This year we've had unseasonably warm weather beating high temperature records all over the country. It's still March and we can still see some cold weather, but it's hard not to get excited about this spring weather and we want to take advantage of it. That means time to open the windows, air the house out, and start spring cleaning!

Cleaning your whole house top to bottom after being cooped up all winter can be an overwhelming project. But with a little planning, organizing, and everyone at home pitching in, you can get the job done and enjoy the satisfaction of a clean, fresh home. Nothing beats that.

So what first? To get things done most efficiently, it's good to get a list of the tools you'll need to clean, what you want to accomplish in each room, and what order you'd like to work in from room to room. It's good to have all the supplies you'll be working with in each particular room already together, that way you won't have to waste time going in and out for miscellaneous tools you forgot. Also, keep a large bottle of water with you to stay hydrated! I also recommend having some good motivating music to keep you up beat and moving.

It's a good idea to get rid of any clutter and clean your closets out before you start with the deep down clean. Get rid of anything you haven't used much over the past year and donate what you can. It's a wonderful thing shed the old "stuff" and simplify your living space. Your home will be easier to clean and calming for your mind.

Get all your winter things put away, with the exception of a few items you might need on chilly nights or going out of town. Label your boxes and store away.

Decide where in your home you want to start the cleaning. I usually work from top to bottom. This means getting your ceilings and walls done if you choose as well. Using a broom to dust them first and cleaning with the appropriate cleaner for your ceiling and wall surfaces. I recommend wearing a face mask while doing any kind of dusting if you are sensitive like me or suffer from allergies.

Next you can move on to dusting the rest of the room and get your inside windows done. Once you've cleaned most of the area including any disinfecting, you can finish with the floors. Move on to the next room on the list and make your way throughout your whole home. Remember not to get distracted and stay put in the room until it is completely finished.

Remember, spring cleaning is a huge task! Don't pressure yourself in getting it all done at once. You may likely have to dedicate several days to the whole house unless you have a lot of helping hands.

If you have small children at home, you can take advantage of getting all those little toys clean by simply throwing them in a mesh bag and throwing them in the wash on the gentle cycle. It works for me!

Get help with the outside windows, it's a job in itself! And be careful when climbing any ladders. Inspect it first if you've had it stored in your garage all year to make sure of any broken parts. It's safest to make sure you have a buddy to hold the ladder and stay with you and never leave a ladder alone.

Your home is clean and fresher than it has been all year! Top off the project with some new house plants to improve the indoor air quality. Keep the windows open, let in the sun, and enjoy your spotless home.