If I start from a basically tidy house, I can do a basic spring cleaning of my 850 square foot in about 10 hours. (See, there’s another reason to live in a small house!)

• If possible, pick an extended bloc of time for your cleaning and schedule it in pen.  I usually block out most of a weekend. If you have a big house or if you are starting from disorder, you may need to schedule more time. If necessary, you can do your spring cleaning a few hours at a time. That’s what I’ll be doing this year.
• In advance of your cleaning dates, do your best to lay the groundwork by doing basic tidying: Hang up clothes; do laundry; put things where they actually belong; do the nagging little errands you’ve been putting off.  Spending 30 minutes a day can make a huge difference.
• Make sure you have sufficient cleaning supplies on hand.
• Get everyone in the family involved.  Everyone can do something.
• The first nice day that you will be home, open all the windows and let fresh air flood your house.
• Don’t forget the yard.  If you maintain your own lawn, you may need to spruce that up as well.
• Decide how you will reward yourself when you are done.