Spring clean

[R00tat00tt00t]

As it's half term and we're pretty limited in what we can do out of the home just now, I've decided I'm going to attempt a proper spring clean/overhaul of our house. The house is generally messy due to DH & DC being at home throughout lockdown, loads of clutter in most rooms, some grubby/sticky areas on wooden dining chairs, carpets could do with a clean, few cupboards and drawers inc. kids clothes, would benefit from clear out etc etc. Problem is I don't know where to start and feel bit overwhelmed by it all. There's two of us so can split chores. Really hoping if we can sort it out this week we'll be able to keep on top of it from now on.
Looking for advice from those of you experienced in this sort of thing inc. lists and tips please...

www.theorganisedmum.blog/

For me a Spring clean would be:

Windows, inside and out
Doors and door frames
Skirting boards
Inside kitchen cupboards
Outside kitchen cupboards and on top of fridge/freezer
Curtains/blinds
Moving all furniture and cleaning under and around it
Upholstery cleaning
Cleaning rugs and carpets
Decluttering/organising things to ebay/charity shops
Going through wardrobe and sorting out clothes
Touching up paintwork
Getting repairs done
Taking things out of bookcases/cupboards, cleaning and reorganising
Descaling: kettles, washing machine, dishwasher
Dusting light bulbs and lampshades

I use soda crystals for washing things down like inside cupboards, skirting boards etc

I keep meaning to get around to this but cba. Best of luck

Wow! That's quite a list, think I'd better crack on...Thanks though; I'd not have thought about rescaling washing machine etc. I might need to come back with some questions on cleaning products and technique etc.
Also thanks for link above, I'll take a proper look at that too.

Just to add: I'm going to tackle one room at a time rather than have lots of half done jobs if you see what I mean.

We hired out the rug doctor and used it on our carpets and sofa. Would recommend it.

I'm about to write a spring clean to do list. It'll have each room of the house and jobs to do in that room. Then I'm just going to take it slow - a room a week probably.

The way I would tackle it is empty out all kitchen cupboards and clean, then clean outsides and floor with soda crystals and hot water. At the same time have two bags, one for charity and one for bin of items you no longer need.

I would then use soda crystals and hot water to clean all painted wood work such as doors and frames and skirting boards.

Use a duster for corners and cobwebs, light bulbs and shades.

I use Method for windows but you can use white vinegar and also use that for descaling (with bicarb) Put the washing machine on an empty wash with vinegar and soda crystals to clean it out and clean the drawer and outside with soda crystals and hot water.

You can use a magic sponge for marks on walls (be careful though as it can take paint or wood off) Then retouch paint if necessary.

Take down blinds and clean the slats.

Soda crystals and hot water cleans drains. I tip a bowl down the bath/toilet/sinks when I remember.

I really need to get around to this. I keep thinking it when I take something out of the kitchen cupboards that they could do with a thorough clean.

Contact Andrea at ‘the organised curator.com’, she done wonders for me! Email and phone advice on how to de clutter/ organise house in lockdown. She’s really kind & lovely

I wish thinking about all these jobs meant they were somehow magically done without any further effort. Sigh.

I like Flylady's way of doing a room. You start at the door and work around the room in one direction until you get back to the door. She suggests three boxes - throw away, give away, put away - as you go through each room. Throw away goes straight in the bin, give away straight in the car to go to the charity shop, and you try to keep on top of put away as you finish each room.

The other thing I'd suggest is to set a timer and take breaks. So maybe 45 minutes of sorting out and 15 minutes for a coffee, and put some music on to keep you going.

To be honest these things are much of a muchness, but if any of them motivate you, that's the main thing!

@JessieOh

I wish thinking about all these jobs meant they were somehow magically done without any further effort. Sigh.

I know. I like writing the lists and imagining how to do it and then I make another cup of tea and shut the doors.

I might do the drains later and while I'm using soda crystals do the doors, they could do with a clean...

Thanks for all the great practical suggestions everyone.
I've started with our bedroom with general declutter and clear out of my wardrobe (will leave DH to sort his own clothes out!). Chucked out a load of "meh" clothes and old bedding and separated summer clothes from winter. Just need to work out where to put the summer stuff for now? Will aim to clear this room today but leave cleaning til tomorrow. Will also whizz round entire house with bin bag chucking any random tat/junk I find. That'll make a good start...Good luck to anyone else starting on an epic task!

I use vacuum bags for storage:

www.lakeland.co.uk/around-the-home/clothes-and-shoe-care-and-storage/clothes-storage-bags-and-boxes/

Well done OP. You're inspiring me to get out some soda crystals.

Think I'll have to take a trip to the shops tomorrow to get some.

My very lazy addition to your sprightliness is to half arsedly put on my robo hoovers, put on the dishwasher, clean the mirrors in the bathroom and clean the sink, bath, tiles and toilet. I'm also doing the drains then will do the doors.

Those ones from lakeland are very good, I use those for winter bedding/duvets.

You're a bad influence OP. I'm meant to be watching the rugby!