finishing touches on your spring cleaning
now that spring is finally here and the sun is starting to peek through the clouds, it's the perfect time to finish your spring preparation and cleaning process. last month, we talked about spring preparedness (creating your space with spring cleaning), where we highlighted steps to mentally and physically prepare yourself and your home for the year ahead. this month, we’re sharing tips we’ve learned over the years as decluttering professionals to help put those finishing touches on your spring cleaning process and make some of the toughest spaces in your home shine bright.
spring cleaning comes around each year, and it’s the time when most people purge or clear out winter clutter or unnecessary items. it’s been shown that a clean home or environment can foster a more positive mindset. as maia put it, “it’s a practice of mindfulness—a form of self-love for both yourself and your home.”
starting the year off with a good cleansing season can help with the following:
decrease in allergens: springtime is when allergy season is at its peak, so it’s important to take precautions when it comes to cleaning your home.
reduced stress: lingering tasks can cause unnecessary stress when not handled promptly. take some steps to complete those unchecked assignments.
increased self-esteem: deep cleaning your most problematic spaces can help you feel ready to open up to new opportunities and experiences—like inviting friends over or hosting an event.
increased motivation and productivity: checking off multiple challenging tasks can lead to new habits and projects, helping you stay motivated.
feeling accomplished with a challenging task: completing a difficult task can release endorphins and give you a better sense of control moving forward.
taking these steps starts with gathering all of your necessary cleaning supplies. once you’ve gathered your supplies, make a plan to start in one specific area. below are some common tips we recommend:
bedroom: start by decluttering your drawers and shelving. sort through your items and donate or discard what you’re no longer using. use a microfiber cloth to dust off surfaces, and don’t forget to deep clean your carpets and hardwood floors.
closet: find some time to tackle the hard part of spring cleaning—the closet. start by removing unused items and package them to donate to goodwill or upcycle-based clothing centers. vacuum and wipe down all surfaces, and use odor-absorbing products like baking soda, or eucalyptus or lavender sachets to freshen the space.
kitchen: take some time to thoroughly clean areas of your kitchen, fridge, or pantry that are often overlooked—like inside the microwave, behind appliances, or inside cabinets. this is also a great time to check expiration dates and consolidate duplicate products like spices and condiments.
bathrooms: bathrooms can be one of the hardest places to clean. we suggest clearing everything out, then dusting, cleaning, vacuuming, and mopping all surfaces. this is also a great time to restock backstock items and replace things like lightbulbs or soap dispensers.
garage: set aside time to go through your garage, sorting items and grouping similar ones together. we recommend using shelving, pegboards, or bins to keep this space organized and protected from pests and mold.
yards: yard cleanup is a yearly spring ritual. spend time pulling weeds, gathering dead leaves and branches, and removing withered plants. mow the lawn and trim bushes and trees to promote new growth.
e-waste: most neighborhoods have designated e-waste recycling facilities. for electronics that still work, consider donating them to local charities. find your nearest drop-off location here.
whether you’re a seasoned subscriber or new here, we’re here to help! below are some local resources to support you through your decluttering and spring cleaning journey.
thank you for reading and see you in our next mindful minute!
