4 Ways Spring Cleaning can Help Simplify Your Life
The changing seasons feel like an emergence from hibernation. Daffodils burst to life from the ground, and blossoms begin to emerge on trees that have long been barren. With spring comes a sense of renewal. As the weather warms and we finally can spend time outdoors again, it feels like the perfect time to begin purging our lives of those which are no longer necessary. Old clothes, books and trinkets collect dust. Piles of old papers grow larger. Unused items sit in the dark recesses of closets; it’s time to clear the stale energy of a long, dormant winter to make way for the bright new energy of spring.
Spring cleaning is a practice that dates back to ancient times around the world. While its specific origins are disputed by scholars, evidence of ritual spring cleaning is found in a variety of ancient cultures from Persia, Eastern Asia, and Northern Europe cultures. Spring cleaning has even persisted in some of these traditions through the modern era. During the Iranian New Year, which is celebrated on the first day of spring, the whole house is thoroughly cleaned in a practice called khane tekani, which translates to “shaking down the house.” Spring cleaning is just as important as it ever has been. The coming of spring allows us to clear the cobwebs, both literally and figuratively. Here are 4 reasons why you should get out the broom and dustpan to make spring cleaning a priority this season.
Honor Your Space
Home is a space that often can be taken for granted when going about daily life. You get into the flow of chores, errands, work, school, family time, and a sort of tunnel vision happens. You’re too busy to pay attention to the nooks and crannies collecting dust, the spiders busy making webs in dark spots, and the clutter accumulating. It’s easier for your brain to edit those things out and focus on the responsibilities at hand. Spring is a perfect reset to bring awareness back to your surroundings in the present moment. You can show respect and gratitude for the spaces often neglected by tidying them up, removing unwanted or unused items and making your home a place of happiness, comfort, and security.
Inner/Outer Connection
Clutter and dust build up in the spaces you regularly occupy, be they bedrooms, offices, or living rooms. This can have the same effect on your psyche. When you’re in these cluttered spaces, thoughts can feel scattered, chaotic, and disorganized. It can feel difficult to focus or accomplish the things you need to. (Unless, ironically, you are a creative person, in which case clutter and mess can actually be to your advantage.)Taking the time to clear a cluttered space allows you to do the same with your inner workspace– to clear away what no longer serves you and simplify. Clear space, clear mind.
If it has been a while since you deep cleaned your home, it can feel a little overwhelming. You might feel unsure of where to begin. I always start by doing the easy, impactful things first– think picking up all the dirty laundry and making the bed. Then move on to dusting, top to bottom, clearing cobwebs and cleaning any knick knacks that have sat for too long. Larger projects like going through closets can be done one at a time, since they can be more time consuming. Remember to pace yourself– we’ve all experienced that moment when you realize you bit off more than you can chew halfway through!
A Healthy Home, A Healthy Planet
Spring cleaning also can have an impact on your physical health. If your house is collecting dust in nooks and crannies, it can have a detriment on your family’s health. Respiratory issues, indoor allergies, and other issues can be worsened by the hidden sources of dust and dirt inside your home. Taking the opportunity to do a deep and thorough cleaning not only removes stagnant energy from your home, but helps to alleviate these conditions. Keep in mind, though, that allergies could temporarily be worsened if lots of dust is stirred up and circulated throughout your home.
The decluttering element of seasonal cleaning can also have an environmental impact. Instead of buying new things, you may realize you have something you forgot about that could be repurposed or used more frequently, thus reducing consumption and waste. You also have the opportunity to cultivate the items in your home and let go of what no longer serves you. Donating items that are in good condition not only helps you simplify your home, but also can help those in your community who may not have the luxury of the comforts of home. Consider donating old clothing and bedding to places like family shelters or grassroots community organizations like Whitebird.
Don’t feel like you have to “Marie Kondo '' your entire life to gain benefit from spring cleaning and decluttering. Living an extreme minimalist lifestyle isn’t the goal. Taking stock of the things in your home and clearing away unused items can greatly impact your relationship with the space around you, even if you don’t purge half of your things. When you de-clutter and deep clean your living and working spaces, remember to do so with a positive intention, to fill each room with positive energy for the months to come. Pull the curtains back, throw open the windows, and welcome spring wholeheartedly into your home.
