As a work at home mom, time is literally money. So I have to make sure that I am using my time effectively when I’m doing things like Spring Cleaning.
If you’re in the same boat as me, then you’ll want to read my series of articles on Spring Cleaning to save you loads of time.
First, read this article with quick tips to speed up your Spring Cleaning this year. Then read Tips to Make Spring Cleaning Quick & Simple and check out How to Easily Get Motivation for Spring Cleaning.
1. Make a list
Use the list I made if you’d like, just download it here. It’s a room-by-room Spring Cleaning Guide.
2. Spring clean in one Giant chunk
According to the book, the Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up, it is better to set aside a few hours or a day to get your Spring Cleaning completed rather than chipping away at it day by day. Most of us (present company included) don’t have enough focus to stick with a 30 day plan of cleaning a little each day.
3. Get your Gear together
Gather all of your cleaning supplies together the night before. Also, you may want to go so far as to lay out your clothes the night before. That way you can get up, and theoretically get to cleaning.
4. Clean in the Morning
Have you read the book Eat That Frog! 21 Great Ways to Stop Procrastinating and Get More Done in Less Time? If so you know that to work smart, you must do your worst task first. Start with the part of cleaning you hate the most. That way it will be out of the way and the rest of your time will be easy-peasy (as my 5-year-old likes to say).
5. Do what you say you are going to do
Don’t start, stop, start, stop. Dig in and get it done. If you start and stop you will lose focus and motivation. Think of it like pushing a car up a hill. Is it easier to push it up the hill all at once, or start and stop?
6. Avoid Distractions
Put away your distractions so you actually CAN focus! This means put away the cell phone. Turn off the television. Instead put on some music to get your blood pumping and your mind from wandering.
7. Recognize that Nobody is Perfect
Seriously it’s not like your favorite Hollywood celebrity is coming over to your home. Take a deep breathe! Don’t overload yourself! If you only have a day for your Spring Cleaning then acknowledge the fact that some things are going to have to wait. Look at your Spring Cleaning List and decide what items will wait for a Fall Cleaning Day.
P.S. If you want to save time during your Spring Cleaning, be sure to grab the Free Spring Cleaning Room-by-Room Checklist from Momalot!
