How to Spring Clean Like A Pro

How to Spring Clean Like A Pro 

By: Katie Kerrigan 

Winter is not for everyone, but there are many simple joys to find in the chillier months if you know where to look. It is the season of hot chocolate, cozy sweaters, crackling fireplaces, and fresh snow. It is an opportunity to contemplate the last year and bring new energy into the next one. But even those who love the cold know that the gloomy weather can get exhausting. It can be difficult to stay motivated when the sun goes down early, and everyday tasks become all too easy to push off. 

So, if you are someone who recently realized their living space has become a complete mess this season, you are not alone. Luckily, there is a solution: spring cleaning. You have probably heard the phrase “spring cleaning” dozens of times, but coming up with one solid definition is not so simple. The good news is that spring cleaning means much more than just tidying up your space once the sun comes out. 

It can mean decluttering, rearranging, reorganizing, or doing whatever feels right for you and your living space. It is an opportunity to bring fresh energy into your home and make room for new things in the new year. For those who love to set new goals for the spring, having a clean and organized space will help you focus on what you want to accomplish. 

Any good deep clean starts with spaces that are often overlooked. This means closets, pantries, desks, and that one kitchen drawer you keep shoving random things in. Be intentional, be thorough, and go through each of these spaces with the goal of understanding what you do and do not need. 

To make your spring clean easier to attack, start with something basic, like bedding. Wash your sheets, wash your pillowcases, comforters, blankets, all of it. Washing your bedding is important for hygiene, but there is also no better feeling than curling up in a pile of cozy, freshly-washed blankets. 

Once you get that out of the way, it is time to focus on the bigger, and often more difficult, tasks. This means cleaning out your fridge and pantry. Go through everything in each space and throw out anything that is unusable. Next, take a nontoxic/food-safe sanitizer, and wipe down the shelves and drawers. Spills, crumbs, and dust are often easy to miss inside places like refrigerators.

Closets are another space that can become cluttered without us realizing. Go through your wardrobe and assess which pieces you still find yourself reaching for, and which pieces you no longer want or wear. If they are still in great condition, consider donating them to a local thrift store. Or, if you are looking for a fun project, consider upcycling the piece somehow. Upcycling is a great way to breathe new life into your wardrobe and save money on shopping. 

For students and those who work remotely, at-home desk setups practically attract clutter. Whether it is old homework assignments, last week’s notes, or random pencils 

and paperclips, trying to be productive in a cluttered space often works against you. Go through everything in your desk area, recycle old papers, and create an organizing system for important materials. A great way to stay organized is by hanging a bulletin or white board above your desk. This helps you keep important things in plain sight and off of your desk space. 

Another easily-forgotten area of the home is your makeup drawer. When it comes to your favorite products, especially ones on the expensive side, it can be easy to ignore expiration dates and avoid replacing old items. This means your makeup bag can become cluttered fast. Take a look at your makeup collection and assess what can stay and what needs to be replaced. 

And finally, your car. We all know the damage long winters can do to vehicles, muddy floor mats, trash build-up, and dirty windows. Start by removing any items from your car and throwing away any trash. Vacuum the seats and carpeting, and wash the floor mats if necessary. Wipe down the steering wheel, door handles, and other frequently touched areas. Simple glass cleaner will help add shine to the windows and remove any interior dirt build up. 

Remember, it is definitely not realistic to do all of this in one day. It is also not realistic for your home to look immaculate every day of the week. Homes are spaces to be lived in, and a little mess is always okay. Instead of trying to deep clean all in one go, try breaking your chores into groups and doing one or two when you have free time. It is also okay to break it down further and do each task in increments, like picking out one item of clothing you no longer want whenever you get dressed for the day. 

With a little bit of elbow grease, both you and your space will be grateful. 

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Images courtesy of Katie Kerrigan. Graphic by Olivia Blackwell.