Some teachers make it a party—windows open, laughter echoing, and the smell of disinfectant lingering in the air. Others stay late by themselves on the Friday night before Spring Break, with an inspirational podcast playing in the background. But whether spring cleaning like an extrovert or an introvert, teachers have a knack for cutting through the clutter and grunge.

If you find yourself needing some external motivation, however, here’s a checklist:

• Pick your playlist, your hydration, and your snack. All three can make your cleaning process more enjoyable and help you sustain your energy and focus.

• Grab some trash bags. Whatever doesn’t have to stay on file and can be thrown away will help enable your organization and efficiency.

• Get a give-away bin. If you haven’t used an item in two years, chances are it’s not as practical as you’d hoped. If it’s still functional, however, consider adding it to the give-away bin and placing the labelled bin in a shared space like the teacher’s break room.

• Organize and label storage bins. Whether it’s play money or flash cards, guarantee that you know exactly what’s in a bin when you reach for it.

• Disinfect your classroom trashcans inside and out. Some classroom trash cans are notoriously good at hiding grime—so be prepared to give the old white glove treatment.

• Clean erasers and the board. Many schools have an upkeep routine in place for chalkboards. If you’re feeling fancy, you may want to try out a microfiber chamois.

• Disinfect every surface, especially high-touch zones like student desks, toys, computer keyboards, and touchscreens.

• Sweep and mop floors and consider renting an industrial carpet cleaner for any area rugs. By this time of the year, you may also be putting elbow grease into removing black scuff marks. (Baking soda and warm water are your friends.)

• Clean and declutter your desk. Your desk drawers have likely become a catch-all for pens and pencils, safety pins, magnets, and small lost-and-found items. You’re more likely to have the energy to declutter now rather than in May or June. Do your future summer self a favor.

• Submit any outstanding maintenance requests. From lightbulbs to leaks to blown fuses, maintenance can probably get these tasks done more smoothly now than at the end of the school year.

• Consider adding nature’s air filters. Plants have a reputation for reducing noise, stress, and odor—three things that just seem to get more noticeable the closer you get to summer. You can research the plants that thrive the most in the specific light level of your classroom. One popular choice is snake plant, which thrives with little water and light.

Spring cleaning is about creating a space for everything, so that everything is in its place by the time you’re done. May this ritual breathe life back into the chalk-dusty corners, sweep away the winter’s lethargy, and give you a sense of renewed purpose as you finish the school year strong. Happy cleaning!