Spring is here! What kind of vibes do you get around this time of year? What does spring look like in your mind? Egg hunts? Bees everywhere? Seasonal allergies? (Yeah, me too.) Spring is a time of renewal, and for me, it comes with a random urge to revamp and refresh, and that starts with making room for new things in my life.
Obviously, in the simplest way, this can mean spring cleaning (or as I like to call it, spring purging), but it’s also about what you’re letting go within you. Old ways. Limiting beliefs. Toxic relationships. Bad habits. Negative self-talk. The list can go on and on.
It’s the perfect time of year to reassess what you want in your life, both materially and energetically. So today, we’re focusing on looking at what you surround yourself with, both inside and outside of your head, with fresh eyes and considering what you can let go to make room for better things, be they opportunities, perspectives, peace, or simply… space.
Before we move forward, I want to offer you a challenge: Think of this year’s spring cleaning as a ritual for personal growth, and see what good things flow to you for the rest of this year. Sound doable? Great! Let’s hop to it!
The Origins of Spring Cleaning
Where the heck did spring cleaning come from? Did someone just wake up one day and think, “Yep, it’s time to scrub the floor”? Not exactly. The origins of spring cleaning have actually been traced back to several cultures.
For example, the Iranian tradition of “khooneh tekouni” (which means “shaking the house”). Nowruz, or the Persian New Year, falls on the first day of spring and in preparation for this event, many Iranians spotlessly clean and polish their homes to welcome the new year.
In the ancient Jewish practice, homes were thoroughly cleansed before Passover, to the point where not even a single crumb of leavened bread is to remain. And in the Chinese Lunar New Year tradition, you should sweep out the old year’s dust to make space for luck and fortune in the new year. So, as you can see, spring cleaning is a long-held tradition linked to many cultures around the world.
The Benefits of Spring Cleaning
Okay, so we’ve established that spring cleaning is ancient and pretty universal. But what’s in it for you? Turns out, a lot.
On a physical level, spending your time in a clean, organized space can actually reduce stress and fatigue. Ever noticed how a cluttered room can make you feel overwhelmed? Science says that’s legit. Clearing out clutter can help decrease cortisol levels and make you feel calmer and more in control.
Then, of course, there’s the allergy relief aspect. While April showers bring May sneezing fits, regular cleaning keeps allergens like dust mites, pet dander, and pollen at bay. If for no other reason, do it for your sinuses!
Decluttering is a little like detoxing your surroundings, which can give you a serious mental boost. When you create a sanctuary for yourself, you make room to unwind and recharge. AND, tidying up (especially when you’ve been putting it off for a while) can give you a sense of achievement and light up that reward center of your brain.
What’s more… have you ever had a meditative experience around the act of organizing? For me, I can sometimes get to a place of focus and zen while cleaning. It makes sense, because it’s a physical activity that can help quiet the mind, and give you the space to reflect and, who knows? Maybe you’ll even hatch some brilliant ideas while you’re cleaning!
Outer Spring Cleaning: Room-by-Room Renewal
Alright, it’s high time we grab our cleaning gloves and put on our most pumped-up playlist. Are you ready to transform your spaces to reflect the best version of you? Great! Here are some focus areas:
The Closet
Start with your closet. Feels personal, right? Each piece of clothing seems to tell a story. A concert here. A first date there. You definitely have something from high school in there too, right? But, let’s face it, when was the last time you wore that sequined top? Exactly. If your closet is bursting at the seams, it’s time to ask yourself the Kondo question: Does this spark joy? No, let’s go even further: Does this piece reflect who I am today? If it feels like a regret waiting to happen to part with it, but you haven’t worn it in FOREVER, consider at least folding it nicely and storing it somewhere else. (I keep one of those fabric Ikea zipper box bags under my bed for things like this.)
For that which you feel okay parting with, donate it. Give that shirt or dress the chance to play a role in someone else’s story. Besides, now you’ve made room for pieces that match your current vibe and values! Remember, your wardrobe is like your personal brand, so let’s make sure it’s saying what you want it to.
