I absolutely dread spring cleaning. As a self-proclaimed neat freak, I feel guilty about my distaste for deep cleaning. However, I’ve realized over the years that spring cleaning doesn’t have to be an awful chore. With some planning and preparation, it can actually be pretty manageable. Here are my tips for tackling spring cleaning when you hate to clean:
Break It Down Into Smaller Tasks
Looking at the big picture of spring cleaning can feel totally overwhelming. Instead, I’ve found it helpful to break spring cleaning down into smaller, more manageable tasks. Here are some ways I divide up spring cleaning:
Focus on One Room Per Day
- Tackling one room per day helps prevent me from feeling overwhelmed. I can focus my efforts and really deep clean each room before moving onto the next.
Make Lists of Tasks for Each Room
- I make lists of cleaning tasks needed in each room – dusting, window washing, scrubbing floors, etc. Checking tasks off as I complete them gives me a sense of accomplishment.
Schedule Projects vs Daily Tasks
- Deep cleaning projects like washing walls or cleaning out closets get scheduled for weekends. Daily tasks like vacuuming happen on weekdays when I have less time.
Enlist Help from Others
Spring cleaning feels much more manageable when I don’t have to do it alone. I ask my family members to tackle cleaning tasks that match their skills and interests. Assigning people different rooms prevents cleaning from becoming competitive or stressful.
Some ways I enlist help:
- Husband: Yardwork, washing exterior windows
- Kids: Clearing out old toys and clothes, organizing their rooms
- Friends: Coming over for a cleaning party with food and drinks
Break Big Jobs Into Multiple Sessions
Some spring cleaning tasks don’t need to happen all at once. For big overwhelming jobs like decluttering the basement or cleaning the garage, I just do one area at a time over multiple weekends.
I also take breaks when needed to avoid burnout. Thirty minutes to an hour is enough time for me to declutter one closet or drawer before taking a breather.
Schedule Rewards for Motivation
Let’s be honest – spring cleaning is not fun for those of us who hate cleaning. To stay motivated, I schedule little rewards for myself upon completing certain tasks. Examples:
- After decluttering my closet, I get a coffee break
- After washing all the walls, I treat myself to a nap
- Finishing the entire downstairs earns me a pedicure
Invest in Cleaning Tools
Having the right tools makes cleaning tasks faster and easier. Over the years, I’ve built up my arsenal of cleaning gadgets and supplies:
- Cleaning caddy: Lets me easily move tools from room to room
- Power drill scrub brushes: For scrubbing tubs, sinks, tile, etc quickly
- Steam mop: Sanitizes floors without chemicals
- Duster on a stick: Reaches high places with less effort
Spending a bit more on effective tools is worth avoiding hours of frustrating, backbreaking work.
Play Music or Podcasts to Stay Entertained
Let’s be real – cleaning is pretty boring. I combat the boredom by listening to upbeat music or entertaining podcasts while I clean. Having something fun to listen to makes the time pass quicker.
Some of my favorite cleaning playlists:
- 80s dance hits
- Today’s top 40 hits
- Showtunes!
Podcasts like This American Life keep me laughing and engaged for hours while cleaning.
Schedule Cleaning Around Your Energy Levels
I’ve noticed my energy and motivation for cleaning tasks fluctuates at different times of day. Instead of fighting this, I plan cleaning tasks strategically:
- Morning: Quick tidying tasks like making the bed or wiping counters
- Early Afternoon: More active cleaning like scrubbing bathrooms
- Late Afternoon: Organizational projects like decluttering drawers
- Evening: Gentle cleaning like dusting electronics
Working with my natural energy levels prevents spring cleaning from feeling like a chore.
While I’ll never love cleaning, approaching spring cleaning strategically makes it feel much more achievable. Breaking tasks down into smaller pieces prevents me from getting overwhelmed and giving up.
What are your best tips and tricks for tackling spring cleaning when you hate cleaning? I’d love to hear how you make this annual ritual more manageable!
