How to Keep Your Home Clean and Organized in March (Without Losing Your Mind)
As a Realtor in Colorado for 25 years, I’ve walked through thousands of homes—some spotless, some… not so much. And I get it—March is a tricky month for keeping your home clean. We’re in that weird in-between season where winter isn’t quite over, but spring is knocking on the door. Melting snow brings in mud, the wind stirs up dust, and before you know it, the clutter from the holidays (yes, some of us still have remnants of December tucked away) is still hanging around.
But keeping your home clean and organized this time of year doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here are my top tricks to stay ahead of the mess—without losing your mind.
1. Win the War on Mud
March in Colorado means one thing—mud. The freeze-thaw cycle creates a never-ending battle of wet shoes and paw prints. Here’s how to handle it:
- Create a Mud Zone: If you don’t already have one, designate a spot near the door for shoes, boots, and coats. A simple tray for wet shoes and a towel for quick wipe-downs go a long way.
- Invest in Heavy-Duty Doormats: One outside to catch the big stuff, one inside to grab anything left behind. Trust me, this alone can cut your cleaning time significantly.
- Keep a Floor Mop Handy: A quick daily swipe (even just in high-traffic areas) prevents dirt from spreading through the house.
2. Spring Dust is No Joke
As the temperatures warm up, dust settles into every crevice. You might not notice it until the sunlight hits just right—but then it’s everywhere.
- Tackle It Top to Bottom: Always dust from the highest surfaces (ceiling fans, shelves) before moving down. Otherwise, you’re just spreading it around.
- Swap Out Air Filters: Your HVAC has been working hard all winter. A fresh filter will keep dust levels down and help with indoor air quality.
- Microfiber is Your Best Friend: Forget feather dusters that just push dust around. A damp microfiber cloth traps it instead of sending it back into the air.
3. Declutter One Space at a Time
Spring cleaning doesn’t mean you have to tackle the whole house in a day. Start small—one drawer, one closet, one room at a time.
- The “One-Year” Rule: If you haven’t used it in the last year, it’s probably time to donate or toss it.
- Basket System: Use three baskets—Keep, Donate, Trash—to make sorting easy and fast.
- Don’t Forget the Garage & Basement: These areas tend to collect random winter gear and forgotten holiday decorations. Now’s the time to clear them out before warmer weather arrives.
4. Make Cleaning a Daily Habit (So It Doesn’t Pile Up)
I know—who has time to clean every day? But hear me out. A little bit each day prevents the weekend deep-clean dread.
- The 10-Minute Reset: Before bed, take 10 minutes to pick up stray items, wipe down surfaces, and reset the main living areas. It makes a huge difference in how your home feels the next morning.
- One Task a Day: Instead of spending a whole day cleaning, assign one small task per day—Monday is vacuuming, Tuesday is bathrooms, etc. It’s much more manageable.
- Teach Kids (and Partners!) the “One-Touch” Rule: If you pick something up, put it where it belongs the first time. No more moving items from one surface to another.
5. Prepare for Real Estate Season (Even If You’re Not Selling Yet)
March is the unofficial start of the busy real estate season. Whether you’re thinking about selling or just want to keep your home looking its best, now’s a great time to start preparing.
- Boost Curb Appeal: Snow is melting, and the yard is waking up. Trim any dead branches, rake up debris, and consider a fresh layer of mulch.
- Windows Matter: Clean those winter-streaked windows. Bright, natural light makes any home feel fresh and inviting.
- Do a Quick Walk-Through: Pretend you’re a buyer walking through your home. Are there any small fixes or touch-ups that could make a big impact?
Keeping your home clean and organized in March doesn’t have to be a full-time job. With a few smart strategies, you can stay ahead of the mess—and enjoy a fresh, welcoming space as we move into spring.
What’s your go-to cleaning hack this time of year? I’d love to hear it!
