* As you create your organizing list, try to break each category down into small projects that could take 15 to 20 minutes to complete. Add those tasks to the Monthly Task List in your planner and schedule them into each day on your Prioritized Daily Task List. We’ve marked smaller items on this list with an asterisk, so you can find a quick way to make a difference even when your day is packed.

CATEGORIZE In most households, items that fall into the same category are stored in multiple places. Consider cleaning supplies, for example. Some are in the bathroom, some in the kitchen, and others are in the laundry room. By organizing all of your cleaning supplies at the same time regardless of location, you’ll be more efficient and won’t overlook something. The same idea applies to books, clothes, tools, or toys.

GATHER When everything is gathered in one place, it’s easier to assess what you’re missing, and what you can’t do without. In life, some things simply matter more than other things, and that’s good. These priorities enable us to discern essentials from waste. Gather your cleaning solutions, dusters, mops, and rags from every location in your home and sort them all at once. Then do the same with your books, and so on.

SORT Once you’ve gathered everything into one location, sort items into piles: things you’ll keep, sell, donate, or recycle. Look at each item individually and decide its fate. Be brutal in your assessment. The idea is to eliminate things you no longer value. If you have an outfit you don’t wear often, let it go to someone who will love it.

CLEAN AND RETURN Once you’ve made your decisions, clean the places where you found each item, return your favorite things to their proper place, and send the rest on. When you’re finished with the exercise, you may not have an entire room organized, but you will have assessed all of your books, for example, in your home. Ideally, you’ll have reduced the clutter significantly. Imagine how great that will feel.

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SPRING CLEANING CHECKLISTS

KEEP SELL

DONTATE RECYCLE

CLEAN

REFRESH YOUR HOME FOR SPRINGAs you prepare to make a fresh start this spring, consider the roles your home plays in your life. Home is where you eat, relax, prepare, create, entertain, listen, and serve. Each room has a purpose, but they often overlap. That means you have books, clothes, cleaning supplies, etc. in more than one place. This year, let’s focus our efforts on the roles your home serves rather than honing in on each room. Here are some suggestions.

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ANIMALS Dog And Cat Beds Leashes/Kennels Kitty Litter/Litter Boxes Pet Toys Bird Cages/Bird Seed Chicken Coop/Rabbit Hutches Hamster/Gerbil/Fish/Reptile and Other Domains Horses And Tack/Stalls, Corral Repairs Veterinary Records

CHILDREN’S SUPPLIES Toys Children’s Vehicles—Strollers, Wagons

Carriers, Slings, etc. Bottles, Formula, Baby Food Lunch Boxes School Supplies Musical Instruments Dance and Sporting Supplies Children’s Memorabilia Children’s Travel Necessities

CLEANING SUPPLIES Surface Cleaners—Countertops, Floors,

Glass, Sinks, Toilets, Bath Tubs* Laundry Detergents, Dish Soap* Spray bottles, Dusters, Rags, Scrubs, Sponges* Brooms, Mops, Buckets, Rubber Gloves*

CLOTHES Personal Clothing, Underclothing Seasonal and Stored Clothing Shoes Costumes Pajamas Aprons, Bibs

SPRING CLEANING CHECKLISTS

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ENTERTAINMENT Books, Magazines, Catalogs Movies Board Games Card Games Video Games Television Contracts Internet Access Smartphones, Tablets, Devices

FOOD AND COOKING Food Storage Barbeque and Outdoor Cooking Supplies Pantry Items Frozen Foods Fresh Fruit/Vegetables Spices Glassware Dinnerware, Plates, Bowls, Tumblers Baking Tins Pots and Pans Kitchen Utensils: Spatulas, Measuring Cups,

Rolling Pins, etc. Parchment Paper, Aluminum Foil, Plastic Wrap, Butcher Paper Sandwich Bags, Freezer Bags, Zip Close Bags Appliances, Mixers, Waffle Irons

FURNITURE/DÉCOR Baskets Pillows Picture Frames Vases Coasters Candles Exercise Equipment Mirrors Artwork Patio Furniture

Kitchen Tools

Kitchen Tools

OUTDOOR RECREATION Bicycles, Helmets Sporting Goods Camping and Hiking Equipment

PAPERS Utility Bills Business Expenses Medical Papers Travel Papers Children’s School Papers Tax Information Mail Greeting Cards Coupons Work-Related Paperwork Insurance EOBs

REST Bed Linens, Mattress Covers, Bed Skirts, Pillows Throw Pillows, Blankets, Comforters

(Remember the ones on your couches.)

TOOLS Paints, Spirits Fasteners, Screws, Nails Hammers, Saws/Blades, Drills/Bits Wrenches, Socket Sets, Screwdrivers Machinery Cables, Ropes, Straps Tape Measures* Batteries* Light Bulbs* Flash Lights* Scissors* Garden Tools* Ladders Garbage Cans* Car Wash Supplies*

GROOMING Towels Toilet Paper, Paper Towels, Wet Wipes* Hair—Shampoo, Conditioners, Hair Gel, etc. Hair Dryers, Curling Irons, Flat Irons, Curlers,

Brushes, Combs, etc.* Soaps and Skin Care Products Razors, Tweezers, Nail Trimmers, Hair Trimmers Sample/Travel Products Nail Care Perfume Lip Balms, Makeup Feminine Products Tooth Paste, Tooth Brushes, Floss First Aid Products (Bandages, Rubbing Alcohol,

Peroxides, Topical Ointments, etc.) Medications

HOBBIES AND INTERESTS Art Supplies, Canvases, Paper, Mediums, etc. Craft Supplies, paint, wood, scrapbooks,

stamps, etc. Music Collection Sheet Music Sewing, Knitting, Crochet, Cross-Stitch Supplies Photo Equipment, Drones Other

MEMORABILIA Photo Prints Photo Print Storage Photo Digital Storage Photo Digital Backup Photo Albums Cards Letters Scrapbooks School Mementos Wedding Mementos Souvenirs Stuffed Animals Awards/Trophies

SPRING CLEANING CHECKLISTS

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