Ok, so it’s not quite Spring yet, but we’ve got a little bit of cabin fever and we’re already dreaming of warmer weather and blooming blossoms. Spring is the perfect time to freshen up and get rid of all the clutter and grime that has accumulated over the winter. Or, let’s be real, the last five winters. But where to start? Ah, that’s where many pet care facilities and businesses get stuck! There’s so much to do and so little time. Which is why we love starting our Spring cleaning in February. As the old adage goes, the early bird gets the worm!
Here are some spring cleaning tips to help you get your home ready for the season:
Create a plan
Before you start cleaning, take some time to create a plan. Make a list of all the areas of your business that need attention. This should also include any digital spaces like your email inbox, old clients that have moved on, etc. Prioritize these based on their importance and how much time and effort they will require. This will help you to focus your efforts and ensure that you don’t miss anything. Our advice, since you’re starting so early, is to start with the digital stuff. Clean out your inboxes, delete or re-organize any other digital information about your business or clients, and delete all those screenshots you have saved you’re never going to use.
Gather your supplies
Once you have a plan, gather all the cleaning supplies you will need. This could include things like cleaning solutions, sponges, rags, dusters, and gloves. Or, if you’re focusing on the digital portion first, this could include things like external hard drives, extra cloud storage, or simply emptying your desktop trash can. This can help make the cleaning process more efficient and help you to avoid interruptions.
Start from the top
When cleaning your business, it’s best to start from the top and work your way down. This will prevent dust and debris from falling on areas that you have already cleaned. Start by dusting and cleaning ceiling fans, then move on to walls, windows, and other surfaces. You can find lots of great cleaning tips for keeping dust and pet hair from collecting on the walls. However, our favorite is to add 2 cups of water, 1/4 cup of vinegar, 1 tbsp of olive oil, 3 drops of dish soap, and your choice of pet-safe essential oil for scent. This should help keep some, not all, but some of the dust off the walls and surfaces in your pet care facility.
Don’t forget the details
Spring cleaning is a great opportunity to pay attention to the little details that are often overlooked in regular cleaning. This could include things like cleaning out the staff refrigerator, organizing any areas where staff regularly hang out, and decluttering your storage closets. These small tasks can make a big difference in the overall cleanliness and organization of your business. Remember, the external is a reflection of the internal. You want your old and new clients to be impressed by your cleanliness and organization. It helps them feel like they can trust you with their pet.
Get everyone involved
Spring cleaning doesn’t have to be a solo endeavor. Get everyone involved! Make it fun! Assign tasks based on each person’s strengths and abilities. This will make the process more fun and efficient, and will help to ensure that everything gets done.
By following these tips, you can make spring cleaning a breeze and get your pet care business ready for the busy season. Happy cleaning!
