Spring Cleaning 2024 Checklist (Room-by-Room)

Spring has sprung, and that means spring cleaning is in full swing! With warmer days here, it’s the perfect time to declutter and get your home ready for those longer, lighter and sunnier days ahead.

Last month, we tackled the ins and outs of spring-cleaning prep. This month, we’re taking a deeper dive to give you a room-by-room checklist to guide your efforts.  Whether you're a meticulous planner or someone just a little overwhelmed by the daunting task of tackling the annual clean-up (we get it!), this guide will help you transform your home into your own little haven of cleanliness and organization. Keep your mind open and your cleaning supplies at the ready as we check each room off the list!

Kitchen: The Culinary Sanctuary

For modern families, the kitchen demands regular upkeep, due to the fact that it’s almost always bustling with activities – from cooking to homework to social gathering. Spring cleaning takes those efforts beyond daily chores, focusing on decluttering, sanitizing and organizing the space to make it more pleasant, healthy and usable all year long.

• Deep clean the refrigerator: Remove all items, checking expiration dates as you go. Clean shelves with a mild detergent and remove drawers for thorough washing with dish soap and warm water. Dry and sanitize all surfaces before organizing groceries back in.
• Organize pantry: Group like items together, ensuring frequently used products are easily accessible. Consider installing shelf organizers or using pretty baskets for better visibility.
• Degrease cabinet doors and backsplash: Kitchen grime can be stubborn. Use a mixture of baking soda and water for a natural cleaning solution that cuts surface grease.
• Clean oven: If your oven has a self-cleaning function, take the time to use this, which essentially burns stubborn particles and grease off the surfaces inside the oven. Once cool again (important!), wipe or even vacuum out the debris and polish with oven cleaner.

Living Room: The Heart of the Home

As a primary area for relaxation, gathering and entertainment, the living room should embody comfort and cleanliness.

• Wash windows and treatments: Clean windows let in more light, making the room feel brighter and larger – especially as the weather warms and the sun shines longer throughout the day. Dust blinds and wash curtains to eliminate any accumulated dust.
• Condition leather furniture: If you have leather pieces, treat them with a leather conditioner to keep them soft and prevent cracking – particularly if they sit in the sun.
• Refresh decorative items: Clean decorative objects and consider rearranging them for a new perspective on your living space.
• Dust stagnant surfaces: Chances are you haven’t used that ceiling fan during the cold months. Thoroughly dust it to prevent a spray of built-up dust and grime when it’s time to turn it on. 

Bathrooms: A Personal Spa

Source: Better Homes & Gardens

Bathrooms, while functional, can also serve as a personal retreat. Keeping them clean and organized enhances relaxation and promotes better hygiene. 

• Descale showerheads and faucets: Vinegar can be effective in removing hard water deposits. Simply soak the showerhead in a vinegar solution for an hour, then rinse.
• Renew grout lines: Apply a grout cleaner or a homemade paste of baking soda and water, letting it sit before scrubbing with a brush.
• Refresh shower curtains and mats: Wash or replace shower curtains and bathmats to freshen up the space.
• Organize vanity and medicine cabinet: Go through all medicines, skincare and toiletries. Dispose of expired items and those you no longer use. Consider responsible medication disposal methods for expired medicines.

Bedrooms: Sanctuaries of Rest

A clutter-free and clean bedroom promotes better sleep and relaxation. This spring, give your bedroom the attention it deserves.

• Vacuum under the bed: This often-overlooked space can accumulate dust and allergens. Use a vacuum attachment to clean thoroughly.
• Clean, rotate and flip mattresses: Vacuum your mattress to collect accumulated debris and lint. Extend the life of your mattress and ensure even wear by rotating and flipping it.
• Refresh window treatments and rugs: Dust and wash curtains and shake out or professionally clean rugs.
• Overhaul the closet: Sort and donate any items you no longer wear and organize hanging rods by type or color.

