Spring cleaning is an important opportunity to declutter and deep clean your home – tackling those cleaning and organization tasks we often put off throughout the year. Knowing where to get started, however, can be a bit overwhelming. This checklist covers essential cleaning and organization steps for key places inside and outside your home.

1. Prioritize problem areas. Do you have a basement closet that's become the designated "family clutter zone"? Maybe there's an outdoor shed that's turned into a disorganized tool stash. Perhaps winter storms have left your windows covered in a layer of dirt and grime. Make a list of these problem areas and create a timeline for tackling them. Rather than trying to get everything done in a single weekend, space them out over a few weeks. Some people like to go from room to room and check off tasks as they go, while others prefer to go from "top to bottom" – cleaning all floors, then all baseboards and windows, etc. As you make your to-do list, consider the approach that's most effective for you and ensures you'll hit your "problem areas."


2. Stock up on cleaning products. Before starting your spring cleaning, take a quick inventory of your current cleaning products. If you'd like to skip a trip to the store for new items, vinegar and baking soda are two common household products that can be an effective option for tackling tough stains and odors. Have old newspapers lying around? These can be helpful for giving windows and glass a streak-free shine since they don't leave fibers behind.


3. Bring in more light. Cleaning windows is one of the tasks we often skip over, but a good cleaning can truly brighten up your home. Wait for an overcast day or work on the shady side of your home to minimize streaking. Use a microfiber cloth (or old newspaper) and glass cleaner to scrub away dirt and grime. Finish by vacuuming fabric drapes or using a duster to clean off the blinds.


4. Deep clean the kitchen. Wiping down counters, the kitchen sink, and faucets may be a nightly occurrence, but other parts of the kitchen can be overlooked. The kitchen is the heart of the home, and a good cleaning will really help it sparkle. Take everything out of the fridge for a full wipe-down, including emptying condiments from side door bins and cleaning out vegetable drawers. As you empty out your fridge, toss any items that are expired or well beyond their "best by" date. Beat pesky garbage disposal odors by running lemon slivers with cold water through the disposal. Use the "vinegar and water" trick to get tough stains out of your microwave. In a microwave-safe bowl, heat 1 cup of water, 3 tablespoons of vinegar, and a citrus slice for several minutes. The mixture will create steam inside, helping to remove baked-on food.


5. Tackle clutter. Build momentum by starting small, like with a kitchen junk drawer. Empty everything out of the drawer, vacuum out any dust, and only add back items you truly need. Use small containers to keep the drawer organized so you can quickly find needed pens, stamps, etc. Take this same approach to bigger areas, like a bathroom cabinet or basement closet. Not sure about what to keep, donate, or throw away? If you haven't used something in the last year – and it isn't a holiday decoration or family heirloom – place it in the donate pile. While you have everything out of the closet or cabinet, give that space a deep clean. Vacuum or spray down shelves to remove cobwebs and dust. In larger closets, use an all-purpose cleaner to wipe down the doors and baseboards. Then, organize shelves using clear, stackable bins with labels so everyone can quickly see what's inside.


6. Get your yard ready for spring. As the weather warms up, take your spring cleaning efforts outside to get your yard ready for spring. Consider the following:
   • Power wash windows and screens
   • Inspect the roof for broken shingles or leaks
   • Clean debris out of rain gutters
   • Check caulking around windows and doors
   • Reattach any loose siding or trim
   • Remove debris from winter storms, including sticks and branches
   • Fertilize your yard, mulch your bushes, and plant spring flowers