This post is sponsored by Kimberly-Clark and The Motherhood.
Just the other day I asked my Facebook page readers “If you had to live in one season for the rest of your life, what season would it be?”. It was no surprise to me that Spring was chosen time and time again. There is something about Spring that is just breathtaking. As the weather warms up it seems like everything comes alive again. The birds are chirping, the grass is growing, flowers are blooming and even the people seem peppier.
Spring feels like a clean slate, the perfect time to start fresh. In preparation for Spring Cleaning I’ve been de-cluttering as much as I can. I’m not de-cluttering just because its Spring though, with the latest addition to our family we can use all the room we can get. Since we have another little one in our family I’m constantly on borrowed time. How much time before my three year old is no longer occupied? How much time before my almost 2 month old wakes up? What can I do with both of them around?
1. Have a game-plan and be prepared. Know what tasks you need to get done, know the order in which you’re doing it and make sure you have everything you need to check things off your list. Head to Walmart and grab everything you need before you get started. This will ensure no “quick” trips to the store because when you have kids to bring along, there is no such thing as quick. Another tip? Stock up on all of your paper products like Cottonelle or Scott toilet paper and Viva Towels so that when you’re cleaning and organizing you know that you’ve left enough place for storage.
2. Meet all their basic needs. There is nothing worse than being right smack in the middle of a project like de-cluttering the kitchen cabinets or deep cleaning the bathroom when your child needs something. Before you get started make sure diapers are changed, bathroom trips are made, they have a drink ready and their bellies are full. Bonus? Spend some quality time with them by playing or reading to them. They will be way less likely to need something if all their needs are met.
3. Carry your supplies from room to room. When you’re on borrowed time, you don’t have time to go from room to room because you forgot your paper towels, or your all purpose cleaner. Keep everything together in a storage caddy. This will help you long after “Spring Cleaning” is done too.
What’s in my bucket?
- All Purpose Cleaner
- All Purpose Cleaner Concentrate
- Viva® Towels
- Viva® Vantage®
- Glass Cleaner
- Essential Oils
- Gloves
I carry two rolls of paper towels with me because 1) I never want to run out 2) because while either one could handle any job sometimes one is better suited than the other for the task at hand. Viva® Vantage® has a terrycloth like texture great for scrubbing while Viva® Towels are soft and smooth like your undershirt.
4. Let the kids help. This may be a tough one especially if you have a bit of a Type-A personality and want to get it done perfectly but you *need* to let them help with age appropriate tasks. We use as many green and all natural cleaning products so I always feel confidant letting my kids help in that arena. While you’re doing other things give them an easy task, like cleaning the baseboards or cleaning the windows or doors with Viva® Towels. Working on their room? Let them help get rid of those toys they no longer need or love. Explain to them why you’re getting rid of them and where they’re headed (maybe to a local shelter?).
5. Keep them occupied. Kids done with their task for the designated room? Still have stuff that you need to get done? Prepare by having an activity they can do in safe space in the living room or in the room they’re in. Sensory buckets are a wonderful idea for this task. Lately my daughter has been very into sand so that’s something that I’ll have her do while I’m going through the kitchen drawers. Under one? Babywearing is how I get things done with Emilia.
6. Rome wasn’t built in a day and spring cleaning with kids around won’t happen in a day either. If you think you’re going to get it all done in a day or two with small children, think again. My number one tip for de-cluttering and spring cleaning is simple, do what you can when you can and don’t expect to be finished in a day.
What’s on your Spring Cleaning to do list?
My main areas of focus are the kids room, their toys and the kitchen. It’s not a fun job, but someone’s got to do it and I know we’ll all feel so much lighter once it’s all said and done!
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