5 Ways to Jumpstart Spring Cleaning

5 ways to jumpstart spring cleaningSpring's almost here and with that, comes a little cleaning and household re-organization. From putting away the mittens and winter boots to cleaning the closet, it's time to switch things up. It's always a challenge to make everything work the way you intend, but with the right flow of the incoming and outgoing, it can happen. Here are a few ways to jumpstart spring cleaning now.










Catch them at the door
1. Catch them at the door
An organized entryway sets the tone for the entire house. Scandinavian stylist An-Magritt does it right in her mudroom by using storage bins tucked neatly underneath a bench. There's one bin for each family member's stuff - hats, mittens, backpacks, etc. The bench is also great for tying shoes and holding bulkier items, like bike helmets.

Related: 15 clever ways to organize with chalkboard paint


Turn a closet into an office
2. Turn a closet into an office
Organization experts say to have a spot near the front door to catch the incoming. An office in an entryway closet is the perfect place for this.The Container Store has an awesome elfa office in a closet set-up. It provides a comfortable work surface and storage for supplies. Even better, the door can be closed when the office isn't being used.
Get this office set-up


Manage incoming mail
3. Manage incoming mail
Don't let mail take over your home. If you set up a system for managing mail and commit to staying on top of it as soon as it arrives, you'll prevent the paper trail from covering your home's every surface. Also: You reduce your chance of being late on bills.
Get this letter tray

Related: 16 space-saving ideas for small bathrooms


Display a schedule
4. Display a schedule
A wall-mounted calendar in a common area, such as the kitchen or family room, is a great way to document each family member's schedule, resulting in less confusion about whose hockey game is on Saturday and who won't be available to babysit on Friday.
Get this wall-mounted calendar

Set up a collection basket
5. Set up a collection basket
Place a large basket near the most accessible door to collect library books, video rentals, mail, dry cleaning, and items to be donated or delivered. The next time someone is heading out to run errands, they can simply check the items in the basket. Likewise, set up a bin near the stairwell to collect items that need to go upstairs or downstairs.

- By Jan Halvarson

For 3 more ways to jumpstart spring cleaning, visit Babble!

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