Ah, spring cleaning — the time of year when we collectively realize that our homes have been quietly gathering dust and clutter all winter long. And if you’re anything like me, you might find yourself wondering how on earth you accumulated this many mismatched socks and why there are so many half-empty bottles of shampoo under the sink.
Over the years, I’ve figured out that a little structure goes a long way when it comes to spring cleaning. Winging it usually ends with me halfheartedly cleaning a closet while getting sidetracked by old photo albums (which, for the record, is not a bad way to spend an afternoon — but it won’t get the house clean). So, to save you from falling down your own memory lane rabbit hole, here’s the simple routine I follow to get my house spring-ready without losing my sanity.
Step 1: Walk Through the House Like You Own the Place (Because You Probably Do)
First things first: grab a pen and a notebook (or use your notes app). Then, take a slow walk through each room and make a list of everything that needs attention. Be brutally honest here — if the baseboards look like they belong in a haunted house, write it down.
Here’s what’s usually on my list:
- Declutter the master closet (because I don’t need seven pairs of jeans that don’t fit right)
- Dust all the baseboards (ugh)
- Wash all the windows AND window frames (double ugh)
- Cull the kids’ toys, books, and clothes (they’ll never notice)
- Clean out the deep freezer (why is there always a bag of frozen peas from like three years ago?)
The goal is to take stock of the situation without actually doing anything yet. It’s like making a battle plan before going to war — except the enemy is clutter and you’ve got the upper hand.
Step 2: Make a Plan (Because “Just Wing It” Is Not a Plan)
Once you have your list, it’s time to get strategic. Look at your calendar and decide how much time you want to spend on spring cleaning. I like to aim for an hour a day on weekdays and two hours on Saturdays until the Thursday before Easter. That way, I have a clear finish line, and I’m not scrubbing baseboards at midnight the day before Easter brunch.
Be realistic with your schedule — you don’t need to clean every inch of your house in one weekend. (Unless you’re superhuman, in which case… teach me your ways.)
Step 3: Create a Daily Checklist (Because If It’s Not Written Down, It’s Not Happening)
Now that you know what you’re up against, head to Google Docs (or a notebook) and create a weekly checklist. Break it down into manageable chunks so you’re not trying to clean the whole house in one day. I like to print mine out and stick it on the fridge — there’s something satisfying about crossing things off a list, even if it’s “wipe down the fridge” (which is probably overdue).
Here’s an example of one week’s schedule:
✔️Monday – Kitchen: deep clean the fridge, freezer, and pantry
✔️Tuesday – Kitchen: clean under the kitchen sink and wipe down all cabinet doors
✔️Wednesday – Laundry Room: clean out the chest freezer, cabinets, and junk drawer(…s)
✔️Thursday – Living Room: declutter & deep clean built-ins (shelves)
✔️Friday – Living Room: declutter & deep clean built-ins (drawers and cabinets)
✔️Saturday – General Cleaning: wash curtains, dust ceilings and walls, clean light fixtures & fans, wash windows
A Little Work Now Means a Peaceful Spring Later
Spring cleaning isn’t about perfection — it’s about giving your home a little love so it can love you back. When you’re done, light a candle, make a cup of tea, and bask in the glow of your hard work. You deserve it.Ready to refresh your home for spring? I’m sharing my simple yet effective spring cleaning routine — complete with a checklist and time-blocking tips to keep things manageable. No more feeling overwhelmed by the clutter!
And if you don’t get it all done? Don’t sweat it. That’s what summer is for.