• Establish a plan of attack. Make a list of tasks to complete for each room. Plan to work from top to bottom in each room to avoid recleaning.
  
• Use teamwork. Enlist your family to help with the spring-cleaning. Set a day in advance so everyone is free to help.
  
• Get motivated. Keeping your family motivated makes the work go faster. Try playing music and taking turns picking the songs.
  

Step 2: Clean

• Tackle woodwork and corners. Wet a paper towel with a mix of water and a little gentle, multisurface cleaner. Wring it out thoroughly. Wrap it around the handle end of a mop or broom and run it along ceilings and walls.
  
• Wake up the windows. Wash windows inside and out. Then, spruce up drapes and window treatments; send the dirtiest drapes to the cleaners.
  
• Dust furniture and decor. Brighten up your home by dusting furniture, picture frames, knickknacks and decorations.
  
• Catch up on laundry. Make your mountains of laundry more manageable; finish ironing and get some help with the folding.
  

Step 3: Organize

• Store winter clothes. Sort through clothes. Donate unused ones. Make sure all clothes are clean. Store them in a dry, cool area.
  
• Sort cabinets, drawers and bins. Toss, donate or store away anything you don't use on a regular basis. Wipe out the bottom of the container.
  
• Simplify your work space. Clean out your inbox, organize your calendar, replenish supplies and sift through all papers.
  
• Prep the outside. Inspect your patio furniture, do a minor cleanup of your flower bed and, if you still have energy, clean out the garage.
  

Step 4: Celebrate

• Reward your team. Now that you’re finished, follow through with your promises. Go out for dessert, have a pizza party, rent a movie or have a game night.
  
• Treat yourself. Go out to lunch with a friend, give yourself a manicure or better yet, take a bubble bath in your squeaky-clean tub!