Spring is a great time to wipe away the salt and grime of winter’s remains. Spring symbolizes new life, new growth and the anticipation of a warmer season. Spring is akin to lightness – think daffodils and warm rain.

Taking inventory is a good idea for spring, purging unused items in storage and making lists of items that need repairing. Professionally, spring is a good time to evaluate equipment, to de-clutter the hard drive and sort those documents into correct folders.

Here is a wonderful “spring cleaning” checklist, taken from The Order Expert, and modified slightly for your comical benefit.

Make dinner reservations at your favorite little spot.

Now…first things first.

Computer

• Use compressed air duster to clean keyboard and computer vents
• Disinfect keyboard, mouse, trackpad, writing tablet, and stylus
• Wipe down computer monitor
• Untangle and label computer cords and cables
• Pat your puppy on the head and smile
• Wipe down exterior of computer

Computer Data

• Backup computer files to external or other drive
• Update to most recent version of programs, apps, or operating systems
• Delete items in trash or recycling bin
• Take a deep breath and think about a gorgeous sunrise
• Delete unnecessary or unneeded files
• Uninstall programs or apps you no longer use
• Clear cookies and caches from internet browsers
• Run system-wide virus scan
• Stretch and keep going
• Defragment hard drive or perform disk utility cleanup

Email

• Cancel unnecessary email accounts
• Delete messages from your inbox and other folders
• Email your best friend and invite them to dinner
• Delete items from deleted message or trash folders
• Unsubscribe from unwanted email lists and mailings

Desk

• Dust and disinfect entire desk surface
• Throw away broken or dried-up writing implements (pens, pencils, markers, etc.)
• Dispose of broken office supplies: stapler, tape roll, containers, holders, rulers, etc.
• Transfer information on business cards to digital contacts
• Return borrowed books or documents to owners
• Make a list of books you plan to read on summer vacation
• Return books to public or private libraries

Filing Cabinet

• Let’s be honest, this one requires a cocktail. Pour yourself a drink.
• Place old or inactive files in archives
• Purge and shred dead or unnecessary client, customer, and project folders
• Create files for new clients, customers, and projects

General Items

• Thoroughly dust entire room
• Clean venetian blinds, roman blinds, and other shades
• Mail a note to a family member recalling a special moment the two of you shared
• Shake out and/or clean area rugs and carpets
• Vacuum and clean air vents, ducts, and baseboards
• Wax and treat wooden furniture
• Clean light fixtures
• Thoroughly vacuum upholstery
• Wash windows (or call someone else to do that, like your grandchild)
• Thoroughly vacuum and/or mop floor

Last,
Get ready for the dinner!

We hope this new season is one that breathes renewal and joy for you and your family. Take the time to smell those spring flowers and let the refreshment of a new season lead you to greater productivity!