Sweeping the Shire: Spring Cleaning the Hobbit Way

Because even Bag End deserves a little sparkle.

Hobbit homemaking is not just about the charm of round windows, second breakfasts, and the scent of freshly baked seed cakes wafting through the air (though those are delightful, aren’t they? Tolkien certainly thought so).

It’s a way of life that calls for a dose of reality and practicality as well.

After all, even the coziest hobbit hole can’t hide forever from the inevitable dust bunnies, scuffed floors, and the occasional teacup mountain threatening to topple in the sink.

As the world slowly begins to shake off its winter slumber, it’s time to embrace the age-old hobbity tradition of preparing our homes for the bloom of spring. But let’s not rush about like wizards with too many errands to run. (You may shake your head with me.)

No, we’ll do it the hobbit way: with care, intention, and, of course, plenty of breaks for tea and biscuits.

Spring cleaning, my dear friends, is less about perfection and more about creating a space that feels fresh, welcoming, and ready for the adventures ahead. So grab your feather duster, tie on your apron, and let’s tidy up our burrows! One cozy corner at a time.

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Now, this is no hurried cleaning schedule for you to complete in a week’s time. No no! Sensible hobbits know to make time for snacks and breaks and working at a reasonable pace. Not to mention trying to tackle a project in the midst of life, homeschool, work, chicken tending, and whatever else you may be balancing on your plate.

Our hobbit-hearted spring cleaning will be slow but sure, spread over February and March. Perfect to greet Spring’s arrival on March 20th!

Before we start, please remember that no respectable hobbit ever started a day of cleaning without a hearty second breakfast first. After all, polishing a teapot is hard work when you’re hungry! Be sure to fuel yourself with some proper sustenance before you get started.

Here is our schedule:

Please keep in mind that the tasks are small enough to tackle in a few days, or space out over the course of the week to be more manageable. It’s simply a guideline! Make it work for you and your home’s needs.

February: Preparing for the Thaw

Focus: Decluttering, deep cleaning, and organizing to create a fresh foundation.

Week 1: Kitchen Refresh

• Declutter pantry shelves; toss expired items and reorganize.

• Wipe down cabinets, drawers, and handles.

• Clean and organize the fridge and freezer. Toss freezer-burnt items!

• Scrub the stovetop, oven, and small appliances (toaster, microwave, etc.).

• Sweep and mop floors, paying attention to corners.

Week 2: Living Spaces & Common Areas

• Dust and polish all wooden furniture.

• Vacuum under and behind furniture (couches, rugs, etc.).

• Wash curtains or wipe blinds. Take this time to replace any broken blinds or ripped/stained curtains.

• Clean windows to let in the spring light.

• Declutter bookshelves, coffee tables, and other surfaces.

Week 3: Bedrooms

• Rotate and/or flip mattresses; wash bedding and pillows.

• Declutter closets and drawers (donate or store unused items).

• Dust and clean under the bed and your nightstands or other furniture.

• Freshen up rugs or carpets with baking soda before vacuuming.

Week 4: Bathrooms

• Deep clean sinks, tubs, showers, and toilets.

• Wash or replace shower curtains and bath mats.

• Organize toiletries, toss expired items, and clean out drawers.

• Shine mirrors and wipe down cabinets.

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March: Welcoming Spring

Focus: Outdoor areas, tackling the lesser-seen areas of the home, freshening décor, and preparing for the growing season.

Week 1: Entryways and Hallways

• Sweep or vacuum and mop entryway floors and stairs.

• Wipe down doors, handles, and switch plates.

• Organize shoes, coats, and bags; store winter gear if it’s warm enough where you reside.

• Add a fresh doormat or wreath to welcome spring!

Week 2: Attics, Basements, and Offices… Oh my!

• Attic/Basement:

  1. Sort through storage boxes: Empty and organize old boxes, deciding what to keep, donate, or toss. Label the boxes for easy access.

  2. Check for pests: Look for signs of rodents, insects, or moisture, and take steps to remedy any issues.

  3. Dust and sweep: These areas tend to gather dust and cobwebs. Give shelves, corners, and floors a good sweep or vacuum.

  4. Reorganize seasonal decor: Sort through holiday decorations and other seasonal items, storing them neatly in labeled bins.

  5. Inspect insulation and ventilation: Make sure the insulation is intact and there’s no buildup of mold or mildew.

  6. Declutter old furniture or equipment: If you have any unused furniture or equipment taking up space, decide whether to donate or repurpose it.

