Spring is in full swing which brings about a sense of change, renewal, and anticipation for a season of warmth, togetherness, and sunshine. Spring leaves the winter season behind allowing us to pack up our snow gear and dreary decor replacing it with bright, happy, and welcoming designs in our home. There is just something so refreshing about annual spring cleaning that resets our minds and our homes for the better. Allow decluttering to set the tone for the whole season this year.

Here are some of my favorite spring cleaning tips to rid yourself of the clutter and ease into spring.

Plan it out

Every successful event begins with proper planning. The same is true when it comes to the upkeep of your home. Before you begin spring cleaning, which may feel like an overwhelming and mundane task, create a checklist for yourself. Consider organizing your list by room and make note of the things you need to clean, update and get rid of. As you go, your list may change slightly based on what you decide to tackle. To stay extra organized add dates you plan to take care of each space on the list. If you live with others make it a group effort and assign tasks based on abilities and specific needs. The more organized you are, the easier the tasks will become. Plus, there is just something so rewarding about checking tasks off of your list as you complete them. 

Don’t forget the windows and walls

During our normal cleaning time we are quick to mop the kitchen or vacuum the upstairs rugs, but what about cleaning the walls and windows? These simple tasks are often forgotten amongst the list of necessary tasks on our weekly checklists. Spring cleaning is the perfect time to tackle these tasks. When creating your checklist by room include wall and window cleanings as well. Don’t forget the baseboards, trim, and window sills. When cleaning the windows ensure you are spraying down both the interior and exterior glass and panels and deep cleaning the screens. When cleaning the walls make sure to use a cleaner and cloth that won’t affect your wall paint, wallpaper, or any particular wall decor. Window and wall cleanings should be done, at least, every few months so it’s a perfect seasonal chore to check off on your list.

Pay special attention to rooms that need some extra love

When’s the last time you deep cleaned your laundry room? Or even your washer and dryer for that matter? Spring cleaning requires an unconventional approach to your to-do list. This season focus your efforts on rooms that haven’t been cleaned from the ceiling to the floor.

Some must-clean areas include:

• Laundry room
• Pantry
• Mudroom
• Porch or patio area
• Garage
• Bonus room
• Guest bedroom and bath
• Basement
• Outdoor workspace or shed
• Storage room

Replace the staple pieces

Now is the perfect time to go out with the old and in with the new. Replace things like shower curtains, entryway mats, outdoor mats, tablecloths, placemats, bathroom towels and bathroom rugs. These items are typically in high-traffic areas and wear down more quickly than other must-have items in your home. Aside from the cleaning aspect of, well, spring cleaning, it’s also a nice time to create a fully refreshed look in your space. 

Here are some of my favorite ways to refresh spaces in your home:

• Change out darker and heavier curtains for light and airy.
• Opt for floral or pastel-colored throws in your living room in place of heavy winter blanket options.
• Add vases of fresh, in-season flowers to focal tables throughout your home.
• Replace any winter-themed decorative items for one that match the season.
• Swap out winter photos with some of your favorite memories from springtime past.

Reorganize your junk drawer

Yes, even the junk drawer can have junk in it that you no longer need. Almost everyone has that one drawer or space in their house where they keep random junk (think: pens, notebooks, batteries, hand sanitizer, tape, flashlights) that is easily accessible when needed. Take time each season to dump out the junk in your drawer and toss items you no longer need. Make sure the pens still work and the batteries are within their use-by date. Consider adding a drawer organizer in your drawer to keep the space more organized year around. You may be surprised by how much you toss out. 

Spring cleaning is a wonderful and fulfilling opportunity to refresh our living space. Take time to create a curated list of must-dos this season and begin with top priority items. Once you start checking off your list you will be filled with a sense of accomplishment and pride in your work. The bonus? Your space will feel and tidy, ready to take on all the events of the current season.