How to Create a Productive Spring Cleaning Checklist

This blog post is about creating a productive spring cleaning checklist

With spring right around the corner, it is time to get our homes ready. Growing up spring cleaning was always an event in our house. While I hated it as a kid, I have grown to love it in my adult years. There is something about having a clean, dust free house. It makes it easier to relax and enjoy the warm weather.

However, creating a spring cleaning list can be overwhelming. It can be easy to create a list that feels overwhelming. Or you forget important tasks you were waiting to get done. This does the opposite of what you want. In the last few years, I have mastered how to create a productive spring cleaning list. I don’t get overwhelmed and I get my tasks done

Here is how to create a productive spring cleaning checklist

Make sure your daily cleaning is already done

First, make sure your daily chores are done. Spring cleaning is about doing a deeper clean. That will be hard when you’re daily chores are unfinished. Also, it will make your list feel bigger if you have to add something like ‘wash the dishes.’

You should focus your spring cleaning on deeper cleaning that you don’t do throughout the year. Dusting the ceiling fans, washing baseboards, vacuuming inside the couch. When you create the list, think of tasks that you want to do throughout the year but never get to because they might be big or not needed daily.

But, certain daily tasks do make sense to add because of the flow of cleaning. Some daily tasks I like to add to my list:

• Placing new sheets on the bed
• Mopping floors
• Wiping down the coffee table

Just remember that the goal of spring cleaning is to do the chores you never get around to.

Write it out where you can see

Creating a list in your head will be overwhelming and you will definitely forget something. The best way to do this is to create a list of everything you need to do. Use a notepad, your planner, or a digital planner to write it all out.

My favorite method is to get a whiteboard and write everything on it. I even go so far as to color code by room. This helps me visualize what rooms will take the most time.

This helps you see what tasks you need to do. You also can mark off each task as you go. This helps you feel like you’re being productive and getting through your list.

Go room by room

When you sit down to create the list, your brain will be overflowing with everything that needs to be done. This will cause you to forget something or add the same thing multiple times.

The best way to create your list is to go room by room. Start with one room and think of every task that needs to be done. Then go to the next and do the same thing. I recommend sitting in each room as you do this. As you scan the room, you will remember other tasks you wanted to do.

Tip: do the same when you are cleaning. It is easier to focus on one room than to jump around. This will help you feel less stress and see more progress.

Don’t try to get it done in one day

I know it is tempting to get in all done in one day, but that won’t give you enough time. Instead, it is going to cause you to stress about getting everything done in time. Which will cause you to rush and not get everything done.

If you are someone who cannot stay focused, use a timer. Pomodoro timers are great ways to give yourself small breaks. Or invite a friend over to sit and talk while you clean.

Dedicate a weekend to getting your chores done. It feels like a lot, but your future self will thank you.

Make sure you have all your supplies before starting

There is nothing worse than getting started on a project and realizing you don’t have everything needed. I have done this a lot and it causes delays in getting your list done. You will end up running to the store. You decide to not do it at all.

Before getting started, take inventory of your cleaning supplies. Make a list of what you will need and go get it. This will set you up for success.

Some items I recommend having for general cleaning:

• Cleaning gloves
• Dust cloth
• Wet rag
• Bucket for soap
• All-purpose cleaner
• Disinfectant wipes

Give yourself a reward

You should reward yourself to help make the cleaning bearable. It can be a nice dinner at home, inviting friends over, or a simple movie night. Also, it will give you something to look forward to once you are done. You deserve it after all the hard work.

Free spring cleaning checklist

Sometimes it is just hard to come up with a cleaning checklist. If you are struggling, feel free to use my free one! Just type in your email and I will send it to you.

It has basic spring cleaning items for various rooms in your home. Print it off and start working on your spring cleaning!

Now it is time to start on the spring cleaning

It is weird, but I love spring cleaning. My house always feels so calm afterward. Put on some music and start on your cleaning. Hopefully, this post helped you come up with a productive list.