Spring Cleaning!

It's the official start of spring, even though it feels more like summer outside, so i guess it is time to break down and start the spring cleaning around the house.

Because I stay so busy with work, family, blogging, and.....well....life in general, it normally takes me a week or more,usually more, to get the full house "SPRING CLEAN!!"

I've decided this year that tackling spring cleaning one room at a time may make more sense for my family then tearing apart the whole house. From top to bottom, left to right and inside out, my room of choice is destined for cleaning.  So, for the next couple of weeks I will be posting a cleaning segment, on Wednesday's, detailing the room I am focusing on and my strategy for making it the cleanest room it could be!!

The reason cleaning one room at a time is a better idea for our family is it should make living in the house a bit more sane as we clean.  What doesn’t work so well for us is disrupting every room in the house at the same time.

How about you?  Would you rather tackle one job at a time, say all the floors, or one room at a time?  I’d like to hear your thoughts on this.

There are three basic areas to spring cleaning:  deep cleaning, organization, and maintenance.  Deep cleaning is just like it sounds--wiping down walls, wiping out cupboards, cleaning under furniture.  Organization entails cleaning out drawers, closets and cabinets.  Throw away things that are broken, box up items that you or the kids have outgrown (toys included.)  You can hold a yard sale to make a little extra cash for something special or box them up and donate them to your local Salvation Army, GCF, or your local charitable organization.  The first two steps can be done at the same time, maintenance, however, takes a little bit of effort and time on the part of you and your family.

I’ve divided the house into five areas – bedrooms, dining room, living room, bathrooms, and kitchen -  for spring cleaning.

There are a few things to do before the cleaning begins.

1. Make sure that you have all the cleaning supplies you need for the room you are about to clean: rags, buckets, cleaners, broom, mop, etc.  You don't want to have to stop in the middle of cleaning to make a store run to get whatever it is you are lacking
2. Before you begin cleaning, take a good look at the room you are about to tackle.  Make a list of everything you can see with your eyes that needs to be cleaned and organized.  You now have your plan of attack.
3. Keep snack items, chocolate, and a delicious glass of sweet iced tea (or your drink of choice) close by for those hard earned breaks!
4. Gather your favorite CD's or load your IPOD with great cleaning music to keep you motivated.
5. Clean for an hour or two and then take a break with some of your sweet treats--then get back to it.

Now that you have a starting place---Let's get cleaning!!!

Check back for my segment on Spring Cleaning Bedrooms!