Counting the Cost

Creatively Frugal Spring Cleaning

How do you get the greatest results with the least input of time, energy and money?

"I would like to recommend the web site:

www.FlyLady.net for frugal ideas and fun ways to get motivated!" ~ Barb, from OH

"I have found a wonderful website: www.flylady.net. She stresses that you can do anything for 15 minutes at a time. I like the way her emails end...'you are not behind....just jump in where we are'. She also has good Christian values. Hope this will be helpful to many!" ~ Elaine

"I got a suggestion from your newsletter several months ago and it directed me to the Flylady site. I got a lot of great ideas about how to get and keep my home in order from there as well as 'spring cleaning.' Maybe you can pass the link along. www.flylady.net " ~ Anonymous

"Hi! I find the best way to spring clean is, don't! Try http://www.flylady.net She has a way to keep on top of everything with decluttering and zones. You get everything done, and have time to spare. Her program is amazing to me, and yet it works so well." ~ Terri

"I found a free website that frugally shows you how to clean, cook, organize, etc. The website is www.Flylady.net Check it out!" ~ Anonymous

"There so many things you can use to store items without buying storage boxes at Wal-Mart. First, if you have a baby and you buy wipes, reuse the wipe holder for cotton balls, pens and pencils, nail supplies, tape, glue, crayons and more. Also if you need boxes to store things, go to you grocery store and get them free. If you have toys all over your floor, get some yard sale baskets for each room and do a fast pick right into basket." ~ Faith

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"First rule of thumb, don't focus on tackling the entire house, just focus on tackling one room. If you focus on the entire house it gets overwhelming. Take one room and, depending on how detailed you want to be, these are the steps that my grandmother and I took when cleaning a room. Even though we got great results with little money, it was a lot of work. Because my grandmother and I are both have 'all or nothing' personalities, I can't help you with eliminating chores in what I would consider to be Spring Cleaning. Here is an example of what we would do in a bedroom:
1. Strip the bed of all linens and the windows of washable curtains. Throw then in the washer.
2. Move all furniture to the center of the room and take all knick-knacks to the kitchen to be cleaned.
3. Use a Swiffer mop to wash down the walls and base boards.
4. Vacuum the corners of the room where the furniture was located.
5. Put linens in the dryer or hang them out to dry.
6. Steam clean the areas you just vacuumed.
7. Clean the knick-knacks while the carpet is drying before moving the furniture back.
8. Clean widows.
9. Press curtains and hang.
10. Move furniture back and dust.
11. Make bed, put knick-knacks back.
12. Vacuum rest of carpet, then steam clean carpet
13. DONE, now collapse in a hot tub with your favorite music." ~ Lisa

Editor's Note: Thanks to everyone who took the time to share his or her ideas!