Now is the perfect time to get a jump start on spring cleaning and get ready for warmer weather, because when the temperatures begin to climb out of winter, you will want to be outside enjoying Spring and all it has to offer.

Here are 5 tips to streamline the process:

1. Declutter first, clean second. It’s a fact, we all collect “stuff.” Stuff we use, stuff we don’t. Stuff we want to keep, stuff we can do without. Organizing your belongings is really the first step in BEFORE you can even begin to clean.

2. Make no mistake, organizing takes time. Don’t take on too much at once or the process can be overwhelming. Try tackling one room at a time. Some rooms may take longer than others and that is to be expected. Perhaps clean out all the bathrooms first. Go through medicine cabinets and toss any expired medications and move on from there.

3. Tax season is here, are your files organized? The home office is one area where junk often piles up. While this space is used perform our duties we often are so busy we don’t have time to organize everything. Consider revamping your filing systems to ensure you can locate important documents at any time during the year. A few preventative steps can make a huge difference at tax time.

4. There are certain chores around the house that are done annually, often the tasks we dislike the most but know these need to be completed for the overall upkeep of our home. These may include replacing heating and/or air-conditioning vents and filters, removing and cleaning blinds or window treatments, emptying the refrigerator/freezer and cleaning each shelf, taking stock of your pantry and removing expired goods or power-washing the exterior of your home.

5. Pace yourself to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Rome wasn’t built in a day and your home doesn’t need to be cleaned top to bottom, inside and out in one day, either. It may take a few hours, days or even weeks but eventually the accomplishment of a clean home that is ready for Spring-time fun will be yours.