I, for one, am so glad to see some sunshine in the skies. It makes such a huge difference to my mood and motivation and often I find myself getting so much more done. And is there any better feeling than being able to get a load of washing out on the line and air dried? Tell me you’re in your thirties, without telling me you’re in your thirties.
Spring cleaning doesn’t have to be solely focused on tidying your home. Beyond decluttering, which I’ve done a lot of so far this year, there are plenty of ways to feel a sense of renewal at home as winter ends and the sun starts to come out.
If you want to overhaul any area in your home and create a vibrant, welcoming space this spring but are unsure where to start, this guide has some nice simple steps you can follow.
Embrace the Season
Winter can often lull us into this state of hibernation that glues us to the TV after work and puts cleaning and sorting well and truly to the back of our minds. When spring arrives, it comes with a collective desire to clean and freshen up our homes.
There’s a scientific reason for this cultural behavioural change. Exposure to the limited sunshine of dreary winter days increases the production of melatonin, a hormone that causes sleepiness. When we’re exposed to more sunlight in the spring, our bodies produce much less melatonin, giving us more energy, making it the perfect time to embrace sprucing up our homes.
I think a lot of us also have this innate desire to get the house ‘straight’ after Christmas. I always try and do something prior to the boys getting all their new things, but I know that after the festive season has come and gone I always feel the need to get rid of anything and everything we haven’t used. I like spaces to feel spacious, but homely, and clutter makes my head feel funny so it’s always good to get a few things packed up for the inevitable car boot sale season!
Focus on Easy Wins
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the chores you want to tick off your spring checklist. Try starting with a few quick but impactful changes that feel more manageable. Tackling simple things you’ve been putting off can be incredibly rewarding and inspire you to persevere.
Deep-cleaning your whole home can feel like a monumental effort. Rather than setting aside an entire day to clean your house top-to-bottom, focus on a high-traffic area. Your hallway, kitchen, and living room are great places to target. You could steam clean your microwave, wash the fridge’s shelves and trays, and scrub off baked-on grime in your oven.
You can also make small aesthetic changes to mark the new season. Swap out heavy winter blankets and throws for lighter options, place a few scented candles and essential oil diffusers around the house, and bring the outdoors in with an easy-to-care-for potted plant. Succulents are an excellent option for your home office or study.
Add Pops of Colour
As trees sprout fresh green leaves and vibrant plants emerge in your garden, you can apply the same mentality to your home. Don’t be afraid of swapping more neutral tones like beige and brown for optimistic colours like yellow and pink.
Yellow can bring positivity to a space, making it perfect for spring. If you’ve wanted to paint your hallway or front door for a while, it can create feelings of warmth and sunshine in your home. Similarly, a pale pink can add a cheery feel that adds softness and light to a kitchen or bedroom. Although I don’t think I’d ever do that to my front door (it wouldn’t suit the outside aesthetic), colourful doors look gorgeous and always stand out.
Declutter Strategically
Decluttering is essential for creating new space in your home and letting go of things you don’t need. Target specific areas that have become eyesores, like entryways or a messy wardrobe. If you’re struggling to pick an area, walk around your house like you’re going there for the first time or looking to buy. Taking an objective look around will allow your home to tell you what it needs.
Maybe the kitchen stands out for having too many rarely used appliances on the countertop, inspiring you to donate a juicer or bread maker.
My list usually consists of every single room in the house, further broken down into areas of that room. If I’m doing our bedroom, for example, I may well decide to clear out the bedside tables as a quick 10-15 minute job or do the drawers under the bed. If I want to do something a bit more lengthy, I might plan to pull the whole bed out and give that a clean, plus the underneath. It really depends how you feel, but by giving yourself small and big tasks with a ticky list (I love a ticky list) the whole thing seems less daunting.
Make it Fun! And take breaks!
Spring cleaning and refreshing shouldn’t feel like a burden. Take a relaxed, one-step-at-a-time approach and incorporate fun elements to keep you motivated. For example, you could listen to a new album from your favourite artist while hoovering or treat yourself to a new cushion cover.
For a bit of relaxation after all that refreshing, you could check out some online casino games. Slots and table games offer a chance to unwind and try your luck in the comfort of your living room. I tend to go with podcasts while I’m on the go – any recommendations gratefully received. Afterwards I like to look at a room and see if I want to add/change any of the decor – I’m always chopping and changing things around from other rooms.
How do you declutter? Do you enjoy it? I find it really therapeutic and it helps clear up my mind!