As winter fades and the first signs of spring emerge, many of us feel a deep-rooted urge to open the windows, air out the house, and start fresh. Spring cleaning isn’t just about dusting baseboards or tackling closets—it’s a cultural tradition and a form of emotional and psychological reset.
Across time and cultures, cleaning rituals have marked transitions—new seasons, new years, even spiritual rites of passage. And today, science confirms what many have felt intuitively for generations: spring cleaning does wonders for our mental health.
Why Cleaning Feels So Good (According to Science)
Our surroundings can greatly affect our internal state. A cluttered home can overstimulate our brains, increase cortisol levels (the stress hormone), and contribute to feelings of helplessness or anxiety.
Research published by the Cleveland Clinic found that people who described their homes as “cluttered” showed higher levels of stress and depression. In contrast, those who described their homes as “restful” or “restorative” experienced improved mood, focus, and emotional regulation (Cleveland Clinic).
Cleaning also provides structure, movement, and visible progress—which gives the brain a dopamine boost. It can help us feel more in control, especially during times of transition.
Don’t Forget Mental Spring Cleaning
Just as we declutter our physical spaces, spring is also the perfect time to clear mental clutter. A 2021 study published in BDJ In Practice emphasized the value of a “psychological spring clean,” noting that reframing negative thought patterns, letting go of unhealthy coping strategies, and reflecting on personal and professional habits can improve overall resilience and emotional wellness (Nature, 2021).
Try activities like:
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Journaling or reflecting on what’s mentally weighing you down
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Deleting unused apps and digital distractions
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Reorganizing your calendar or decluttering your commitments
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Setting small intentions or mantras for the season ahead
Mental clarity often follows physical clarity—resetting your environment can give you the mental space to process emotions, dreams, and goals.
Your Step-by-Step Spring Cleaning Checklist
I've created a quick downloadable Spring Cleaning Checklist. Get it here.
Finish With a Touch of Fresh Energy 🌸
After the hard work of spring cleaning, it's time to invite calm and freshness into your home.
My Spring Cleansing Simmer Pot is the perfect finishing touch—crafted with a blend of citrus and salts, it infuses your space with a clean, revitalizing scent that captures the essence of spring. Just simmer on the stove or in your crockpot and let the aroma work its magic.
Want to bring that clean, calming vibe into your daily rhythm? Try my NEW Wildcrafted Lavender Bundle—perfect for smudging, placing by your bedside, hanging in your shower, or tucking into linen drawers. Naturally soothing and beautifully aromatic.
You’ve earned this reset.
Spring is a time of renewal, and your environment plays a big role in how you feel. A clean space sets the tone for clarity, creativity, and wellness. And whether it’s your closet or your mind, clearing things out makes room for new things to grow.
Wishing you a fresh, gentle, and beautiful season ahead.
Carley