When I married and moved to the country I discovered a new phenomenon called spring cleaning. Okay, truth be told I had already heard of spring cleaning. But not like this. Not like empty your entire room, clean it and put it back together again. That just seemed crazy! But 10 years later I can understand the need to majorly spring clean.
Dirty snow blowing around, dust from the fields and gravel roads flying, mud from rain boots coming in. I had no idea how dirty a windowsill could be till I moved to the farm. My spring cleaning today is most likely not quite up to the standard of some farm wives, but it still helps my house feel clean and fresh for the spring and summer months!
However there are three problems constantly getting in the way of me and a clean house:
{problem one} I am not the only one who lives in this house. Therefore what I clean usually stays clean for approximately 25 seconds.
{problem two} I now work out of my home. I thought this would mean my house would be cleaner than ever. Yeah right. It's never been so dirty.
{problem three} I get easily distracted when cleaning and start organizing.
And there is one important thing you should know about my house:
I've realized that cleaning is something I can let someone else do on occasion and it helps me be more productive in other areas of my life. So we hire someone once or twice a month to clean. I don't say that boastfully. But as a dose of honesty. I have decided I simply cannot do all of these different jobs right now at this phase of our life. And it is freeing to admit that.
Over the next two weeks I want to tackle what is left of spring cleaning at our house. I want my house to feel clean, and I don't want to be doing it when the weather is beautiful and I can be outside. If you are like me and you want to have a clean house but you find it hard to get done know that you are not alone! I have found that these tips help me get the most done in a little amount of time:
- A time limit. A set amount of time for cleaning that day. When the time is up, I'm done. It motivates me to work harder.
- A great playlist. Basically my workout playlist. It keeps me moving and nothing is better than singing and dancing while cleaning.
- Priorities. Decide what needs my attention the most and start there.
- A checklist. I need to see the big picture and know that I am making progress each day.
This year I decided to re-write my spring cleaning checklist and make it look a little nicer so that I can share it with all of you! If you would like the checklist sent to you simply sign up for our weekly newsletter and you will be sent the link to download the list. There are new printables available with the sign up. You will now receive the checklist and access to other printables!
The spring cleaning checklists includes what to clean and organize in your kitchen, bathroom, living spaces, bedrooms, and outside of your house. There are also simple cleaning solutions you can create at home so you do not have to go out and buy new cleaning products to get the job done! And most importantly there are checkboxes. Because we all need the satisfaction of checking it off the list.
To get the checklist:
- Sign up for the Friday newsletter here.
- Check your email inbox for an email asking you to confirm.
- Confirm your subscription and you will receive a second email thanking you. The second email contains the link to the printable.
If you have any other tips for getting spring cleaning done please share them in the comments section! I love it when we can learn from each other!
Happy cleaning,
Jean Brandt says
Truth be told most if not all farm wives get help, you are doing an awesome job of adapting to this life!
Becky says
Thanks Jean 🙂
Kathy says
I did not get the spring cleaning checklist. I got the responsibility chart…….
Becky says
Hey Kathy, sorry you couldn’t find it! If you follow the link for the responsibility chart you will find the spring cleaning checklist at the same spot. If you are still unable to find it please email me at becky@thedempsterlogbook.com and I will send it over right away. Thanks!
Laurie says
Thank you for sharing this week at Snickerdoodle Sunday! Pinned and tweeted to share.
Autumb says
I needed this today! Desperately need to spring clean, unmotivated! Thanks dor sharing!
Theresa @DearCreatives says
Really love the rock tray. Thanks for sharing at the Inspiration Spotlight party. Shared…
FrugalHausfrau says
What a great idea, and I know exactly what you mean by living in the country. Different areas can be so different in the amounts of dirt, debris, pollen, dust and bugs! I live in a lakehouse, for instance! Yikes!!
Thanks for the checklist and Thanks for linking up to us on Throwback Thursday!
Mollie