can complete all, some, or none of the tasks for the week. It is completely up to you and your home/schedule. 

2. Involve the Whole Family

Who says mom has to do it all? Get the whole family involved in spring cleaning. Assign age-appropriate tasks to the kids, like sorting their toys or putting away laundry. You can make it fun by turning it into a game, like "timing" how fast they can complete the task, or offering small rewards for finishing. Maybe even put on some music and dance with your little one while you clean and organize!

Not only does this lighten your load to include the entire family, but it also teaches children responsibility and the value of a clean environment. Plus, working together as a family can make the task more enjoyable and less of a chore.

3. Focus on High-Impact Areas

If time is tight, or you want to focus your efforts on areas that make the biggest impact, think about what rooms or spaces are the most important to you. Prioritize these spaces, like possibly the kitchen and living room, where you and your family spend the most time. Clearing off countertops, vacuuming, and a quick dust can instantly lift the mood of these central areas without requiring a deep clean.

Or maybe rooms like a mudroom or a closet you frequently open, where things are piling up and frustrating you every time you have to navigate it. If these spaces are piling up and need a decluttering and reorganizing, your mood might be quickly lifted when you get that done. Start in the places that YOU want.

Sometimes, just removing the visible clutter and giving the floor a good sweep can transform the feel of a room and leave you feeling inspired to tackle the deeper cleaning!

4. Schedule Cleaning Bursts

Okay, guys, this one really works. For truly busy days, consider integrating short 10-15 minute cleaning bursts into your routine. Set a timer and see what you can accomplish in these small windows. You might be surprised at how much you can get done in just a quarter of an hour. I'm almost always shocked by how much I get done when I race the clock and completely focus on the cleaning tasks I've set. These bursts can be especially effective when you feel overwhelmed by larger tasks.

This could be anything from clearing out a junk drawer to wiping down the kitchen counters or just sorting through the always-growing mail pile. Or it could be a broader task like tackling one whole room and getting as much done in that room in 15 minutes as you can.

Here’s another tip: try to schedule these bursts at a time when you feel most energetic—maybe that’s right after your morning coffee or just before preparing dinner. For example, while waiting for the pasta water to boil, why not quickly organize the spices or tidy up the utensil drawer? These little victories not only break up the monotony of daily routines but also contribute significantly to reducing the overall cleaning load. You'll not only keep your home tidy but also enjoy the extra time you've created for yourself by not having to commit to long cleaning sessions.

5. Use the Right Tools

This tip is SO important when navigating cleaning your home overall. Invest in cleaning tools that save time and effort. I have a few of these items:

Tineco Floor Cleaner: I have had a Tineco cleaner for over 3 years now, and it is a GAME-CHANGER. And I don't say that lightly. This vacuum and mop at the same time, which cuts my cleaning time practically in half. It is SO helpful for messes that little ones make daily, but when it comes to tackling spring cleaning, it could reduce your tasks since there's no need to switch between your vacuum and mop. It is well worth the investment!

Force of Nature: This is the cleaner to replace all your cleaners. It is an EPA-registered sanitizer and disinfectant; it kills 99% of mold, mildew, bacteria, and viruses, without the toxic ingredients. It is the power of salt, water, and vinegar, but as strong as bleach! So when you're in the middle of spring cleaning, no need to switch between window spray, toilet cleaner, kitchen counter spray, etc., just use Force of Nature!

E Cloth: These cloths are great because all you need to do is get them a little wet! They'll clean any window, glass, or mirror surface streak-free. No need for any cleaner or spray!

Shark NV360 Vacuum: This vacuum is AMAZING. I cannot rave about it enough. We have two young kids and a dog that sheds a lot! So when I found this vacuum and it actually kept up with all the dirt, debris, mess, and hair, I was amazed. It has a HEPA filter, a big dust collection bin, and a lift-away feature so you can carry the vacuum with you and reach higher up or smaller crevices more easily.

These are my favorite products and I can bet that they'll be just as amazing for you! But, find what works for you and invest in what is going to make your life easier as you clean daily and as you tackle the larger cleaning tasks brought on by spring cleaning!

Wrapping It Up

Remember, spring cleaning doesn’t have to be a marathon. By breaking it down into manageable tasks, involving the family, focusing on high-impact areas, and using short cleaning bursts, you can integrate spring cleaning into your busy life without it taking over. Give yourself grace and flexibility. The goal isn't perfection; it’s about making your home feel refreshed and revitalized for the season. Happy cleaning!

Always,

Jess