So we’re finally transitioning into spring after a pretty rough winter. I feel as if I’ve been cooped up inside since October, and frankly, that may be true. Living near Chicago has been rough. Unlike last year, this year all the museums and events were shut down. I had little time to actually enjoy the season or do anything beyond the walls of my home.
Also, I finally understand what people were saying about these Chicago winters! I’ve never seen so much snow in my life!
But all this aside, it’s finally time to clean up and prepare for spring.
I’m a huge lover of decluttering, organizing, and cleaning up my space. It will be beyond nice to actually have a tidy home and to finally put all my winter gear away.
Disclaimer: All of the views and opinions in this post are solely my own and are not sponsored. This post may include affiliate links, meaning I earn a commission through links at no cost to you.
If you’re ready to start the ultimate spring cleaning checklist, keep reading!
Cleaning the house and physical clutter
The first thing to do in preparation for spring would be to clean the entire house top to bottom. I personally prefer to clean and organize by room.
Below are my tips for cleaning each room of the house to prepare for spring.
Kitchen
- Get rid of expired foods in the pantry.
- Clean out the fridge and give it an entire deep clean.
- Clean the oven (it probably received a lot of use over the winter). Here’s a great eco-friendly oven cleaner!
- Empty and clean out all containers and refill them as needed.
- Do a quick check of any missing cooking ingredients/spices/etc. Make a grocery list for needed items.
- Clear out space for fresh spring and summer produce so that the new veggies and fruits have a home in your kitchen.
- Reorganize your pantry if need be. I love these glass organizers. they make the pantry look super sophisticated.
- Wipe down all tables, counters, and floors.
- Wash all hand towels.
- Ensure all dishes are clean and put away.
- Take out the trash and clean the inside of the trash can itself.
Living room/dining room
- Safely discard old and dead batteries.
- Clear out any unused cords or electronics.
- Wipe down all tables, consoles, doorknobs, remotes, and other frequently touched surfaces. (Here is an amazing eco-friendly all-purpose cleaner!)
- Clear out any paper clutter that may be lingering about.
- Fold up and store all warm winter blankets until next year.
- Clean off any dust on the TV, shelves, bookcases, and other corners.
- Wipe down windows and wash curtains.
- Vacuum carpets and rugs.
- Store all winter accessories, coats, and boots until next season.
Bedrooms
- swap out winter comforters for thinner, cooler spring sheets.
- Vacuum all floors.
- Swap out the winter closet for a spring wardrobe.
- Declutter your spring wardrobe and donate anything that doesn’t suit your style.
- Clean out any and all storage items under the bed and reorganize that space.
- Clean out clothing in dressers and toss or donate what no longer fits or what is worn.
- Wipe down windows and picture frames if need be.
Bathrooms
- Complete a deep clean for the tub and shower. Be sure to clean that shower head!
- Throw out unused or expired products and replace them with newer ones.
- Wash any floor mats and clean the flooring beneath.
- Clean the toilet.
- Wipe down the sink and mirrors.
- Declutter any expired products or medications in the cabinets.
- Restock toilet paper, toiletries, and other crucial bathroom items.
- Fold and put away all towels and fresh linens.
- Dust any untouched corners.
Garage/Basement
- Put away all holiday decorations and store them in water-resistant containers.
- Reorganize any tools or equipment in storage.
- Declutter summer items (hoses, pots, cushions, lounge equipment) that are broken, worn, or no longer serve you.
- Hose down garage flooring to clear it of debris.
Outside
- Power wash the house, driveway, deck, patio, and fencing for the warmer months.
- Prepare your garden for the growing season if you have one.
- Clean out and test your water hose, lawnmower, and other outdoor equipment.
- Set up outdoor furniture if you have it.
- Trim any dead bushes or trees.
- Clean the yard of any winter debris.
Extra
- Clean out AC units before operating.
- Clean out furnace filters and prepare them for next season.
- Check outlets and wires in the home to ensure everything is safe and running well.
- Clean the car to rid it of salt and winter grime.
Decluttering tips
If you’re having trouble decluttering, there are a few tips you can follow to help you know whether an item is past its prime or you should consider storing it somewhere in your home.
Do you need it?
The first question you should ask yourself is whether you need the item. Does it serve a purpose to you? If you have six pairs of shorts and this pair either doesn’t fit, doesn’t suit your style, or is torn, do you really need it?
Does it hold meaning to you?
Another question you can ask is whether or not the item holds any sentimental value. Saving items like souvenirs, wedding dresses/accessories, gifts from past loved ones, or any other meaningful item is okay to keep. If it holds no real value to you, however, you might need to ask yourself if you really need the item.
Is it broken?
If you know an item is necessary to have, you should ask yourself whether it still functions as it should. Has your lawnmower met its end? Does that charger work? Does your trash can have a broken lid? If the item is broken or damaged and this hinders its ability to function normally, you may want to consider purchasing a newer and improved version.
Clearing mental clutter
Of course, this blog post wouldn’t be entirely on-brand if I didn’t include a mental declutter task list. Once your home is physically clear of clutter and mess, it’s time to focus on yourself.
Clearing your mind and making room for new opportunities and growth is essential. Your mind is a space you live in, just as you do your physical home. Make it a comfortable place to be.
“Your mind is a space you live in…make it a comfortable place to be.”
Amelia J Wilson
Journaling
Journaling is by far my favorite way to clear mental clutter. Writing down your thoughts, no matter how messy or incomprehensible, is vital for reducing the mental cacophony inside your mind. Write down your worries, stressors, fears, and hesitations. Doing so allows you to release these mindsets, which hold you back and offers clarity for you on moving forward.
If you’re interested in beginning a journaling journey, you can use any of my free journal prompts on my site or reference my “How to begin journaling” blog post.
Meditation
Meditation is a great way to calm the mind and slow down thought traffic. I highly recommend headspace when it comes to guided meditation. The program has a series on Netflix and is also an app for the phone. Both resources are a great way to slow down and handle mental clutter in a safe, simple, and gentle way.
You can also use my grounding meditation guide if you want to focus on feeling present and well.
Yoga
For those of us who enjoy more movement, yoga is a great way to tone muscles, build balance, stretch deeper, and find inner peace through fluid body movement. YouTube has a few fantastic resources for yoga that I’ve come to love recently. In a clean home, it feels super satisfying to participate in a light yoga session as the sun begins to rise.
If you like this post, check out some similar posts of mine below!
Feel free to leave a comment below and let me know how you plan to organize and clean your home this spring!
You can also email me with questions or concerns you may have at info.amelia.wilson@gmail.com
My new book, Witch in the Water, is available on Amazon!
Also, check out my poetry book, The Lights are on but Nobody’s Home, available now on amazon for $6.99 in paperback form!
Disclaimer: All of the views and opinions in this post are solely my own and are not sponsored. This post includes affiliate links, meaning I earn a commission through links at no cost to you.
Thanks again