When most people hear the word “clutter” they think of piles of a messy space with random stuff all over-but clutter is much more than that. Clutter can have a negative effect on individuals, families, and businesses.
Here are some of the effects clutter can have:
wasted time trying to find an item
wasted money on buying a new item because you couldn’t find it
wasting money to store clutter
taking more time trying to clean
feeling stressed/overwhelmed
not able to focus on important tasks
mentally exhausted thinking about it
lack of productivity in the home office
ashamed to have friends/family over
As overwhelming as clutter can be, it must be addressed-all it takes is ONE small step at a time to regain control of your life!
Daylight savings time is upon us, and what does this mean-Spring Cleaning time! The days are getting longer, weather is getting warmer, the sun is shining more often, that fresh spring air is filling our lungs-giving us more energy and desire to deep clean and organize our homes.
Many of us have spent a lot of time indoors staying warm and entertaining family/friends over the holidays. We have accumulated extra “stuff” and our homes have been turned upside-down with all the guests and activities. Now is the time to take control of our homes again!
This Spring Cleaning Checklist is a comprehensive guide that can be personalized to meet your individual needs.
SPRING CLEANING CHECKLIST
Kitchen Cleaning:
remove anything from the kitchen that doesn’t belong
clean and disinfect the trash can
clean the microwave
deep clean the dishwasher
clean and organize the refrigerator
clean and organize the freezer
replace refrigerator water filter
vacuum refrigerator coils
clean the oven
clean the hood vent and change filter if needed
clean stove top burners
clean and disinfect the garbage disposal
clean and organize storage containers
reorganize kitchen cabinets and drawers
clean and organize kitchen drawers
straighten cups, mugs, and glass cabinet
straighten plates, bowls, and other dishes
deep clean pots, pans, and bakeware
organize the pantry
sanitize cutting boards and sharpen knives
clean and disinfect coffee maker
clean and disinfect small appliances
check the freshness of your herbs and spices
clean under the sink
deep clean and polish cabinet doors
clean tile
touch up paint on walls
deep clean floors
disinfect door knobs, light fixtures and pulls
Dining Room Cleaning:
remove anything from the dining room that doesn’t belong
dust crown molding, wall corners, and floor molding
scrub walls
touch up paint on the walls
clean and disinfect light switches and outlets
dust and polish wood cabinets
dust and clean windows
clean and declutter hutch cabinets and drawers
wash table linens
clean light fixtures and wash globes
disinfect table and wipe down all chairs, including legs and underneath
remove rug, shake, vacuum and clean floor before replacing rug
Bathroom Cleaning:
remove anything from the bathroom that doesn’t belong
clean and disinfect light switches and fixtures
clean and disinfect toothbrush holders
clean and refill soap dish and/or pump
clean light fixtures and wash globe(s)
replace make-up brushes
clean mirror
clean shower caddy
clean/replace shower curtain and liner
clean shower door frame and glass
disinfect countertops
dust and clean windows
polish faucets
mop and hand scrub floors
scrub and disinfect toilet, including around base, under seat and around hinges
scrub the bathtub
scrub walls
touch up paint on the walls
clean and refill lotion dispensers
wash floor mat
wash towels
wash trash can
wipe down cabinets, knobs, towel racks and toilet paper holder
tighten toilet seat hinges
clean bathroom exhaust fan
clean shower head
polish wood cabinets
caulk around tub/shower
re-seal tile and grout
clean drains/traps under sink
toss expired make-up and beauty products not used over the past year
clean/organize and de-clutter cabinets and drawers
Laundry/Utility Room Cleaning:
remove anything from the Laundry room that doesn’t belong
clean dryer vent
clean inside washing machine
empty washing machine drain pump
dust crown molding, wall corners, and floor molding
dust behind and underneath washer and dryer
sweep and mop floors
reseal tile grout
wash walls
touch up paint on the walls
clean and organize shelving
eliminate unnecessary cleaning products
install organizers to hold cleaning products
disinfect door knobs and light switch plates
Living Room/Family Room Cleaning:
remove anything from the Living/Family room that doesn’t belong
dust crown molding, wall corners, and floor molding
wash walls
touch up paint on the walls
vacuum and shampoo carpet
vacuum under furniture and in between cushions
condition leather furniture
dust ceiling fans
switch ceiling fans to spin clockwise
clean lights and wash light globes
dust lamps
vacuum lamp shades
dust and polish furniture and bookshelves
dust edges of wall hangings, mirrors, and pictures
clean windows and window sills
remove scuff marks from doors and moldings
disinfect door knobs and light switch plates
dust electronics
organize electronics and accessories
disinfect remote controls and gaming devices
Bedroom Cleaning:
remove anything from the bedroom that doesn’t belong
dust ceiling, corners, and upper and lower crown moldings
dust baseboards and window sills
wash walls
touch up paint on the walls
dust and polish furniture
dust edges of wall hangings, mirrors, and pictures
clean glass and mirrors
dust lamps
vacuum lamp shades
polish wood furniture
dust ceiling fan
clean light fixtures and light globes
organize your closet
switch seasonal clothing and donate unneeded items
clean and organize your dresser
clean and organize your nightstands
flip and rotate your mattress
clean your mattress
clean under your bed
wash bedsheets
wash pillows
clean windows and window sills
vacuum carpet, including edges and under furniture