Two words that make many adults dread the onset of spring: spring cleaning.  You can ignore it; you can avoid it; you can delay it.  Ultimately, you need to face it.

Spring cleaning originated in an earlier era when people closed their houses for the winter, trapping the residue of wood or coal fires and gas lights in the house. Everything in the house would be covered in soot. When spring came, there was a real need to scrub everything clean. Now, the need for cleaning is less obvious, but it’s always a good idea to do a really thorough cleaning periodically. Also, there are some chores that are best left to the change of seasons (like switching out storm windows and screens or switching spring/summer and fall/winter wardrobes).

Spring cleaning is about opening the windows and letting the fresh air in (literaly!), getting rid of the clutter that has accumulated over a winter indoors, making room for summer activities, and setting a good base so that you don’t have to spend any unnecessary summer time doing household chores.

Things that seem cozy in the winter just seem crowded and confining in the summer. Instead of tripping over your winter things, you want summer clothes and equipment handy so that you don’t waste a moment getting outside.

I spend as much time outside as possible in the summer, so I want my housekeeping routine as simple as possible. It’s easier to keep up with things when I start with a clean and uncluttered living space.

Also, in the summer, friends are far more likely to stop by. In my neighborhood, people get out and walk (themselves and their dogs) in the summer and they’ll stop by and chat if I’m in my yard. I’d like my house to be tidy enough for me to invite them in if they’d like.