The Magic of Spring Cleaning: Fresh Spaces, Fresh Energy
It’s officially March! Which, in my book, means it’s officially spring! Which means it’s time to open the windows, shake off the winter dust, and give your home a little refresh. Emphasis on little.
I find it easy to get overwhelmed by the prospect of doing all the things at once, which typically results in me talking myself out of doing anything at all. So I’ve adopted the mantra that doing something is better than doing nothing, and spring cleaning is the perfect exercise to apply it.
I’m telling you as much as I’m telling myself: Take it one step at a time. Little wins are still wins. Every step in the right direction has the power to make a difference.
Yellow daffodils
Why Refresh Your Space?
It’s not about making everything perfect or spotless. It’s about making your home feel good for you. Sometimes that means clearing out old stuff, airing out a room, or creating physical space to do what brings you joy. I recently re-arranged our bedroom to create space for chairs to read in. If I’m being honest, my clean laundry has sat in those chairs more often than I have, but there’s no time like the present to change that, right?
I’ve created a simple guide to get you (and me) started. Go at your own pace. I’ve broken it down by room so it’s easier to manage, and there’s a printable checklist at the end if you like having something to check off.
A Few Tips Before You Start
Forget perfect. You don’t need a Pinterest-perfect house. Just focus on what makes your space feel a little lighter and the tasks that will allow you to breathe easier once you’ve done them.
Take breaks. Clean for a bit, chill for a bit. Spring is a whole season — 25% of the year — so remember you have plenty of time to clean within the confines of spring.
Start with what matters most. Pick a spot that’s been bugging you and take care of that first. Maybe it’s the kitchen counters or your closet. Whatever it is, that’s a great place to begin.
Room-by-Room Cleaning Guide
Use this as a loose guide. Skip what doesn’t apply, and do what feels manageable.
Living Room
Dust surfaces (yes, even the baseboards)
Clean windows and mirrors
Vacuum furniture and wash any blankets or pillow covers
Wipe down light switches and remotes
Freshen up rugs and carpets
Cleaning spray and scrub brush
Kitchen
Empty and clean the fridge
Clean the oven and stovetop
Wipe down cabinets and counters
Organize the pantry and toss anything expired
Scrub the sink and polish the fixtures
Bathroom
Get rid of old products
Scrub grout and tiles
Clean mirrors and glass surfaces
Sanitize the toilet, sink, and tub
Wash shower curtains and bath mats
Tidy bedroom
Bedroom
Wash your bedding (pillows, duvet covers, all of it)
Flip or rotate the mattress
Dust furniture and ceiling fans
Organize closets and drawers
Vacuum under the bed
Don’t forget to…
Wipe down door frames and baseboards
Dust light fixtures and ceiling fans
Clean air vents and change filters
Wash windows and dust blinds
Vacuum behind and under furniture
Last but Not Least
Celebrate what you’ve done! Seriously, every task you check off is progress. Did you clean one shelf? Amazing. Finally tackle the fridge? That’s a big deal! You don’t need to do everything in one day or even one week.
Remember, spring is a whole season. Do what you can when you can, and when you’re done, enjoy your space a little more. Happy spring! Happy cleaning!