Picture of tulips with the words It's Spring cleaning time written underneath

Has spring arrived where you live yet? I’m trying to forget the rain lashing down outside and the thermometer in my car flashing to let me know that we are approaching a frost… and turning my thoughts instead to warm spring sunshine and the chance to throw the windows of our farmhouse wide open to let some in the sound of birdsong and the feel of fresh air!

Historically, the arrival of spring gave us a chance to open the windows and let the light back into our homes after the long winter. As days lengthen and temperatures rise, Spring was the traditional time to deep clean our homes, paying particular attention to annual cleaning tasks and those sneaky, difficult-to-reach areas. But in modern times, with our homes full of appliances to assist with the daily chores, is the traditional Spring clean still necessary?

White spray bottles and a white cloth on a marble table top

A simple spring clean

Of course, our homes are easier to keep clean all year round now that we have vacuum cleaners and washing machines to lighten the load (no pun intended!). These days, the market is flooded with specialised gadgets, cleaning materials and products for every situation. Looking around my own home though, I can see areas that could benefit from some particular attention. (I’m looking at you, cobwebby ceiling cornices!) Whether you clean once in a blue moon or have a colour-coded cleaning schedule, Spring cleaning season still gives us the chance to review our homes and add some extra cleaning tasks to our weekly schedules. For example:

  • When was the last time you pulled out the oven or dishwasher to clean behind it?
  • When did your rugs, curtains and sofas last get a proper clean?
  • Is there an area of your home that needs a good declutter?
  • What broken items have you been holding on to, that need to be fixed or replaced?

Even taking 30 minutes per week to achieve some tasks will make a huge difference to our homes. So whether you do it yourself, or book specialists to come in and help, a good spring clean will help you feel lighter, motivated and more in control.

 

Not just “cleaning”

Although spring cleaning usually refers to a thorough, deep clean of the home, why not consider applying the same principles to other areas of your life? So whilst you are in Spring cleaning mode, now is the perfect time to consider other areas that would benefit from a good clean-out and declutter:

  • Paperwork and filing: Are you holding onto paperwork that you don’t need? Even the most organised filing system can benefit from a review and declutter every so often. If your paperwork could do with some attention, check out my post on taming your paper clutter.
  • Digital files: The same applies to digital filing. Review your documents, delete what you can, review your backup procedures and run a system check.
  • Car: Book your car in for a service, then get it valeted inside and out. Check your paperwork and remind yourself what to do if you have an emergency. I wrote about my car organising tips in this post.
  • Finances: Review your last few months’ bank and credit card statements. Is everything correct? What regular monthly outgoings could you do without? What do you need to cancel? Can you get a better rate elsewhere? How is your budget looking?
  • Wardrobe: Spring is the perfect time to review what’s hanging in your wardrobe. Pack away the winter gear and review what you need for the coming season.
  • Smoke alarms: When did you last test your smoke alarms? Give them a dust, change the batteries and run a test.

A double bed with white sheets next to an open window with white curtaing

I love Spring cleaning, and I’m looking forward to ticking off lots of jobs one by one over the coming weeks. Every home deserves a bit of extra love and attention, at whatever time of the year suits you best. But there’s nothing like wide-open windows, freshly-laundered curtains, and a vase of fresh flowers to say that Spring has really arrived.

Are you planning any Spring cleaning this year? If so, what’s top of your to-do list? I’d love to hear how you are tackling it, and what it means to you. Over here, I’m heading straight for the feather duster. Look out cobwebby corners… I’m coming to get you!

Need some help with your decluttering this spring? Not sure where to start? Book your free 30-minute introductory call to get some personalised advice, and find out more about More Organised’s decluttering and organising services.