The Spring Cleaning Checklist You’ll Actually Want to Use

Ah, spring cleaning—the time of year when we all pretend we’re excited to deep clean our homes, only to get distracted halfway through and end up reorganizing a junk drawer instead. If you’ve ever started with grand ambitions only to burn out by lunchtime, you’re not alone.

That’s why this isn’t just any spring cleaning checklist. This is the realistic, doable, non-overwhelming version—the one that won’t leave you regretting your life choices halfway through. So grab a cup of coffee (or something stronger), turn on some music, and let’s get started.

Step 1: Set Yourself Up for Success

Before we dive into the actual cleaning, let’s make life easier.

• Set a time limit – Don’t try to do everything in one day unless you thrive on exhaustion. Pick one room or task at a time and keep it manageable.
• Gather supplies – Nothing kills motivation faster than stopping every five minutes to look for the right cleaner. Stock up on trash bags, rags, disinfectant, and whatever else you need before you start.
• Make it fun – Put on a playlist, podcast, or audiobook. Reward yourself when you finish a section. Basically, trick yourself into enjoying it.

Step 2: The Room-by-Room Cleaning Guide

Kitchen: Where Old Spices Go to Die

• Tackle the fridge – Toss anything expired, wipe down the shelves, and question your life choices when you find a jar of pickles from 2021.
• Declutter the pantry – If you haven’t used that bag of quinoa in two years, you probably won’t. Donate it or toss it.
• Deep clean appliances – Wipe down the microwave (hello, mystery splatters), clean the oven, and finally scrub that coffee maker.
• Wipe down cabinets – They’ve seen some things. A good degreaser will work wonders.

Living Room: Goodbye, Dust Bunnies

• Dust everything – Ceiling fans, baseboards, light fixtures. If it hasn’t been dusted since Christmas, now’s the time.
• Vacuum or deep clean rugs and carpets – Especially if you have pets or kids who leave crumbs everywhere.
• Declutter shelves and surfaces – Keep what you love, donate what you don’t, and resist the urge to hoard decorative candles you never light.

Bedroom: Create a Peaceful Retreat

• Flip the mattress – Or at least rotate it. Your back will thank you.
• Wash pillows and bedding – Not just the pillowcases—the actual pillows. Yes, they need it.
• Declutter the closet – If you haven’t worn it in a year, do you really need it? Be ruthless.
• Organize nightstands – Get rid of the random receipts, tangled chargers, and half-used chapsticks.

Bathroom: Make It Feel Like a Spa

• Toss expired products – That face mask from three years ago? It’s time to let go.
• Scrub the shower and tub – Because nothing says “self-care” like a shower that doesn’t have soap scum.
• Wash bath mats and shower curtains – Yes, they get dirty too.
• Wipe down cabinets and organize toiletries – Keep only what you use. The rest is just clutter in disguise.

Laundry Room: The Forgotten Space

• Wipe down the washer and dryer – Lint and detergent buildup are real.
• Clean out the lint trap and vent – This one’s important for fire safety.
• Organize detergents and cleaning supplies – Keep it simple and easy to access.

Entryway & Car: The Bonus Round

• Declutter the entryway – Shoes, coats, random junk mail—it all adds up.
• Wipe down doorknobs and light switches – Germ magnets.
• Clean out the car – Because it’s basically a second home, and there’s probably a rogue French fry hiding somewhere.

Step 3: The Extras (For When You’re Feeling Ambitious)

If you still have energy left, tackle some next-level cleaning tasks:

• Wash windows – A little annoying, but so worth it.
• Clean out junk drawers – Because do you really need six half-used notepads and 14 random pens?
• Disinfect remote controls and phones – You don’t even want to know how dirty they are.

Step 4: Celebrate Your Success

Spring cleaning isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. Even if you only checked off a few things, your space is fresher, lighter, and a little more peaceful.

Now, kick up your feet, light one of those decorative candles, and enjoy your newly cleaned home. You earned it.

What’s your least favorite spring cleaning task? Let me know in the comments!