Finally the weather is starting to brighten up and it’s getting warm enough to open the windows and let in the fresh air.  At this time of year many people take the opportunity to freshen up the whole house with a Spring Clean. 

Clear the Decks
It is far easier to sweep up and mop out if there is no clutter on the floor so that is the obvious first move. 

Start at the Top
Wipe down the highest surfaces first, all the bits will fall to the floor which can then be swept up at the end.  Dusting with a damp cloth/duster will help to prevent the dust flying around and making you sneeze.  If you are prone to allergies take an anti-histamine tablet at least half an hour before you start. 

Shake it all about
Take the opportunity to take the cushions off the settee/chairs and shake them outside. You might find the odd euro coin as a bonus but more importantly it is much easier to vacuum the settee without them.  
Take the rugs outside and beat them before you sweep the floors and mop up before returning the rugs.   
Have A Clear View
Cleaning the windows, you can choose to get a professional in who will wash them down inside and out or choose one of the many cleaning products available that guarantee no streaks.  Don’t forget to wipe down the mosquito nets while you have the windows open.

Make Do and Mend 
At this time of year you find the little jobs that need to be done like renewing the mosquito nets, repainting the hall, etc. I’m sure hubby will be pleased to receive the list of jobs to be done!

Store it all away
If you get time you can even look in the wardrobe.  Sort your clothes into the following piles

1. Things to throw away or use as rags. 
2. Things to give away. 
3. Things to repair.
4. Things to keep.

Here are a few “rules” to help you figure out what’s worth keeping:

• If you haven’t worn something for 9-12 months it is probably not worth hanging on to. You may like the looks of a particular sweater, but don’t wear it because it itches or you haven’t been able to find anything to go with it. If you don’t have a very good reason to keep it, give it away or throw it out.
• Do you have a pair of trousers or a dress that is too small but you keep telling yourself that you will fit in to it one of these days? I know this is hard, but be honest with yourself. Are you going to lose enough weight to fit in them? If you think you will, give yourself 6 months. Put them in a bag with a dated note. Set yourself an email reminder, or keep a note on your fridge to check back in 6 months. If the clothes still don’t fit, bin them or give them away.
• The same rule applies to the “repair” items.  Either do them now or put them in a dated bag  and check back in 6 months – if you have lived without them that long you don’t need them.
• Look over your “keeps” pile again. Do you have several similar items, like 6 pairs of black dress slacks, 3 pink sweaters etc? Do you really need 6 pairs of black trousers? Pick 2 or 3 of your favourites, or the ones that are in best shape and bin the rest.
• Don’t forget your underwear drawer as well. Spend a few euros on some new items if you don’t have much left when you’ve finished.

With the wardrobe empty, take some time to wipe all the shelves and rods with a cloth and some all-purpose cleaner.

Now put what is left back in the wardrobe. Take a few minutes to figure out what goes where best. Divide your clothes by season and keep them together accordingly.

A  few last tips if you are tempted to pull stuff back out of the do-not-keep piles. Cut up the rag pile now and take the bags to be thrown away or given to charity as soon as possible. 

That’s it. With a little luck you’ll have enough room in your walk in wardrobe to actually walk into it at this point. You may have found clothes you forgot you had so you can go and enjoy the first spring days outside wearing a newly found, fresh, outfit.