Get ready for spring - before it even gets here. Pre-Spring cleaning is the new Spring cleaning. At least that's what those of us say who have high hopes for ourselves when it comes to being organized. Easier said than done! Here are 5 easy peasy things you can do - without too much time, effort or stress.  Especially if you plan on selling your home in the next few months; it will be that much more hassle-free when it comes time to list.

1) Tackle that pile of crap - you know where it is. Its on your table, or maybe in the drawer, or over there in the box. Blast some motivating tunes, and file, shred or recycle until the pile is gone. It will only take an hour I promise. One pile at a time. Or one pile per bottle of wine.

2) Paint something - a wall, or if you feel adventurous, a room. A fresh coat of paint in a happy colour - think slate blue, mushroom or pale yellow for spring - will make that bathroom/guest room/laundry room/kitchen ready for whatever comes at it.

3) Give those hammer pants away - you never wear them. I dont care if they're cool again, they have never graced your legs in public. Go through your closet and get rid of the hammer pant-esque items that will never see the light of day. Consign, have a swap with your friends, donate to a charity store, just get rid of it. You WILL feel better. If you have a 'problem' (skill?) with buying too many items of clothing, implement the hanger rule - dont buy any more hangers. If you run out, you have to purge.

4) Hire a cleaner for 2 hours. The best $60 you'll spend. You can even ask him/her to do the things you hate - like mopping, dusting and cleaning the stove top. Even if you just do this a few times a year, between your spurts of cleaning prowess, it will make a huge difference.

5) You've tackled, painted, purged and cleaned - now go get a colourful bunch of tulips and put them on your coffee table, and put a bowl of fresh lemons in the kitchen. Instant spring cleaning. Or fake it - who's to know that you havent done anything? Make it look like you have with flowers & fruit, it'll be your secret. Spring cleaning mission accomplished!