Spring cleaning is dreaded for a number of reasons, one of which is the sheer volume of cleaning needed after a full winter (or, in some cases, a full year) of not being touched.

When it comes to spring cleaning with your roommate(s), it’s important that you’re not only all on the same page, but that everyone works together to ensure the job is done quickly and efficiently, so you don’t need to dedicate a whole weekend to the task. With that in mind, here are a few tips to keep in mind when spring cleaning with your roommate.
 

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Schedule a Time to Clean Together

When it comes to cleaning, working together is always faster and easier. As such, scheduling a time in which your roommates are available to help is in everyone’s best interest.

Make sure you schedule time in which your roommates are around, don’t have plans and the group can work together to get the job done. It’s best to give yourself enough time to do the job well, which means you should be really going for a deep clean to ensure the apartment is spotless, especially when you have the extra help.

Create a List

So what exactly do you have to clean? The list probably feels endless, which is why it’s so important to create a full list so you don’t miss anything or skip over anything as you get tired of cleaning.

In addition, this list will help you to distribute cleaning responsibilities and also ensure you’re touching every surface that’s in need of deep cleaning. Spring cleaning shouldn’t just be that surface-level dusting and vacuuming, it should be an opportunity to clean those areas that you don’t typically touch in your usual weekly (or bi-weekly) cleaning.

Distribute Responsibility Fairly

As previously mentioned, you should always be fairly distributing the work. No one roommate should be stuck with the worst of the cleaning jobs, so everyone should be working together to get the job done.

Take a look at the list with your roommates and go one of two ways: one, you split responsibilities down the list in a way that feels fair, or two, you all work on every item on the list together to ensure all responsibilities are fairly distributed. Whichever way you choose to go, you’ll be working together and getting the job done quickly!

Split the Cost of Supplies

Cleaning supplies can get expensive, and if you don’t already have them lying around the house, that shopping trip can get pricey really quickly. As such, you should all discuss the cost and split it accordingly.

In most cases, this cost can be kept down as you’re likely to have the supplies that you need already, but in the event that you need more supplies, for instance, a new vacuum, talk about it first so you can split the cost in a fair manner.

Make it an Event

Cleaning is zero fun. At least, it can be. In this case, cleaning can be a fun event that you and your roommates actually enjoy, all you need to do is make it one. Create a cleaning playlist, make a pitcher of your favorite cocktails and make it about anything but the task at hand.

Cleaning alone is totally different than cleaning with a group, so use that to your advantage and make it as fun as you can to make the time go by even faster.

Work Towards a Goal

Last, but certainly not least, make sure you’re all working towards a common goal. When you make the cleaning process an event, that’s not to say it ends when the cleaning is done. Cleaning can be done quickly when you focus on a common goal, so make sure there’s a light at the end of the tunnel that you’re all working towards. In other words, reward yourselves, because spring cleaning is no small feat.

Instead, set up a movie night, plan a night out or schedule another celebration for just you and your roomies when the job is done. That way, you’re not only excited to finish the task at hand, but you’re also looking forward to relaxing with your roomies and celebrating a job well done.

Again, spring cleaning with your roommate(s) is no fun task, but it’s one that has to be done. So, as always teamwork makes the dream work. And, just in case that’s not enough, it also helps to get the job done much faster as well.

These tips are a great starting point when it comes to spring cleaning, though make sure you and your roomies discuss the process in advance to ensure everyone’s on the same page, no one is stuck with too much responsibility and, when it comes down to it, your security deposit will be intact come the end of your lease.