Start by listing every room in the house, including the utility room, laundry room, and closets, and think through tasks like baseboards, walls, windows, curtains, and furniture you'll need to move to clean behind and underneath. If all you do is shuffle piles of stuff around to clean, your things end up cleaner but your space doesn't necessarily feel any better — declutter and organize before you start cleaning in earnest.
Two Smart Ways to Start Your Spring Cleaning
It's time to start thinking about spring cleaning. Spring is a season of rebirth and renewal, and the fresh air and greenery outdoors make us want to prettify our indoor spaces too — even though the mere thought of spring cleaning can feel overwhelming. Over the next few issues, we'll feature hints to help make it easier.
Declutter Before You Clean
Start From the Top Down
Cleaning from the ceiling down forces debris downward, so you're not re-dusting or re-cleaning the same spots twice. If you have a vacuum with a long extension hose, use it to clear cobwebs and dust from ceilings and fans first, then dust furniture and other items before finally vacuuming the floors.
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This edition is part of the Genius House Hacks archive — 20+ years of tips, rebuilt from the original Handy Hints newsletter. Browse more hacks →