Spring Cleaning...


   There is always much talk about Spring Cleaning this time of year.  This year I gave myself up to it completely.  David was out of town for work for a few days and I whirled about the house like the Tasmanian Devil - cartoon version of course. ;)  Perhaps our impending move was part of the motivation, but also events in Japan have made me so grateful for my safe home that I am blessed to be able to clean...I have been having so many thoughts like that as of late.
 I have seen articles and websites with tips on how to take a deep spring cleaning such as tackle one room at a time, but I don't operate that way.  I like to start one task and complete it through the entire house before I move on to something else.  Otherwise I feel like I am starting and stopping too much and I lose my drive.  I also focused on tasks that don't get done very often...if ever...and I completed those while I had motivation.
Here was my list:
Dust and wash all ceiling fans and light fixtures
Take down, wash, dry, and iron all curtains
Dust curtain rods and brackets
Dust door and window moldings
Dust bevels in all doors
Find and deal with any cobwebs lurking in corners
Using vacuum extension tool, vacuum all edges along walls
Wash doors and sides of all cabinets in bathrooms and kitchen
Wash all windows and window sills/ sliding door track
Dust lamp shades, *tip - use a sticky lint roller to do the job, works great!
Test smoke detectors

I also managed to change all sheets, and deep clean both bathrooms as well as keep my children entertained and fed.  With the removal of the grunge of winter, it was as if a weight was lifted off of my shoulders.  It was rewarding mentally to be a good steward over this house that I have been blessed with to take care of.
I still plan on:
Vacuuming and washing all heating and cooling vents
Washing the outside of all windows
Sweeping the front stoop, sidewalk, and deck
Washing all winter bedding and switching out to Summer versions
Washing and storing winter coats, hats, scarves and mittens
Wiping down and storing snow boots
Cleaning  (if necessary) and storing winter clothes
Sorting through the kids clothes, removing anything that is too small and making a list of Spring and Summer needs

While I have been doing all of this cleaning, I have been collecting things to donate and I have a nice sized pile growing in the basement.  There is nothing like a move to get me to get rid of things.
What's on your Spring Cleaning list?  Any tips and tricks you would care to share?

Comments

Anonymous said…
I've seen little glimpses of your house, & I am sad that you have to leave it, after all your decorating & painting! I always feel peaceful looking at your pics, & feel as though I'm reading a Better Homes & Gardens mag! We'll be losing our house eventually, although not to a job-related move, but foreclosure. But your spring-cleaning looks like it's moving right along, & I need to get onto some serious stuff myself, as time allows. Great job! Pat yourself on the back for me! :)

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