Home Office: Productivity Central

• Clean computer and accessories: Keyboards, mice, and computer screens can harbor germs and dirt. Use appropriate cleaners to sanitize these items.
• Refresh the space with plants: Adding greenery can improve air quality and elevate your mood, making for a more pleasant work environment.
• Secure cables and cords: Tidy up loose cables with ties or clips for a neater appearance and to prevent tripping hazards.
• Organize drawers: Shred or discard unnecessary paperwork and organize other paperwork into files for safekeeping. Organize office supplies into desk drawers for easy access.

Garage: The Ultimate Storage Solution

Spring cleaning your garage likely deserves a guide of its own, but you can transform your garage from a catch-all storage area to an organized, functional space by following a few broad tasks.

• Donate unused items: Reduce clutter by donating or selling items that are no longer needed.
• Install shelving or cabinets: Maximizing vertical space for storage can make the garage more organized and accessible.
• Service garage door: Ensure it's operating smoothly and safely by lubricating moving parts and checking for any necessary repairs.
• Check for pests: Pests like mice and even raccoons and possums love harboring in a garage. Check for droppings as you clean and install traps or call a pest control service if necessary.

Kids Room: Playful and Organized

Creating a space that encourages creativity while maintaining order can be challenging (especially with little hands that enjoy disarray!) but rewarding, as this can be a great way to teach kids organizational habits.

• Label storage containers: Help kids maintain organization by labeling toy bins and shelves, making it easier for them to find and put away their belongings. For very young children, use pictures rather than words to label bins.
• Donate outgrown clothing, toys and books: Childhood is fleeting, and that’s never truer than when you’re spring cleaning the kids’ space. Free up space in drawers and closets by donating outgrown items.
• Create a reading nook: Encourage reading by setting up a comfortable space with easy access to books on shelves or in baskets.
• Sanitize toys: Clean toys, especially those used frequently, to keep the play area hygienic.

Entryway: The First Impression

The entryway sets the tone for the rest of your home. Keeping it clean and clutter-free welcomes peace and organization into your living space.

• Organize shoes and coats: Use racks or baskets to keep these items tidy and accessible.
• Refresh the doormat: Either clean or replace the doormat to ensure a welcoming and clean entry point for family and guests.
• Add functional decor: Consider a decorative bowl for keys or a wall-mounted organizer for mail to combine aesthetics with function.

Pantry: The Hidden Gem

A well-organized pantry saves time and reduces food waste,

making meal preparation a breeze. Let's turn this often-overlooked space into a pinnacle of organization and efficiency.

• Take inventory: Shelf-stable items can often pile up without proper rotation. Check condition and expiration dates of all items and toss those you won’t (or shouldn’t) be using.
• Reorganize for efficiency: Place items you use most at eye level and group similar items together, such as baking supplies or snacks, making it easier to find what you need.
• Invest in clear storage containers: Transfer bulk items or open packages into clear, airtight containers. This not only keeps food fresh but also allows you to see what you have at a glance, reducing over-buying.
• Label shelves and containers: This simple step can save you time and frustration, ensuring everything has its place and is easily identifiable.

Walk-in Closets: Your Personal Boutique

Treating your closet like a boutique can make getting ready each day a pleasure. An organized, thoughtfully arranged closet can save time and stress.

• Rotate clothing seasonally: As the seasons change, so should your closet. Store out-of-season clothing in clearly labeled bins or under-bed storage to make room for current-season items.
• Use uniform hangers: A simple switch to matching hangers can instantly elevate your closet's appearance and allow clothes to hang neatly.
• Display accessories: Use hooks, shelves, or organizers to display accessories like jewelry, hats, and bags. This not only makes them easier to find but also adds a decorative element to your closet.
• Organize for efficiency: Keep often-used items in easy-to-reach spots to make dressing a breeze (and increase the odds of putting things away in an organized fashion). Seldom-used items can be placed on higher shelves, but try to make everything visible or, chances are, you won’t use it.

Spring cleaning is more than just a tradition; it's an opportunity to reset and refresh every corner of your home, creating a space that supports and nurtures your lifestyle. By tackling each room with a focused approach, you'll uncover not just a cleaner home, but a more serene and functional environment.

And remember, the key to successful spring cleaning isn’t just completing a list of tasks, but also maintaining these practices for lasting cleanliness and organization. So, embrace the opportunity to declutter, clean, and enjoy your home in its best light! Happy spring cleaning!