Spring Cleaning Tip: Assemble a Cleaning Caddy

If you're like most people (or just like me), you probably have cleaning supplies stashed all over the house: rags in the linen closet, sponges and sprays under the sink, and baking soda in the laundry room.

And when it's time to start cleaning, the thought of running around and gathering up all these supplies (not to mention putting them back afterward) is enough to make you groan and put off the chore for another day.

So here's a tip to help you get a head start on your spring cleaning: assemble a cleaning caddy of your most-used supplies and stock it in an easily accessible central location.

This can include a pair of gloves, a few sponges and rags, a toothbrush or scrubber for hard-to-reach or stubborn spots, an all-purpose cleaning spray for counters and other surfaces, glass cleaner, stainless steel cleaner, wood polisher, baking soda, and vinegar. Put them all in a plastic tote or sturdy basket so you'll always know where to find them.

With this arsenal, you'll be equipped to tackle even the toughest cleaning jobs in the kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, or living room. If you have a larger space, you can even assemble a few cleaning caddies specific to the rooms you store them in.

By having your supplies handy, you'll be more inclined to do a little maintenance cleaning each day (fifteen minutes, max), which then saves you from a major pull-out-all-the-stops cleaning before company comes over. You'll also be able to see at a glance which supplies you're running low on, so you'll never be left in mid-scrub with only a few squirts left.