How to create a spring cleaning routine for your apartment

Organization, Apartment

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It’s been almost a year since I started to live by myself and overall it’s been a great experience. I love the freedom of organizing, decorating, and setting things up to my taste and if you have moved into a new apartment, maybe your first apartment I can definitely relate to your excitement.

At this time of the year which is the beginning of spring one very popular tradition is spring cleaning.

What is that you might ask?

I mean you clean your apartment usually, why do we have to make a big deal about cleaning in spring? Well, you see spring cleaning isn’t just your regular cleaning.

It’s a time to clean out all the dirt and gloom of the winter season and welcome the freshness of spring.  

Another reason why spring cleaning is a necessity is that we use different clothing items and home items in the wintertime to keep us warm and appeal to the theme of the really cold month. 

In the springtime, however, we use lighter clothes and shoes, even home items as well. For instance, you might use a thicker duvet/comforter in the winter month that might be too warm for the spring and you want to change it to a lighter one.

This is why spring cleaning is necessary. It helps you set aside dedicated time to clean your apartment thoroughly, put away winter items, and organize things so you can carry on your life with ease for the rest of spring.

This also prevents you from procrastinating cleaning at the end of winter.   

How to get started with spring cleaning?

There are four steps involved with having a thorough and successful spring cleaning:

  1. Making a plan
  2. Decluttering
  3. Deep cleaning
  4. Organizing

1. Making a plan

The first step in any successful spring cleaning is to make a plan. 

Take a look around your apartment and make note of areas that need attention. Consider creating a checklist or a schedule to keep yourself organized. 

This will help you avoid feeling overwhelmed and ensure that you don’t overlook anything important.

  • Make a plan according to your schedule and the amount of work you need to get done. Spring cleaning doesn’t have to be done in one day, you can spread it across several days or weekends to make it easier for you.
  • Before you start cleaning, make sure you have all the necessary supplies. You’ll need supplies like cleaning solutions, microfiber cloths, sponges, a mop, etc. 
  • Make a list of all you need and shop for them at once so you don’t procrastinate. 
  • If you’re using chemical cleaners, make sure to read the labels and follow the instructions carefully. Consider using non-toxic cleaning products that will promote the longevity of your items.

2. Declutter

The second step in spring cleaning is decluttering.

Even before you clean properly you need to declutter and get rid of things that are of no use or are in places you don’t need them to be anymore.

You can start decluttering by going through your things and getting rid of anything you no longer use or need. This includes clothes, shoes, books, and other household items. If you have items that are still in good condition, consider donating or selling them. 

Here are some decluttering tips to make creating your decluttering checklist a little easier.

  • Make a list of the areas in your apartment that need decluttering and prioritize them based on the level of clutter.
  • For items that are no longer useful, recycle or dispose of them properly. Getting rid of excess items will make it easier to clean and organize your space.
  • Take it one room at a time: Start with one room and work your way through each room until you’ve decluttered your entire apartment.
  • Sort items into piles: As you go through each room, sort your items into piles: keep, donate, sell, or throw away.
  • Get rid of seasonal items: Put away winter clothing, holiday decorations, and other seasonal items that you won’t need until next winter.
  • Donate or sell unused items: If you have items that are in good condition but you no longer need or use them, consider donating them to charity or selling them on sites like Poshmark.
  • Get rid of expired items: Check expiration dates on food, medicine, and other household products, and get rid of anything that is expired.
  • Tackle your paper clutter: Sort through your mail, bills, receipts, etc, and get rid of anything that is no longer needed. 

3. Deep clean

Spring cleaning is a time dedicated to cleaning out all the winter mess. Here's how to create a spring cleaning routine for your apartment.

Now that you’ve decluttered, it’s time to start deep cleaning. Start from a part of your apartment and work your way to the end. 

Pay extra attention to high-traffic areas and spots that are often overlooked, like behind the toilet or under the sink. 

A list of cleaning checklists you can use

  • Dust: Dust all surfaces in your apartment, including shelves, cabinets, and furniture. Don’t forget to clean the tops of ceiling fans, light fixtures, and window sills.
  • Clean the windows: Clean your windows inside and out, removing any dirt or grime that may have built up over the winter months.
  • Vacuum and sweep: Vacuum all carpets, rugs, and upholstery, and sweep or mop all hard floors. Be sure to move furniture and clean it underneath and behind it.
  • Clean the kitchen: Clean your kitchen thoroughly, including appliances, cabinets, and countertops. Pay special attention to the oven, stove, and microwave, which may have accumulated grease and grime.
  • Scrub the bathroom: Deep clean your bathroom, including the shower, bathtub, toilet, and sink. Use a disinfectant to kill any bacteria and germs that may have accumulated.
  • Clean the walls: Wipe down walls, paying attention to areas that may have accumulated dirt or scuff marks.
  • Wash bedding and linens: Wash all bedding, towels, and linens, including blankets and throw pillows.
  • Vacuum upholstered furniture: Use a vacuum attachment to clean all upholstered furniture thoroughly, removing any dirt, dust, or pet hair that may have accumulated.

Other things you could forget to clean

  • Don’t forget to clean your electronics: Dust and debris can accumulate on your electronics, so make sure to clean your TV, computer, and other devices.
  • Clean your air filters: A dirty air filter can affect the air quality in your home. Make sure to clean or replace your air filters regularly.
  • Clean your blinds and curtains: Dust and allergens can accumulate on blinds and curtains, so make sure to clean them thoroughly.
  • Clean your mattresses and pillows: Mattresses and pillows can collect dust mites and other allergens, so make sure to vacuum and clean them regularly.

4. Organizing

After you’ve deep cleaned, it’s time to start organizing. This is the part I find the most fun.

This organizing process can range from rearranging furniture to reorganizing your closets and cabinets. 

Labeling your storage containers can make it super easy to sort things out, easily find stuff you are looking for and place them back when you’re done with them.

You can organize your closets, drawers, and storage areas by using bins, baskets, and dividers. This will make it easier to avoid clutter in the future.

If you need a more structured system you can check out this workbook:

BUY ON AMAZON

It’s got over 100 checklists and worksheets to help you keep declutter and organize every part of your apartment or home.

You might like these other posts on organization:

A few more tips to remember for an easier spring cleaning experience

  • Set realistic goals: Don’t try to tackle everything at once. Break your cleaning tasks into manageable chunks and set a realistic timeline for completing them.
  • Prioritize your cleaning tasks: Start with the areas that need the most attention, such as high-traffic areas, bathrooms, and kitchens.
  • Make the process more enjoyable so it feels less daunting like using exciting cleaning products or listening to your favorite music when you clean.
  • Involve your roommate or loved ones: If you live with roommates, family members, or a significant other, involve them in your spring cleaning process. You can assign some tasks to them to take some burden off your shoulders.

Ready to establish a superb spring cleaning routine?

There you have it! You have made it to the end of this post on How to create a spring cleaning routine for your new apartment. Some of the tips listed will make it super easy for you to create your own checklist and make the entire process much easier for you.

I hope you have a good time Spring cleaning your apartment!

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