Spring cleaning season is here, the time of year when we have had enough time indoors to know that we need to get things cleaned up, organized or repaired. But if we are going to be honest, many of those things do not take priority when you are raising a family. Many of us are lucky to get basic cleaning done in between living life.
Today I came up with 30 things that I wanted to get done – one for each day of the month. It is less overwhelming to break it up into one extra task a day, rather than finding a free weekend to do it all. Take a look and decide for yourself, and feel free to edit my list to match what you need to get done.
Still feel like too much? After making your list sit down with your family and divide up some of the tasks, so everyone has a part in making sure the house stays clean and organized.
30 organizing tasks for spring cleaning
1. Download pictures from your phone and delete the random ones you took this month.
2. Clean up your email. Today is the day to go through all those emails you have been saving for later.
3. Change the filters around the house: furnace, coffee maker, humidifier, refrigerator, etc.
4. Give the pets their flea and tick, and heartworm meds, wash their bedding and bowls.
5. Clean out your garbage cans from all over the house. Even those lined with bags have things that spill onto the sides and collect at the bottom.
6. Clean out the inside of the washing machine, dishwasher and oven. Most have a self-clean setting.
7. Wash the rags used for dusting, cleaning, crafts and large spills.
8. Clean the baseboards and trim. Dust first and then go over with a wet rag.
9. Vacuum out the vents/air ducts. If you have pets, this is a must.
10. Check your credit report, credit card statements and online banking to avoid suspicious activities, unauthorized purchases and extra fees.
11. Check fluids in the car and tire pressure every month to avoid an emergency.
12. Get your car washed, vacuum the floors and remove anything that is no longer needed.
13. Make a note of all the repairs that need to be done. Schedule the ones you can’t do yourself and do the ones you can.
14. Pull out the fridge, stove, washer and dryer and clean behind them. Vacuum the floor, dust appliances and clean any spills on the side.
15. Go through the food in the pantry and refrigerator and check the dates. Don’t forget the spice cabinet!
16. Check the fire extinguisher. Check the gauge on the side and check the dates.
17. Pull the hair out of the drains. It's a super gross job, yet super important. Grab needle-nose pliers and start grabbing.
18. Check the salt level in the water softener if you have one.
19. Self-breast exam. Take a minute while you are standing in the shower.
20. Self-skin exam. When you get out of the shower, stand in front of the mirror and check for new moles or other skin changes.
21. Check your utility bills. Take a moment to read the bill to look for new fees or higher rates.
22. Check your goals and revise. Remember those New Year’s resolutions? How are you doing?
23. Buy new toothbrushes, mascara, toilet brushes, kitchen sponges — anything that is a playground for bacteria.
24. Balance your budget. Check that you are on track and make adjustments for the next month if necessary.
25. Go through the kids’ closest. Does everything still fit? It’s a good time to check yours, too.
26. Dust the blinds and window sills. Wash any draperies that might need it.
27. Empty out all backpacks, sports bags and your purse. Throw out anything that doesn’t belong there.
28. Errand day. This is the day you go to the recycling center, Goodwill, make your returns, etc.
29. Date night. Not a chore, yet often overlooked in place of kid activities.
30. Girls night. The same goes for your friends. It is so important to catch up with friends or go shopping with your “sisters.” No partners or kids allowed.
More spring cleaning and organizing ideas |
