These are the Spring Cleaning Rules Interior Designers Always Follow

Go Step by Step

“When it comes to cleaning your house, go room by room. It doesn’t have to be done in a day! It's better to devote enough time to each space and be thorough, rather than try to rush through it in one weekend. Make a cleaning list for each room and cross off tasks as you go. This includes smaller spaces like bathrooms, coat closets, laundry rooms, and even hallways. Those spaces need love too, not just the main rooms.” —Ashley Moore, founder and principal designer of Moore House Interiors

“Cleaning is not always our cup of tea. We find that doing it together helps us conquer the task quickly and lets us get on with the rest of our day. Our advice is to start on opposite sides of the room so you don’t get in each other's way and make it clear what tasks you want to accomplish.” —Kevin Seitz and Rob van Wyen, Co-Founders of Studio Seitz

Use Chic Containers

“I recently bought some antimicrobial-treated canvas bins for my bathroom closet. Having containers to separate everything, and conceal the variety of packaging among my beauty products, means that when I open my closet, it is visually quiet.” —Cynthia Peller Hum, associate at HBA

Remember Your Baseboards

“I like to make this a regular practice of my cleaning routine, but spring cleaning is the perfect time to try it out if you’re not a believer. Wiping down baseboards gets rid of a ton of dust and can make the house look visibly cleaner—especially if your baseboards are white.” —Alessandra Wood, interior design expert and vice president of style at Modsy

Declutter Your Digs

“Take time to go through your stuff this spring and decide if you really need it. Start in one room and make your way throughout your home getting rid of stuff you no longer need.” —Adam Meshberg, founder and principal of Meshberg Group

“For me and my family, spring cleaning is mostly about changing out winter clothing, accessories, and toys for those of summer. Switching over these items gives you a chance to see everything together. If you didn’t wear it, use it or play with it last summer, you probably won’t this summer. So we give it to a family member that will, or donate it to your local shelter.”—Elizabeth Sesser, associate at Ike Kligerman Barkley

Put a Label on it

"Label everything! For my household it's not the clean up, but the maintenance that can be challenging. I've found that by designating areas with labels, daily clean up goes much faster. Every spring, we update the labels in the pantry. These Home Edit labels from The Container Store are my favorite."—Laura Umansky, founder of Laura U Interior Design

Sensible Storage

“I try not to let anything ‘live’ on the floor. Each item should have a designated spot in the home, for instance shelving that allows for baskets or bins where items can be stored.” —Dahlia Jacob, interior designer

Phone a Friend

“Get a second person’s opinion. Have a girlfriend come over that can help you through the process. We are so emotionally attached to pieces that we purchase that sometimes you need an outsider’s opinion on what works and what doesn’t. You can easily FaceTime with them for support!” —Amanda Lantz, president of A Lantz Design

Focus on Fun

“Try to make your spring cleaning fun. Treat it as a workout or a game. Measure your steps or calories burned, create a contest with your family for finishing a chore first (or best!), or create a playlist to keep you whistling while you work.” —Robyn Pleggenkuhle, senior designer at Havenly

Consider the Health of Your Home

“Cleaning can mean more than organization and tidying up. This year, in addition to your normal closet clean out, consider the health of your entire home. We spend about 54 years of our life in our home, and the air inside is comprised of what we bring in. We need to be thoughtful about the personal care products we use, where we sleep, and what we clean with. Have your ducts cleaned and inspected for leaks and bring in dehumidifiers and air purifiers to clean up the air in your home.” —Marie Flanigan, interior designer