There is something to be said for routine. It keeps you on task and helps prevent forgetting important duties. But routine can also become a rut, in which you get stuck. When you’re stuck, you can’t grow. Spring cleaning is the perfect time to clear the clutter, reorganize and create a new routine to boost energy, creativity and profits.

Clean Out the Cobwebs

Spring cleaning is usually identified with a deep-down clean, but it starts with dealing with the obvious problems like dirt and dust.

You can do the same in your business. In your home office, start by filing papers that are stacked on the desk and putting away supplies. On your computer, clean out your old files by storing them on an external drive or through cloud storage like DropBox. Use your system’s tools or a special software program to clean up your computer’s registry and unneeded files. Finally, use your virus protection to scan all your drives and get rid of potential computer threats.

Now is a good to cull outdated material online. Go through your website to get rid of or update old information. Do the same for your social media profiles. Clear out or file old messages and contacts in your email accounts.

Update Systems

Updating systems sometimes gets put aside because it takes time, slows your computer down and sometimes requires reconfiguring tools when it’s done. But in most cases, updates are given to fix bugs and potential threats, so you should update your systems regularly. Before doing any update, back up your computer or database (for online programs) in case something goes wrong.

Check for updates on your computer’s operating system. Often these are done automatically, but if you did a system restore in the past, you may have deleted the updates. Many other programs have updates that are offered free with your software. Open the program, click the “check for updates” option to see if a new version is available.

Next, makes sure your virus protection program is updated and scanning for the most recent threats. If you’re not sure, open your virus protection program and click the option to check for updates. If you’re program has an update, download and install it, and run a scan again to make sure all threats have been caught. If you haven’t set your virus protection to automatically update and scan, do it now, that way you don’t need to remember or worry about it.

If you’re using an online content management software, such as WordPress, make sure you’ve updated the script as well as any plugins. Once you’ve done your update, check that your website is working properly.

Finally, don’t forget to update your phone’s operating system and apps as well.

Get Organized

Your old routine may not be the most efficient one. Look for ways you can organize your office and work schedule to maximize your space and time. Are you having a hard time finding resources and materials? Find a place for everything and at the end of the day, make sure items are back in their assigned spots.

Find tools and systems that can save you time and keep you organized. For example, you can clean up paper clutter by using a scanner and digital filing system. Use a software or online service to manage your bookkeeping. These options free up some of the busy-work that comes with running a home business.

Redecorate

Get rid of winter doldrums by redecorating your home office in a style that suits you. When I get tired of my home office, I move the furniture around. It’s the same office and same work, but now it seems new because everything is in a different place.

Post inspiring pictures or sayings around your office. I have a “Life is Good” sticker and a fake $1,000,000 dollar bill posted over my monitor. One settles me and reminds me to be grateful, the other inspires me to achieve. Plants and flowers give color and life. Just when I don’t think I can survive the gray winter, the tulips arrive and I always get some to put on my desk. You can redecorate online as well, by changing your profile pictures and background themes on social media.

I don’t know many people who like to clean, but spring cleaning is more than getting rid of dirt and clutter. It’s also about infusing new life. Spring cleaning is a great time to clear out the physical, digital and mental clutter so that you can build a prosperous home business.