Spring is a good time to tackle home and garden projects that have been on the back burner during winter. The garage, basement or carport often are filled to the rafters with items best suited for a rummage sale. A maze of cobwebs, a buildup of soot, dust-laden upholstery and window coverings and filthy windows are a few of the reasons that we engage in the annual ritual known as spring cleaning.

Cleaning is one of the least expensive forms of home maintenance. Shiny, clean surfaces not only look better, they last longer as well. And, with a regular maintenance and cleaning program, a house is easier to keep up. In the long run, it also will be worth more.

Historically, the warmer spring weather was the time to open the home after the long winter months. This was necessary to remove soot accumulation resulting from wood and coal-burning stoves. Carpets, draperies and other items were subtly darkened and dirtied by these heat sources, making necessary the airing of entire houses.

Spring cleaning to most meant carrying mattresses and rugs outside for a solid beating. Curtains came down, and windows, cupboards, closets, walls and woodwork were sanitized inside and out.

While this laborious process might still be undertaken by some, thanks to cleaner burning heating systems and more efficient home ventilation, the scope of work is not quite as intensive. We propose that you simplify matters by taking heed of a few spring cleaning hints that we've discovered over the years.

First, don't be overwhelmed by the volume. Have a family meeting to devise a plan that outlines, in detail, who will do what. It is best to divide the project into areas and functions. Each family member of age can be responsible for his or her bedroom.

Select a space where all discarded items can be temporarily stored until the local charity service can pick up. The secret to a successful cleaning program is to handle items minimally. For example, a stack of electronic equipment will need to be pulled out of a cabinet in order for the electronics to be dusted and the cabinet cleaned. The equipment will then need to be replaced. It's helpful to have a small portable table, such as a card table, that can be used throughout the house to set things on while cleaning an area.

When cleaning a bookshelf, have a box at hand in which to pack unwanted books. Once finished, the box can be toted to the holding area until all of the unwanted goods can be carried off. Moreover, it's helpful to have several storage boxes on hand to accommodate items that you no longer want in the house, but you're not willing to part with. Sturdy small and medium-sized boxes work best. Once full, they won't be too heavy to carry. Boxes of uniform size are more easily stacked and stored. Old newspapers serve as good packing material for avoiding breakage. A roll of box tape is a must to preserve the contents and keep them dust-free.

Tough tasks such as window-washing and bathroom-cleaning, which frequently involve the use of chemicals and lots of elbow grease, should be reserved for an adult with the proper tools. And even adults should be mindful of safety. Safety goggles, rubber gloves and plenty of ventilation are musts when working with chemical cleaning products.

In all cases, work from the top down. Dusty walls and ceilings, dingy light fixtures and door and window trim should be tackled before other elements in the space. Windows, closets and furniture are next. Window and floor coverings should be last. This might include floor stripping, carpet cleaning and polishing.

The kitchen, laundry and bathrooms should be undertaken before other spaces. And, don't forget to dust the top ledge of all doors.