It's time to Spring clean! It is that time of the year that we give our homes a refresh which typically includes deep cleaning, and de-cluttering. After the long winter months, our home is really in need of a breath of fresh air. But where should you start and how much time will it take? Does your home just need some cleaning or do you have repairs to make? All questions we ask ourselves year after year as Spring approaches.

Spring cleaning doesn't have to be stressful. A few time and money saving steps, can make this year's Spring overhaul a lot less stressful and less expensive. Read on for a few time and money saving tips that will help get your home Spring fresh in no time!

Start by making a plan

The first thing I do before I began my annual Spring cleaning projects, is to make a plan. Step one is to take pictures of every room or area in my home, and any exterior areas that I know I will need to address. I also take measurements so that way as I'm preparing my list I will have all of that information at my fingertips when I need it. Next I start to assemble my Spring cleaning to-do binder. The binder will include the photos and measurements and a detailed list of all of the updates, cleaning or makeover projects I would like to accomplish with the current year's Spring refresh. After my list is compiled, I will do some shopping on line for a few ideas and do a little research on the prices of any purchases I plan to make. And I always include any coupons or sales that will help me stay on budget. Then I set up the itinerary, and timeline so that I can get everything done on time and in an orderly fashion.

Start with the cleaning and de-cluttering first

Once my plan is put together I always start with the cleaning and De-cluttering projects first. It always easier to do any planned makeovers, once you have a cleaned and organized area to work in. I typically start by cleaning and organizing the closets and storage areas. Then I go room to room, clearing out unused items and clutter, and deep cleaning every surface. One of my favorite cleaning products to use during this process is Murphy's Oil Soap. The smell is wonderful and long lasting and it can be used on multiple surfaces. I use it in a spray bottle mixed with a little water on surfaces such as furniture, walls and baseboards and I can also use it to mop my floors. Next I tackle the bathrooms and flip the mattresses in all the bedrooms and change the linen. Then it's on to the windows (inside and out) including the blinds. I change the curtains typically to lighter fabric, or wash or replace those I will keep or have grown tired of. Next I head outside, and with the help of a family member or two, we clear away all the leaves and debris that have collected through the fall and winter. I remove the covers from the patio furniture, scrub the furniture down and then wash the pillows to get everything ready for Spring and Summer entertaining. This is also a good time to clean your grill and maybe replace the grill cover if needed. Then it's time to clean and organize the garage and storage shed, before revisiting any home decor updates such as rearranging or replacing furniture, changing out toss pillows, etc. and touching up paint where and if needed. The last thing I do is fill a few vases with fresh flowers to add that final touch of Spring to every room in my home. Spring cleaning may seem like a daunting task. But you can do it if you have a plan!

More Tips

Visit the Dollar Store Visit your local Dollar Store

Don't be afraid to visit your local dollar store. If you haven't been to one in a while, most locations are now fully stocked with affordable organization needs such as storage bins and cleaning supplies to help you stay on budget for this year's Spring cleaning chores.

Spend Less

Coupon Clipping Clip coupons and catch those sales!

Don't throw away those local sales flyers until see what's on sale and if there are any coupons you can clip. Check your email and visit a few websites, and soon you may have a collection of coupons to help you save on some of those Spring cleaning needs.

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De-clutter and Donate De-clutter the smart way-Donate!

If you haven't used something in several seasons, why hold on to it? You can toss in the trash or better still, help out those in need by donating your unused items. Contact your local thrift shop to see what kinds of items they accepting.

Give More