Spring forward!

Officially here in a couple of days, we Montrealais had a taste of Spring earlier this week, and it was glorious! What a difference a few rays can make. My step felt lighter and suddenly the day felt full of promise.

Although I had to admit that the feeling faded slightly (only slightly though, I love springtime) when I came home and encountered the spring sunlight trying to battle it's way through winter-wrapped window panes. Yes, you all know what I'm talking about (well some of you will I'm sure...It can't ONLY be me can it?) Grimy windows!

 But, there has to be reason why our grandmothers termed the phrase “Spring cleaning”. So to be able to fully appreciate the lovely balmy days ahead, let's get prepared now!..

Make a list. I love lists: I don't always follow them, but when I do I mark them off boldly with each achievement and I feel so...performant! Identify all those jobs that have been hiding away over the “off season” and no shirking! You know what's to tackle, and writing it down increases the chance of you doing it by at least...a 100%.

Don't miss anything out: under the beds (urgh, as the proud Mum of 3 boys, even the writing the words “under the beds” fills me with dread...) the shoe cupboard (which doubles as the equivalent of the school's “lost property cupboard” in our house), the laundry room (ditto...) and THE HOME OFFICE!! I swear I'm leaving arrows this year, so the search team can get to me in time!

So if this in any way resembles your home life read on...

Once your list is made (and don't forget to add a couple of male-related jobs: the car, the storage room , the garage...) start to put names beside tasks. See, you feel better already! I love delegating...

Then start the second list: the shopping list.

Grab a trolley and start trawling the cleaning aisles. It's the only time of the year that I get to check out the new “house sprucing” products that have emerged onto the market since last years's “Spring Clean”. So, indulge! Add a quirky pair of rubber gloves to the pile, or one of those trendy brooms in zebra print, because who says cleaning shouldn't be fun? But remember to add a “male friendly” alternative, 'cos he'll never, ever help out in pink, fur trimmed rubber gloves, and grab a pair each for any children you may have access to...because the more the merrier when it comes to a big cleaning attack!

Try to afford everything that makes your life easier: that's another reason to start planning now, you can spread the cost over the next couple of shopping trips if needed.

Plan to replace old material now: There's really no point cleaning surfaces with grubby “tools”, and I always find chores are easier when I'm using fresh equipment. There's some clever mop systems on the shelves at the moment that you can fill with your own mix of products, and they'll pay for themselves over the year.

Choose more specific products: multifunctional sprays and liquids are fine for the every day “swipes”, but when you're getting down and dirty, choose the product made for the job in hand. You'll get it done faster, and the resulting shine will make it all worth it. Check out the earth friendly ranges that are starting to get as efficient in cutting through grime, as they are soft on the environment.

So although I hate cleaning, Springtime is the one time I don't mind getting on my rubber gloves, getting out the heavy duty bin bags (oh, yes, it's THE moment to de-clutter) and sorting our my home.

Consider it as a way to “clean out your life”. And it is true what they say, “honest, physical work makes you feel better”! So look forward to the act of Spring cleaning, after all it's what our parents, grandparents, and theirs before them have been doing for generations!

Ps. We're sharing more Spring Cleaning Tips in design at distance...the blog during the course of next week. Keep posted!