Sometimes it only takes a rainy day (or a dirty window on a sunny day) to inspire us to get serious about spring cleaning. To be most effective, consider reducing clutter first so that you’re not cleaning things you may not end up keeping. Start with a common area such as the kitchen, bathroom or family room – one cabinet, closet, shelf or drawer at a time. Sort things into three groups: keep or relocate, sell or give away, recycle or trash. By the time you’re done, only “keepers” should remain in the room. Now you’re ready to clean.
