A Real-Life Spring Cleaning Checklist You Can Actually Complete
You’ve probably seen a million spring cleaning checklists by now, and if you’re anything like me, you might have started a few… and then quit halfway because it just felt like too much. This home cleaning checklist is different because it focuses on small, doable steps that build into big shifts, in your space and in your energy. This is a spring cleaning list you can actually finish, so you can feel accomplished, lighter, and ready to welcome fresh, flowing energy into your home and life. (There is a printable spring cleaning list included)
What is Spring Cleaning?
Spring cleaning is basically that reset moment for your home and your life. It’s when you open the windows, let the fresh air in, and clear out all the stuff that’s been piling up. It’s not about making your house perfect; it’s about creating a space that feels lighter, calmer, and easier to live in day to day. For me, it’s like hitting the refresh button on my home and my mindset at the same time.
When is Spring Cleaning?
Spring cleaning usually happens when the seasons start to shift from winter into spring. There’s no exact date, though. Some people start in early spring, some wait until it actually feels like spring outside, and some just do it whenever they feel ready for a reset. The best time for spring cleaning is honestly whenever you feel that little urge to open the windows and start fresh.
Spring cleaning doesn’t have to be some huge, exhausting project you dread all year. When you break it down into simple, manageable steps, it can actually feel really refreshing. That’s exactly why I put together this checklist, to help you clean and reset your space in a way that feels doable, not overwhelming.
My Simple Spring Cleaning Checklist That Actually Gets Done
This checklist is made for real life, busy days, kids, work, low-energy days, all of it. Focus on small wins that add up to a home that feels lighter, calmer, and ready for a fresh season. I have chosen simple, tasks that add up to a big reward at the end.
I have made the list 1 task per day for 14 days but you can work through this list at your own pace. There’s no rush and no “perfect” way to do this. The goal is simply to make progress and create a home that feels good to live in. Start wherever feels easiest, turn on some music, open a window if you can, and just take the first small step.
Spring Cleaning List
Day 1- Deep clean the refrigerator and freezer
Clean all the drawers and shelves, throw away expired food, organize. You can find great organizational tools for your fridge online.
Day 2- Get under the couches and cushions
This might seem like an area that won’t make much of an impact, but it really gets the energy flowing. Vacuum and clean out all the dust and crumbs from these areas and watch how clean the area feels after.
Day 3- Clean out all the pantries and food cabinets
Organize the pantry, throw away any expired foods and clean the surfaces. I love using glass containers in my pantry to help me see everything and use it before it expires. I love keeping a well stocked pantry– so going through everything regularly is a must.
Day 5- Hall closets
Organize and clean out all the hall closets. Donate things that you haven’t used in awhile. Make space for new!
Day 5- Clean all bookshelves and any other shelves in the home
Dust, wipe down, donate things you no longer need or want. Organize the books or things on the shelves and create new beautiful areas in the home. Maybe get yourself a new book!
Day 6- Clean all light fixtures in the home,
Wipe them down, get the bugs out, dust and replace any bulbs. While your at it, switch out your LED lights for calmer incandescent lights to help your nervous system. Oh, and clean them ceiling fans too!
Day 7- REST!
You have been working hard a deserve a day of rest.
PIN THIS FOR LATER!
Day 8- Your Nightstand
Next up on the spring cleaning checklist is clean out your nightstand. Get rid of any junk, make it pretty inside and wipe it all down.
Day 9- Clean out Bedroom Closets
We already did the hall closets and now it’s time to move onto the bedroom closets. Get rid of any clothes that don’t fit or just don’t feel like you anymore. Get rid of that old energy. Be sure to vacuum and dust too.
Day 10- Kitchen Cabinets and Drawers
Now is the time to clean and organize all the kitchen cabinets and drawers. Give everything a dedicated space and get rid of items that you don’t use anymore. Be sure to wipe down the inside and outside of all the cabinets and drawers too.
Day 11 and 12- Clean the porches and front yard
There are 2 days dedicated to this spring cleaning list item because this one could take awhile! Clean up and sweep off the porches, wipe down any areas that are dirty. You can donate anything that you don’t use and throw away any old junk. Maybe even grab yourself a cute spring mat for the porch.
Day 13 and 14- Wipe down Walls and baseboards
You made it to the last day of the spring cleaning challenge! Congrats! Wipe down all the walls and baseboards in your home, if you have kids like I do, the walls get dirty really fast. I like to use a spin mop for this, it works AMAZING! So much easier that wiping by hand and way quicker too. The spin mop gets so much of the water out of the mop so it is not too wet for the walls.
Printable Cleaning Checklist
Spring cleaning is really just giving yourself and your home a fresh start (and we all need that sometimes). I made a printable spring cleaning checklist (click to download) to help you keep it simple and stay focused without feeling overwhelmed. Something you can stick on the fridge, check off each day, and actually feel proud of when you’re done.
Spring Cleaning Tips To Make Cleaning Feel Like fun
- Use non-toxic or natural cleaning products when you can
Much better for your home and the air you breathe. I like to buy non toxic eco friendly products from vitacost. - Open windows while you clean
This helps move out stale air and bring in fresh energy. - Play music or a podcast
Make cleaning feel less like a chore and more like fun. - Work with the natural light
Cleaning during the day helps you see dust and boosts motivation. - Keep a “relocate basket”
This is for items that belong in other rooms so you don’t get distracted. - Light a candle or diffuse something fresh after cleaning
Your home will feel finished and reset.
I’d love to hear how the spring cleaning checklist helped you- let me know in the comments below.