From the Desk of Clearissa Coward’s Command Center – A Cozy Lifestyle
Common Spring Cleaning Mistakes To Avoid
There are several times of year that makes one want to start fresh and/or to begin anew. For me those times are the new year and spring. And during both those times, for me, cleaning out and refreshing my living space and even my life are in order.
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No matter when the clean-out, refresh, or begin anew bug hits you, you should be careful not to allow yourself to get off-track. I never clean without incorporating a little organization into the mix and I’ll bet you don’t either.
When you are trying to do a thorough cleaning in your home, the best intentions can be laid waste when you fall into the trap of some of these mistakes. If you know what they are ahead of time, it is easier to avoid them. Keep these things in mind when you are about to do your annual spring cleaning, or any other time you have an important cleaning job ahead of you.
Going Too Fast
When you rush through something as important as spring cleaning, you will almost always regret it later. Spring cleaning is a big job, and not the time to rush yourself or anyone else who may be helping. Take your time and make sure you do things right, as this will save you time spent correcting your mistakes later. It is also a good idea to plan ahead. Write out your plan. I like to plan each room and the chores that I need to complete in each room. That way, I won’t forget anything and it is easy to delegate…just in case you are lucky enough to have helpers.
Going Too Slow
It is always good to take your time, but it is equally important not to move too slowly when spring cleaning. If you do not stick to at least a basic schedule, you will soon become disheartened when you see no progress. Keep yourself motivated however possible, so that the changes you make will propel you to do even more.
Going It Alone
Spring cleaning is not the time to act independently of everyone else. If there is any way you can get a helping hand from someone else, be sure to take it. Motivate all family members to take part, and as I said before, make lists for each person in the household. If you live alone, see if one or more of your friends will swap time with each other to act as a spring cleaning team, taking turns working through each person’s home. Now isn’t that a novel idea. You can even promise pizza and wine afterwards. Turn it into a fun time.
Over-Complicating Things
Spring cleaning is time-consuming, but it is not rocket science. Copy a few spring cleaning lists off of the internet or better yet, download my checklists, and compile the tasks that apply to you, in order to create your own personalized list. Stick to the basics and work hard, and you won’t get sidetracked by unnecessary details.
Along the same lines, don’t feel you have to buy every fancy, new cleaning scrub, spray, or cleaning contraption to get the job done right. Sometimes it is the tried and true solutions that work the best. Use natural substances such as vinegar and baking soda for your cleaning. Don’t buy new items that are unnecessary, or that are not worth the money for the small amount of effort that they save. Check out the link below for Grove Collaborative. They have an array of all natural cleaning products and are reasonably priced.
Grove Collaborative/Mrs. Meyers Cleaning Products
Being Unprepared
There is nothing more irritating than getting into your cleaning clothes, putting on some upbeat music, rolling up your sleeves, and then realizing you do not have the necessary equipment to complete your task. Make a list at the beginning of what tasks you will complete each day, and then figure out what supplies are necessary to complete each one. Visit the store and have everything on hand so that when the time comes, you can get right into cleaning without any delays or distractions because I don’t know about you, but if I ever have to stop and make a trip to the store, I am bound to get distracted and spend more time than I should out and about instead of cleaning.
Spring cleaning is an important time of the year. It’s a good idea to remind yourself why it is so important. A proper spring cleaning will give you a healthier space to live in. Being organized improves your mental health, and gives you clarity you cannot find when you are surrounded by a mess. You will enjoy your summer days much better knowing your home is in order.
Because it is so important, you will want to avoid making unnecessary mistakes such as the ones above. This will allow you to do the job in the most efficient manner possible. Come on, let’s get this done and move into our lazy days of summer without the worry of an unkept home.
Don’t forget to check out my eBook; Organize Your Life in 21 Days. It is available for download and has a variety of small projects to help you take on and complete organizational projects. Some you may not have even thought of. Get your copy today.
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Leaving You With Hugs & Blessings,
thanks for the tips and the pep talk!
Happy Spring to you!
Thanks for the tips Clearissa!
Hi Carol and you’re welcome.
You’re welcome Linda and happy spring to you too. 🙂
Thanks for the tips! I always get a little overwhelmed when contemplating the “big picture”. Better to break them down into small, individual tasks. Upbeat music definitely helps!
Hi Clearissa! Thought I left a comment here the other day, but I don’t see it! Anyway, thanks for the tips. I tend to get overwhelmed with big projects and try to break them down into small, manageable steps. Cheers!
Hi Debbie. Sorry I was away for a couple of days. My mom is not doing well and I had to go to SC so I did not get to approve your comment. Thank you for stopping by. I like to break big projects down into smaller bites as well. Remember to reward yourself when you reach a milestone. That will keep you motivated. That will keep you focused. 🙂
Hi Debbie,
Your first comment is below. Thank you so much for stopping by.
Thanks so much for linking up with us at the #WednesdayAIMLinkParty 34! Shared ♥
I just finished cleaning out my closet. Guess I should have read this first, but at least I have your tips for the next spring cleaning project. I have plenty more! It’s a pleasure cohosting with you at #BloggingGrandmothersLinkParty.
Hi Christie. You can use these tips for all of your organization/cleaning projects. Congratulations on the completion of your closet project. I know it feels good to have that behind you. Thanks for stopping in and it is my pleasure to co-host with you as well.
Congrats Clearissa! Your post is FEATURED at the #WednesdayAIMLinkParty 35! Party starts tonight, Wed, Apr-17-2019 at 9:00 PM CST.
Thank you so much Dee. 🙂
Overcomplicating? Moi? That is my tendency. That and trying to do it all at once. I need to reread this post before my next stab at it! Thanks for the inspiration, Clearissa.
Hi Jean. Thank you so much for stopping by. Don’t complicate it. Just keep it simple and work at your own pace. Not doing all at once. 🙂 I know that can he very difficult but keep it in the forefront of your mind and that will help. 🙂