Squeaky Clean Game Plan

Can you imagine watching a football game where neither side prepared?  No pregame strategy sessions.  No huddles.  No rules.  Just a bunch of men in uniform chasing each other.  Or how about an army that goes into battle without organizing a plan of attack?  Of course, it is humorous to think that either scenario would actually happen because we know how much time and effort goes into making sure each member of the team knows exactly what to do and how to do it.  So, why then, do we take on such grand tasks as cleaning and organizing our entire home, inside and out, without taking the time to plan?

If you haven't already, I'd like to encourage you to read yesterday's post, where I talk about a different kind of spring cleaning: a renewal of your heart and mind.  Once you are all "nice and clean" on the inside, you'll be better prepared to take on whatever your day may bring, whether it be cleaning, cooking, teaching, or anything else that falls under your homemaking jurisdiction.

Today, however, I'd like to share some ways you can formulate a spring cleaning plan of attack so that the process will be as painless as possible and, dare I say, almost fun...

Unless you know what needs attention, you're likely to flutter from one project to another without really completing any of them.  A list will help you see everything that needs to be done, all in one place.  To make this list, all you need to do is take a tour of your home, both inside and out.  A great tip is to pretend you are selling your house and look at it from the eyes of a potential buyer.  After all, why wait until it is time to sell to enjoy a home that doesn't have a laundry list of things that need fixing?

On that note, in addition to listing things that need to be fixed, write down spaces that need to be cleaned and areas that need to be organized.  By doing so, you'll be able to create a master list that you can refer to as you plan, as well as later on when you add new projects.  By the way, your home management binder is a great place to store this list for future reference.

Here are some helpful links to get you started:

Spring Cleaning Checklist from Finding Home

Another Checklist from Imperfect Homemaking

BHG's Spring Cleaning Slideshow

Real Simple Cleaning Checklists

Martha Stewart's Handy Tips

Once you know what needs to be done, the next step is to make sure you have the proper tools to get the job accomplished.  When you lack the right tool for the job, it can take up an unnecessary amount of time and in some instances, could cause injury.  So, before you get started, it is important to make a list of everything you're going to need.

When you sit down to determine what you will need to tackle the spring cleaning monster, keep in mind the safety of the products themselves.  A lot of modern cleaning products have harmful chemicals in them, which can be avoided by creating your own cleaning products using common household ingredients.  Here are some websites with cleaning product "recipes":

Keeper of the Home: DIY Non-Toxic Cleaners; Frugal, Non-toxic, Green Cleaning; Non-toxic Disinfectants

Passionate Homemaking: Housecleaning on a Budget Part One; Part Two

Simple Organic: Easy Recipes for Natural Homemade Cleaners

Frugally Sustainable: Collection of Homemade Cleaners

Once you know what needs to be done and what tools/products you need to do it, the next step is to create an assignment sheet {delegating tasks to other family members} and an itinerary.  Once you've got your game plan ready, consider having a family huddle so you can communicate the job assignments and explain your expectations for how things are going to flow.  When you have a thought-out plan and family members who are willing to pitch in, you'll be done with the work in no time and can then move on to something more fun - say, taking everyone out for a celebratory ice cream {or other outing that everyone would enjoy}.

Here are some resources you may want to look over before forming that huddle:

Spring Cleaning Ages + Stages from Momtastic

Example of a Flow Chart from Life on Paper

Spring Cleaning and/or Sell This House from Clover Lane

Printable Chore Cards from Our Story

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Spending a little time planning before you jump right into cleaning can save you time, money, and frustration in the long run.  Also, getting your family involved can teach your children a valuable lesson in teamwork and responsibility.  Plus, the time spent together working hard and then, later, playing hard will aid in strengthening your family's bond.  Who knew spring cleaning could result in so many wonderful things in addition to a clean, organized, and "fixed" home?

Later on this week, I'll share some tips and tricks to help you clean some of the more challenging areas of the home, as well as some inspirational photos to motivate all of us to jump into this whole spring cleaning ritual with both feet.

So, I want to know, how do you prepare to spring clean?

Blessings,

  

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