The flowers are blooming and sky is finally blue! If you're like me, these are my signals for a top to bottom cleaning and organizing session. If you're thinking about selling your home in the coming months - or even if you're not - this checklist can help you get your home clean and ready for the year ahead!
Exterior
Trim lawn, shrubs, trees, and around sidewalks
Put away bikes, toys, tools
Clean or paint front door
Place a pot of flowers next to the door
Fix the doorbell
Keep walks clear of ice, snow, leaves
Replace burnt out light bulbs
Throughout the House
Shampoo carpets, wax floors
Wash windows, clean blinds
Create space. Scale down collectibles and family photos
Organize closets and cupboards
Pack and store unused items
Remove bugs and cobwebs from light fixtures and corners of rooms
Wash and touch up paint as needed on doors and walls, particularly knobs and switches
Kitchen
Keep countertops clear
Polish appliances, do not use refrigerator as a bulletin board
Clean the oven and degrease the fan hood
Clean and organize cabinets
Keep the sink and faucet shining
Basement
Brighten the walls and floors with paint
Clean the outside of the water heater and furnace, replace furnace filter
Put in bright overhead lights
Make Repairs
Replace washers on leaky faucets
Oil squeaky hinges, nail down squeaky floor boards and steps
Wax sticky drawers
Put sliding doors on track
Replace broken windows
Replace torn screens
Living Areas
Keep drapes and blinds open
Arrange furniture to maximize space and flow of traffic
Hang a mirror where it will reflect outdoor light to add dimension
Remove ashes from the fireplace; set logs in the winter, place green or flowering plant on the hearth in the summer
Bathrooms
Polish fixtures and mirrors
Wash the shower curtain
Repair, caulk, and clean grout
Hang towels neatly
Put away cosmetics and hair appliances
Keep the toilet clean and the lid down
Garage
Sweep the floor, clean oil stains left from cars
Remove cobwebs
Hang tools or place them on shelves
Replace bulbs, make sure electronic garage door opener works