  7. Check for damage: Look for any water leaks, cracks in walls, or signs of wear and tear that need attention.

• Office and/or Homeschool Space:

  1. Sort through paperwork and declutter learning material: Organize important documents, shred old or irrelevant ones, and file them neatly. Sort through educational books, papers, and supplies. Donate or repurpose what’s no longer needed.

  2. Declutter desk and shelves: Remove any items that don’t serve a current purpose. Clean your workspace to promote a fresh start.!

  3. Sort through office supplies and craft supplies : Check your pens, notebooks, and other supplies. What needs replaced or refilled? Recycle or donate anything you no longer use.

  4. Digital cleanup: Organize files on your computer or digital devices, deleting duplicates and unnecessary files.

  5. Clean electronics: Dust your computer, printer, and any other devices, and give them a deep clean.

  6. Organize bookshelves: If you have bookshelves in your office (or another main homeschool space), reorganize them to make them more accessible or aesthetically pleasing.

  7. Create a calming corner: Set up a small space for relaxation or inspiration with a cozy chair, soft lighting, and a favorite book or plant.

Week 3: Outdoor Prep & Special Touches

• Sweep porches, patios, or balconies. Check garden tools and outdoor furniture for repairs.

• Plan and prep garden beds (weeding, turning soil, or adding compost) as weather permits. Get your seed starting supplies in order!

• Clean windows and screens from the outside.

• Swap heavy winter décor for lighter spring accents (florals, pastels, etc.).

• Wash/wipe down light fixtures and replace bulbs if needed.

Week 4: Enjoy the Change of Season

• Bake a spring-inspired treat, like seed cakes or lemon scones. Lavender shortbread pairs well with tea or coffee!

• Create a spring-inspired nature centerpiece: One of the best parts of homemaking is crafting beauty after the fixing and maintaining! Gather fresh flowers, branches, or even pinecones and moss to create a simple yet beautiful centerpiece for your table or mantel. This is a perfect time to grab a planter of daffodils or hyacinths, then you can plant the bulbs in your garden after they blossoms begin to fade.

• Go thrifting and treat yourself to a new mug, shelf, or whatever Spring-themed item you know would make Lobelia Sackville-Baggins writhe with jealousy.

• Take time to enjoy your clean and organized home with a tea break or a walk in nature, consider hosting a cozy gathering to revel in your refreshed space!

I will be posting weekly updates and reminders on my Instagram page, I don’t want to overwhelm your emails, so follow along there for reminders!

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Tips for a Hobbit-Inspired Cleaning Routine

These will be helpful whether you are implementing them during our cleaning challenge or your normal home maintenance!

1. Set the Mood: Play cheerful music or nature sounds to make cleaning enjoyable. A trend that I am seeing on social media is tavern music to inspire you as you “close down” the kitchen for the night, or spur you on as you tackle a chore. Tap into your inner publican and thrown on the tavern remixes!

2. Involve the Family: Make it a group effort, assigning age-appropriate tasks to everyone. Delegation is big in our household! It is a core value for me that we all care for our home together, to teach responsibility, as well as the skills my children will need to run their own home one day.

3. Take Breaks: Reward yourself with tea, a piece of sourdough, or a moment in the sun after each task. Even if it is ten minutes to take a breather (or maybe reading a chapter of a book), pace yourself and reward yourself for the hard work.

4. Savor the Journey: Remember, the goal is not perfection but creating a warm, inviting space for yourself and others. Lived in is appropriate! One of my biggest takeaways from reading through The Lifegiving Home last year was not inviting others into a spic-and-span environment and then apologizing for the “mess.” We make others self-conscious! By inviting people into a lived-in home, we help encourage them to welcome others into their own spaces. True hospitality and perfection don’t jive!

5. Create a Regular Cleaning Schedule: This has been incredibly helpful for this ADHD hobbit! Having a daily anchor helps me keep my home clean in realistic chunks as I homeschool, and keeps my focus to one area.

As we journey through this Hobbit-inspired spring cleaning challenge, remember that it’s not about achieving perfection but about creating a space that reflects the warmth and love of your home. Let us aim to embrace the simple, cozy moments of life, finding joy in the process rather than just the end result. Which, let’s face it… never stays put in a lived in hobbit hole haha!

So, whether you’re baking thumbprint cookies for your little Valentines, organizing your attic, or gathering your family to pitch in, take pride in the space you’re cultivating. It’s all part of the journey—one that leads to home. And home has the power to endure time as a sanctuary of safety and comfort.

I’d love for you to follow along as we continue this challenge together. Share your progress, tips, and what brings you joy in your home in the comments! Let’s build our kingdom homes, one cozy task at a time!

“If home is where the heart is, then may your home be blessed.” — John McLeod