Here’s a task list for your fall cleaning. This is a VERY comprehensive list. You may not need to do everything on it (and you may not have time to do everything). Also, you don’t need to do everything yourself. You can divide chores as a family or even hire out for some tasks. Many house-cleaning services are willing to come in and do a one-time deep clean. Now, they charge a bit more for that than they do for regularly-scheduled cleaning, so be prepared. Also, the earlier you can request an appointment, the better. They will save dates closest to the holidays and prime times for their regular clients. The sooner you contact them, the more choice you are likely to have.

In all rooms:

• Dust mop, scrub, or vacuum floors and carpets.
• Move belongings and furniture and dust or sweep under them.
• Put all possessions where they actually belong.
• Clean mirrors.
• Launder or beat rugs.
• Dust baseboards, doorjambs, vents, and walls, especially corners.
• Vacuum, launder, dust, or dry clean window treatments as needed.
• Clean all lighting fixtures (vacuum shades, wash glass globes, etc.).
• Wash windows (inside and out).
• Replace batteries and test smoke detectors.

Bedrooms:

• Change linens.
• Fluff pillows.
• Launder blankets and comforters.
• Hang up clothes.
• Take summer clothes to be stored to the dry cleaner if necessary.
• Launder pillows and mattress pads.
• Flip or turn mattresses and vacuum box springs.
• Replace summer bedding with heavier comforters.

Living Room/Dining Room:

• Declutter as much as possible.
• Launder slipcovers and tablecloths.
• Vacuum sofa and chair cushions (including dining chairs).
• Designate a spot for mail and errand materials.
• Spot clean furniture.
• Polish wooden furniture.
• Clean fireplace.

Kitchen:

• Do all dishes and put them away.
• Clear and scrub countertops.
• Scrub stovetop.
• Clean oven.
• Scrub sink.
• Clean refrigerator. (That means tossing out the science experiments hidden in the back and scouring away the apple juice spills from last month.)
• Scrub cabinet fronts.
• Prune fridge art gallery.
• Match up plastic containers and discard the ones missing lids or bottom.

Bathroom(s):

• Scrub all fixtures.
• Wipe down shower walls.
• Wash shower curtain.
• Bleach shower liner.
• Empty medicine cabinet, discarding outdated medications and cosmetics. (Note:  Do NOT flush medicines. Many pharmacies and police stations provide containers for safe disposal.)
• Discard or donate any worn, stained, or torn linens or towels.  (Many animal rescue groups are happy to accept old towels, blankets, and sheets.)

I know, this is a lot. I typically allow 1-2 hours per room to do everything. Since I live in a small house, I can finish up in a weekend. I treat myself with a long, hot bath and takeout for dinner.

You can also tackle it in stages. First, you clear things and put things away. possibly doing a little bit each day. Once everything is decluttered, you can start laundering and mopping and dusting in a larger bloc of time. It will amaze you how much faster cleaning goes when you aren’t mopping and dusting around extra stuff!