"The secret of getting started is breaking your complex overwhelming tasks into small manageable tasks, and then starting on the first one.” ~Mark Twain
This quote by Mark Twain can apply to any seemingly daunting task in life. What seems overwhelming at the start can be broken up into smaller bits and accomplished little by little. Just like cleaning out the house.
In many parts of the US where they have extremely cold and wet conditions during winter, the advent of spring is a call to bring some fresh air into the house, clean up the cobwebs and air the mattresses and pillows.
This time of year, I spend a lot of time during the week when my husband is traveling, cleaning closets. A bit of spring cleaning, if you will. Even though the weather outside in St Pete is great, and I’d rather be outside, it really helps me to have a clean house. When things are in order at home, I feel better about life. So since I had some time this week with him gone, I decided to get into spring cleaning mode and get to that “nitty gritty” stuff that I don’t usually do – the baseboards, the windowsills, the inside of the refrigerator. I just took each room one by one, until the entire house was sparkling clean.
To break the task down, I've created a check list.
Spring Cleaning Checklist
Clean out the garage.
Inspect the roof and gutter.
Power wash the outside of the house, including windows.
Drain all sediment from your hot water heater.
Donate clothes not worn for more than two years.
Wash walls using 1/2 cup ammonia, 1/4 cup white vinegar and 1/4 cup baking soda to 1 gallon of warm water.
Wash all inside windows. Vacuum out the tracks.
Vacuum/wash/dry clean all window coverings.
Dust and wash light fixtures and chandeliers.
Wash all knickknacks. Vacuum books and shelves.
Vacuum lampshades. Replace lightbulbs.
Deep clean shower, toilet, floor and sink.
Inventory the medicine cabinet and toss expired medicines.
Defrost freezer (if needed) and wash out refrigerator.
Clean oven and soak stove rings and drip pans.
Vacuum front coils and motor to remove dust and dirt.
Launder all blankets and bedding. Turn mattresses.
Move furniture to the center of each room and vacuum thoroughly. Shampoo carpets.
Have a garage sale.
Enjoy the weather!
Thanks,
Pam