The seasons are changing, it's getting warmer and lighter out and we all have the urge to clean and make everything fresh and new.

Spring cleaning also provides the perfect opportunity to organize what you unearth while cleaning out the nooks and crannies.

There are three basic steps to spring cleaning, which are helpful to follow no matter what area you are tackling.

One of the biggest parts of spring cleaning is getting rid of clutter. The less clutter you have, the easier it is to keep things clean. Empty out the space and go through everything and purge any unused or unwanted items. Pay special attention to getting rid of anything past its prime, such as any expired food, medicine and old make up.

Winter is dirty. All that sand, salt and mud on the roads inevitably makes it way into our homes. Spring cleaning goes beyond regular cleaning to clear out the dirt and grime of winter and freshen up everything for the new season. Not sure where to start? Follow our spring cleaning checklist below.

Once you have thoroughly cleaned, it's time to put what you are keeping back in an organized manner. This might mean using the same containers if they were working well for you, but be sure to give them a good cleaning while you're at it. If your previous system wasn't working, it's time to shop - you can shop your house for bins, baskets, etc. that could be put to better use or hit the stores. Choose containers you like so putting things away will be fun!

While you should definitely tailor your spring cleaning list to what matters most to you and your family, here are some common projects to get your list started:

• Clean carpets, floors and rugs
• Wash curtains and linens
• Dust and vacuum thoroughly
• Move furniture and vacuum or sweep underneath
• Clean out kitchen cabinets and refrigerator/freezer
• Scrub sinks and tubs
• Wash the windows
• Clean out and declutter closets
• Store winter clothing and linens
• Clean out your car

This is also a good time to tackle storage areas like the attic, garage and basement.

You should also replace smoke/carbon monoxide detector batteries, air and furnace filters and check your fire extinguishers, too.

We like to keep it simple and green and recommend you use eco-friendly, multi-purpose cleaning products such as:

• Mrs. Meyers All Purpose Cleaner
• Simple Green All Purpose Cleaner

You can also make your own gentle cleaners with vinegar, baking soda, and lemons. These all have natural cleaning powers that rival manufactured cleaning solutions. They are easy and safe to use and can often clean for much less money than other cleaning products on the market.

Vinegar is great for hardwood floors, disinfecting baby toys, and hard water stains. Lemons shine stainless steel and clean copper, get rid countertop stains, and make everything smell wonderful.

Baking soda has about a million uses. It is a natural and gentle abrasive and is great for removing odors.