While I don’t ever fully believe winter is gone in Indiana until at least mid May, I’ve got a springtime itch. I’m ready to throw open the windows and let the sunshine stream in. And I’m ready to begin some spring cleaning on a budget, of course! After all, it’s a wonderful time of the year to do some deep cleaning, purging, and rearranging. But if you’re like me and can’t seem to find time to get the regular weekly jobs done, this can feel daunting. Plus cleaning and organizing sometimes can bring along unseen expenses. Use these budget smart spring cleaning tips to begin well this year.
Don’t Buy Anything (Yet)
While it may sound like a great idea to run out and purchase new towels or throw pillows, slow down. Those items are the finish line reward, not essentials to purchase before you even begin. The same goes for cleaning supplies. Before you hit the aisles or open the Amazon app on your phone, take an inventory of the products you already have. You may even want to begin by organizing those products first. Be sure to go on a scavenger hunt throughout your home to find all of the different products. Gather them together in one spot. Toss any empty bottles into the recycling bin. And then redistribute the cleaning products back into their “homes.” Build a list of items you may need to purchase or replace.
Start Small
As with anything in life, beginning small is the best way to encourage future success. So rather than cleaning out an entire closet, focus on cleaning one shelf. Or choose to clean out your refrigerator door instead of the entire pantry. Choose one micro project each day for a set period of days – maybe a week or maybe even a month. Aim for tasks that can be completed within a twenty minute timeframe. Biting off more than we can chew leads to burn out and a half dozen unfinished projects. Start small.
Distract Yourself
I don’t know that I’d ever get anything done around the house if it weren’t for podcasts and audiobooks. Typically, I save the time I spend listening to both for the chores I like to do the least. Popping in my headphones and getting drawn into a good conversation or story allows me to escape and do those less than fun tasks. So whether it’s chatting on the phone with a friend or losing yourself in a classic tale, find a way to listen while you work making the time and tasks pass more quickly.
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Build a Room-by-Room Dream List
Sometimes dreaming big about what a space could look like helps you get through the work it takes to get there. Go room to room and create a punch list of what needs to be done each room. Think basics: decluttering, replacing light bulbs, and scrubbing surfaces. And then build out a dream list of what you’d like to do someday in that same space. This list will likely include more labor intensive or expensive projects like painting, purchasing furniture, or replacing fixtures in a space.
Make Your Own Cleaners or Borrow Equipment
You can save a bundle by choosing to make your own cleaners using basic ingredients like white vinegar, baking soda, and Borax. Over the years, I’ve used these ingredients to clean everything from jewelry to my washing machine. In addition to making your own cleaners, it’s also wise to borrow equipment like carpet cleaners when you can instead of purchasing them. Check out a few of the links below for more ideas:
- 5 Quick & Easy D.I.Y. Household Cleaners
- 5 Easy Homemade Cleaners You Can Make!
- Save Money Washing Dishes PLUS D.I.Y. Dishwasher Detergent
- 5 Quick, Easy, & Cheap Cleaning Hacks
- 7 Frugal Cleaning Products You Need This Spring
Spring is on its way. Throw open the curtains and begin to rethink your space without rushing into purchases you regret. Do the hard work of cleaning up to reset your home for a new season.
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