The Kitchen
The heart of your home is often a museum of past culinary phases. (C’mon, you know it’s true.) That fondue set gathering dust? It might just be time to bid it a fond(ue) farewell. Also look out for expired spices and any gadgets you never use. (I’m looking at you, avocado slicer.) What remains should inspire you to cook meals that nourish both your body and mind. When in doubt, donate it.
The Living Room
The living room is where life happens. It’s where we lounge, laugh, and host guests. And if the living room feels cluttered, there’s a good chance your mind does too. This is where we make memories and connections, so by decluttering and thoughtfully arranging your living room, you’re setting the energy you want to reside in and the energy you want to attract. Keep only what serves a purpose, whether it’s for comfort or conversation. This doesn’t mean your space should look like a showroom. It should look like, well, YOU. The interior of your mind should be the interior of your home, in the best way possible.
The Home Office
For many of us, the home office is where ambitions become reality, which is kinda hard to do when you’re drowning in a sea of papers and tangled cords. This isn’t just about finding your desk under all that chaos (though, yes, it kind of is). It’s also about clearing a path for your thoughts and ideas. Respecting your thoughts and ideas. Showing them that you welcome them. That there’s space for them. And, a streamlined workspace can lead to a more focused mind, which is a good thing. Besides, wouldn’t it be nice to actually use your desk for work instead of storage?
The Garage
Thought it might be easy to, let’s not forget the garage, the place where hobbies and holiday decorations go to hibernate. But what if we reimagined it? What if we could transform it into another living space? A space that actually serves your current interests. Whether you want to set up a workshop, a home gym, or just be able to park your car in there (revolutionary, right?!), reclaim that valuable space for whatever ignites your passion.
Inner Spring Clean: Decluttering Heart, Mind, and Soul
Okay. We’ve tackled the physical spaces. (Didn’t that feel great?) But let’s not stop there. The real magic happens when we start decluttering on the inside. It’s time for the inner spring clean, where we sort through our emotional closet, dust off those mental shelves, and clear our spiritual windows of debris. It’s time to get real about letting go. Ready?
The Heart
The heart is the collector of memories and emotions. It’s what prompts us to hold onto old love letters, grudges, and everything in between. But just like an overstuffed drawer, it’s time to sift through what’s worth keeping. Consider the act of forgiving (yourself and others), letting go of past hurts, and making peace with relationships that have run their course. And this doesn’t mean forgetting. It means choosing not to let old pain clutter your capacity for new love and joy. Keep the lessons, ditch the bitterness, and see just how much lighter you feel.
The Mind
Our minds are a lot like browsers with too many tabs open: thoughts, worries, plans, a random song lyric looping on endless repeat. (Well, that’s my brain, at least.) It’s exhausting. Mental decluttering means closing some of those tabs and giving your mind some room to breathe. You can achieve this through mindfulness, meditation, journaling, limiting your screen time, or just sitting with your thoughts for a few moments each day, without judgment. Also, consider your self-talk. If the way you talk to yourself is something you’d never in a million years say to someone you care about, then why say it to yourself? Try to recognize which thoughts serve you and which ones are just noise, and ditch the noise to make room for clarity and creativity.
The Spirit
Spiritual clutter consists of old beliefs, values, self-expectations, and societal pressures we carry around—sometimes without even realizing it. Ask yourself: What beliefs are guiding me? Do they still resonate with me, or are they just someone else’s ideas I picked up along the way? What expectations do I have of myself? Are they valid, or am I just trying to prove myself to someone from my past? Who’s voice is in my head? If it’s not yours, you might want to consider if what they have to say is still applicable to your life or if you can let it go. Think of this activity as an invitation to let go of what no longer aligns with your true self and explore what does.
This spring, dare to shed the stories you tell yourself and the roles you adhere to that no longer fit your life, and make room for a better, truer you.
Feelin’ Refreshed Yet?
I hope this spring cleaning guide has helped you to reconsider what you want in your life, both inside and out. And if not, that it at least helps you achieve a clean home!
I’d love to hear from you! What will you be letting go of this year? What will you be inviting in? Tell us in the comments.
I wish you the very best and a beautiful and renewed spring season!
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