30 | Set Yourself Up for Spring Cleaning

Spring is just around the corner, and with it comes the urge to refresh and reset our homes. There’s something about the change in seasons that makes us want to clear out the old, scrub everything down, and create a space that feels fresh and inviting.

But let’s be honest—when you start thinking about everything you could do for spring cleaning, it can feel like an impossible task. Life is already busy, and the idea of deep-cleaning your entire home from top to bottom can quickly become overwhelming.

In this post, I’m sharing a realistic approach to spring cleaning that works for you, not against you. Whether you have ADHD, a packed schedule, or just need a little direction on where to start, these strategies will help you prioritize, declutter, and clean without the burnout.

Spring Cleaning with ADHD—Why It’s Different

The idea of a fresh start is exciting, but actually following through? That’s a whole different challenge—especially for those of us with ADHD.

If you’re anything like me, you might:

  • Hyperfocus on one area and burn out.

  • Start strong but leave half-finished projects scattered around the house.

  • Get stuck in decision fatigue, overthinking what to keep, toss, or donate.

The key is to make spring cleaning doable, not perfect.

How to Prioritize Without the Overwhelm

I recently heard a fantastic strategy on The Business Edit Podcast with Jade Boyd and Anna Dearmon Kornick that completely changed the way I look at my to-do list. Instead of looking at one big, never-ending list, break tasks down into four categories:

  • Must Do: Essential tasks that need to get done (like washing sheets, vacuuming, or deep-cleaning the kitchen).

  • Should Do: Important but not urgent tasks (like organizing a closet or decluttering a junk drawer).

  • Could Do: Nice-to-have tasks (like dusting baseboards or deep-cleaning under furniture).

  • Want to Do: Things that bring you joy but aren’t necessary (like switching up your home decor).

Start with your Must Do list. Once you check those off, reassess what’s next. By taking this approach, you’ll stay focused on what actually needs to get done rather than jumping from one half-finished project to another.

My Favorite Spring Cleaning Products

Let’s keep it simple—you don’t need a million different products to get your home clean. Here are a few of my absolute favorites that get the job done:

Powdered Tide – A powerhouse cleaner that works wonders on nearly everything.
Mr. Clean Spray – Cuts through grime and grease and everything in between.
Clorox Bathroom Cleaner – Because a clean bathroom just feels better.

Want more cleaning tips? I highly recommend following @gocleanco for some serious cleaning inspiration.

Cleaning Tools That Make My Life Easier

A few key tools can make all the difference in your cleaning routine. Here are my go-to favorites:

Carbon Microfiber Cloths
Stick Vacuum
Bissell Zing
Regular Vacuum
Steam Cleaner
Spin Scrubber
O Cedar Mop Bucket
Tineco

Bonus Tip: Use a Catch-All Basket! When you’re cleaning, keep a basket with you to toss in items that don’t belong in that room. It makes tidying up so much easier.

Final Thoughts

Spring cleaning doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. By taking a realistic, step-by-step approach, you can refresh your home without the stress.

Let me know in the comments—what’s one space you actually feel excited to clean this spring?

Download The Decide Guide here - A room by room resource to help you decide what to keep and what to let go of. Includes 23 micro spaces in your home with over 150 questions.

CLARITY ON CALL IS NOW OPEN - a 4-week virtual organizing experience that gives you direct Voxer access to me as your own professional organizer, providing personalized guidance, customized to-do lists, and space planning strategies—all at your own pace, so you can create a realistic, functional home that works for you.

Follow me on Instagram @megansmithstressless

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32 | Talk the Talk, Walk the Walk: How I'm Rebalancing Right Now

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16 | ADHD Got the Best of Me: How I Lost Our Family’s Important Documents