One of the biggest spring cleaning tasks tends to be cleaning out closets in your house. This is usually the time of year when we want to purge the old things that we won't wear ever again and make space for new clothes that will be great when summer rolls around. Here are some helpful tips to get your family involved in cleaning out their own closets so you don't have to do it alone. And to make it even better, you'll learn how to throw a clothes swap to get new things absolutely for free.

• Pick a day. Your family might be more receptive to cleaning out the closets if they know about it ahead of time. Pick a date a week or two in advance, put it on the calendar, and have everyone commit to being home that day to spend some time purging old clothes, shoes, toys, etc.
• Make piles. It helps to have three piles when you're doing spring cleaning: keep, toss, donate/swap. The keep pile should be anything that is frequently used or worn and is in good shape. Toss is anything that is damaged beyond wearing. And donate/swap should be items that are still in wearable condition, but you or your family haven't used or worn in the last year. Remind everyone that if it hasn't been touched in a year, it won't be missed.
• Vacuum, dust, and disinfect. Emptying a closet of all its contents should be followed by a pass through with a vacuum and a Swiffer duster. It's not a bad idea to use an all-natural cleaner to wipe down shelves, hanger rods and door knobs, too!
• Reorganize. While we all know an organized closet will eventually become messy again, it's still a good idea to put things back in a certain order. Use whatever method works best for you: by sleeve length, color, season, etc. Some people even pack away clothes for other seasons to save space, which is a great option, too.
• Keep it fresh. Tuck a dryer sheet or two into corners of the closet or into drawers to keep things smelling fresh and just-washed for months to come.
• Have fun and swap! After doing all that work to clean out your closets, you can reward your family (and yourself!) with a fun clothes swap. Invite other families and friends to bring over items they were thinking of donating and hold an afternoon swap. Set some rules: guests can swap as many pieces as they bring and items must be clean and in wearable condition. Stock up on snacks and drinks, and get ready for a great afternoon where you'll get some new, free clothes to add to your wardrobe.