With spring almost here, many of us are considering shaking off the last throes of winter and starting the refreshing task of cleaning up the place.  Spring cleaning always seems like a great idea – and a time for renewal - until you actually get started. Then quite often it turns out to be more work than expected!

The good news is, there are proven techniques to make the job easier so you can get it done faster. Here are a few suggestions to get you going:

• Before you start spring cleaning, make sure you have everything you need: hammer and other tools, storage boxes, tape, garbage bags, cleaning supplies, etc. Think of what you’ll need on hand, and the tools that will make each task easier. You don’t want to be wasting time making frequent trips to the store.
• For heavier objects, like furniture for instance, consider renting a small moving trolley (AKA hand truck) that will make it much easier to move your heavy stuff around as you’re cleaning. Most local home improvement centres rent these.
• Plan how you’re going to dispose of garbage and old, rundown stuff. Note the location of your local garbage disposal site and its hours of operation.
• Find out where you can donate clothes, toys, furniture, and other items that are still in good repair but unwanted or needed.
• Divide your spring cleaning tasks into ‘heavy work’ and ‘light work’, and then do the heavy work first, such as moving furniture, reorganizing rooms, etc. When you’ve completed the heavy stuff, then you can dive into the ‘light work’, which is typically things like packing boxes, tidying, and sweeping.
• Consider getting help, especially if you really do have a lot to clean up. There are many services available that will assist with cleaning, painting, junk removal, repairs, and more. You can even hire a student to assist you for a weekend.

Spring cleaning can be a big project, but these tips can help you get it done easier and faster. And, keep in mind that if you’re thinking of selling this year, getting the spring cleaning done early will be a big plus.