I’m sure many of us have already started tidying up since we’ve been home. Cleaning house is not a favorite among many of us, however, we can fill in time during the day by doing some simple chores to beautify our home and get organized!
Living in New England can be challenging in terms of turning over from one season to another. Where I’m from, we really don’t call it spring–it’s more like, “Mud Season.” Things get pretty messy between the kids and the dogs traipsing around from room to room with dirty feet and paws.
I ache when my friend’s from the south and the west send pictures of sunny skies and warm temperatures, although, they still have some complaint about cleaning and organizing with their slighter changes in season. There’s big tasks like preparing the pool, replacing turf and getting rid of stuff you don’t need (as most warmer places don’t have attics or basements).
To give your spring cleaning meaning, try this. With every task you do, add a bit of consciousness to it. In other words, do it without complaint. Find some joy in it. For example, when I’m scrubbing the dog (yes, this is part of my spring cleaning regimen), I put out the energy of loving care towards her. If I’m cleaning the dishes, I become grateful and aware of the precious, warm and clean water I have the luxury of cleaning with. We take so much for granted! My grandmother always said, “With everything you do, do it with great joy and gratification, even if you don’t feel like doing it.” This expression of appreciation goes a long way. It will bring happiness to your heart and to others.
Here’s a list of not-so-obvious spring cleaning tasks that are often overlooked. Don’t try to do everything at once. Spread it out. Some tasks should be done more often than others just for the sake of hygiene. Many of the suggestions will apply to New England folks, home owners and families with kids, however, feel free to improvise!
- Wash all hats, mittens, scarves and bury them until next fall
- Rewrite your recipe cards (for those of us who are still old-fashioned)
- Unsubscribe to stuff you don’t want on email
- Clean out digital photo files
- Wash the dog
- Renew dog licenses
- Vacuum your window sills
- Wash window screens
- Rearrange your knick knacks
- Clean your microwave (a lot)
- Organize your books
- Organize your DVD’s and CD’s
- Prune your indoor and outdoor plants
- Wash your curtains
- Clean door knobs/handles
- Clean light switch panels
- Dust the top of all doors
- Clean out clothes and donate
- Get rid of unused/unwanted toys
- Recycle old magazines
- Clean out the dryer vent house
- Change smoke detector batteries
- Vacuum your car
- Wash house windows
- Clean out your pantry
- Organize your shop/tool area
- Clean mower decks
- Change oil in lawn care machines
- Replace weed wacker string
- Buy new pillows
- Replace your toothbrush (a lot)
- Replace your house filter
- Clean your furnace
- Rake landscape and mulch
- Prepare your garden (till and weed block)
- Fill birdseed feeders/humming bird feeder
- Chimney sweep
- Check irrigation system
- Check all outdoor faucets for leaks
- Organize your file cabinets
- Complete your taxes
- Dust and clean miniblinds
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