Spring cleaning checklist

Nothing gets spring off to a good start like a thorough spring cleaning. After these major chores are done, you'll just have to do the smaller ones on a weekly basis for upkeep.

Here are the big jobs to tackle:

• Wash windows
• Vacuum window screens
• Wash draperies, blinds and shades
• Wash floors
• Vacuum and clean carpets
• Move furniture and appliances to clean and vacuum beneath them
• Dust all knick-knacks and books
• Clean light fixtures and lampshades
• Dust cobwebs out of corners on the floor and ceiling
• Wash all bedding, including mattress pads and bed skirts
• Clean your oven
• Clean and organize your closets
• Store winter clothes away, replace with your spring and summer clothes
• Give items you no longer want to a local charity
• Sort and clean the cupboards and drawers in your kitchen and bathrooms
• Organize your media collections
• Sort through any leftover piles of mail and file important papers
• Donate books you no longer want to a local library
• See if a nearby hospital or nursing home would like your magazines

Head outside for more:

Once you've tackled the indoor tasks, it's time to give your home a spring checkup on the outside. Then you can relax and enjoy your spring and summer!