In a nutshell, what is your spring cleaning ritual?

I clean my whole house. I call it my “stem to stern cleaning.” Essentially, I clear dust bunnies out of corners, shampoo carpets, change heavy winter curtains to bright white linens, repot household plants, and renew every room in my house. This year I’m even taking time off of work to tackle my larger projects!

Sounds like your projects are pretty in-depth. Tell us more.

I like to do projects that keep the house running smoothly, like cleaning the coffee pot by running vinegar through it. I also scrub my front steps and get my container garden inventoried. This year, I’m extending my cleaning projects to my pets and my car.

Your yearly cleaning sounds important to you. How did this ritual start?

When my husband and I got married, we merged our two households and had a lot of extra stuff. Since I grew up in a pack rat environment, the feeling of being surrounded by clutter really got to me. My husband and I believe that you either own your possessions or they own you. That philosophy really helped us purge our unnecessary items.

What do you do with all the stuff you get rid of?

My husband and I recycle. That means taking stuff to recycling centers, donating it to thrift shops, and selling it at yard sales.

Has your spring cleaning process evolved over the years?

It has definitely become a lot more involved! I used to sort through my closets and drawers. Now, I refresh our whole house. Repainting is my latest passion. I also rearrange and find new uses for old items. I want the whole house to feel different and new.

Do you have any spring cleaning tips?

Play music. Get out your favorite tunes and sing out loud while you’re cleaning.

Go natural. Expensive cleaning products really aren't necessary. Try washing mirrors with a wet cloth followed by a dry cloth or using baking soda as a countertop scrub. You don’t have to buy expensive cleaning products for every task. You can even search online for ways to do it naturally. Vinegar, baking soda, and hot water can get the job done.

Start small. If you start big, cleaning might feel overwhelming and cause you to rush. Instead, focus on doing one room at a time. This will give you a sense of accomplishment and a place to take breaks while you’re cleaning other rooms!

Pick strategic locations. Where do you spend most of your time? In your home office, your kitchen, your bedroom? Try organizing those places first.

Make a list. I make my list a few weeks before the “big clean.” It helps me prioritize. Plus, checking tasks off my list feels great!

In your opinion, what’s the ultimate benefit from spring cleaning?

For several months afterward, I’m able to relax more at home and I find it easier to focus on enjoyable activities like reading and taking walks. In addition to the feeling of accomplishment that comes from getting organized, I really love the sense of renewal. I find myself looking at my life through clearer eyes; I truly appreciate all that I have.