Spring, the time that we roll up our sleeves and give the heave-ho to the hibernating dust bunnies that we have let slumber during the winter months. Now, we are full of positive energy flow from that great power- the sun.
Step one, involving major cleaning projects is to have the CD prepared with all of your favourite tunes to keep you smiling as you go. Do not forget- the volume will need to be loud!
Step two is to go through each room with a pen and paper and make a list of what needs to be done, and what you want to do. Wants for example might be paint or buy new blinds, a need is to get a storage bag ( or cardboard box) for the new winter bedding you bought, clean the switch plates in room A, but necessarily in room B.
Once you have been to the store and purchased the cleaning {please consider buying green/earth friendly products} and storage products that you need from the list you created above, assemble all of the cleaning supplies and tools you need. Tools is a fancy word for mop, pail, cleaning rags, gloves etc. And that old baggy t-shirt you have at the back of the closet that you pull out for such occasions as this.
Start at the top and work your way down so you are not tracking any dirt into the cleaned areas. Always dust the same way, start at the top and dust down! Check your list where you have added items like clean all of the light plates, windows, and hard surfaces, tackle the drapes, base boards and floors.
If you are the type who likes to clean your home one room at a time, the rule is: Don't leave until you are done! That means you bring all of the cleaning supplies with you, plus several bags or storage boxes marked "trash," "store away," "goes to another room," and "give away.”
By the way- for all those items you plan on giving away, check out a new group on yahoo called Freecycle, there is probably one in your area. http://www.freecycle.org/ you can post all of your give away items on the site, and others contact you for a pick up time, it is a great way to 1. Keep things out of dumping sites and 2. Give to others in need. All items are offered free of charge. Please read the rules and regulations for the group in your area before coming a member.
Also, be sure to keep lots of liquids handy for you, spring cleaning is hard work. Personally, I always have a blender of daiquiris on the go, but if you prefer water, well-- that is an option!
Happy Spring cleaning all!
Janice Collins
© Copyright, 2010 Main Street Magazine/Rain Enterprises
As seen in the April Issue of Main Street Magazine.
Printed in Canada, ISSN: 1920-4299 by Rain Enterprises
If you would like to find out how to receive your FREE copy of MSM go to http://www.mainstreetmagazine.net/
Spring, the time that we roll up our sleeves 
Once you have been to the store 