There’s something about spring…
As the days grow longer and sunlight fills every corner of our homes, we often see more than dust. It shines a light on clutter and everything else we’ve been putting off.
Spring cleaning has always been a seasonal ritual, but today, spring clearing carries a deeper significance. It’s about clearing our spaces and minds, nurturing wellbeing, and reconnecting to what matters most.
Recently, I had the pleasure of joining CBC Radio’s BC Today with Michelle Eliot to talk about this very idea. Our conversation explored not just the “how” of spring clearing, but the powerful “why” behind it.
Beyond Cleaning: A Shift Toward Conscious Living
When we think of spring cleaning, it’s easy to picture dust bunnies hiding under furniture and closets bursting at the seams. But spring clearing is so much more than that.
“It’s a powerful invitation to shed old layers, let go of the “later piles” that weigh us down day after day, and make space for a more intentional way of living.”
During our conversation, Michelle shared a personal story about clearing her daughter’s perpetually cluttered desk. That simple act of tackling one long-ignored area brought her an immediate sense of relief. Her shoulders relaxed. She could breathe easier every time she passed by.
Moments like these remind us: our spaces mirror our inner worlds. A cluttered environment often reflects and reinforces mental clutter.
How Clutter Compounds And The Professional Approach To Tackle Spring Clearing
Clutter rarely happens overnight. It accumulates during darker seasons when energy runs low and decision fatigue is high. We tell ourselves, “I’ll just put this here for now,” but every temporary pile attracts another, and suddenly, the space feels overwhelming.
Before you know it, clutter isn’t just in your home, it’s on your mind.
The brain reacts to clutter by increasing cognitive overload, which can reduce your ability to focus and process information. The sense of overwhelm doesn’t stay confined to a corner of your home, it bleeds into your work, your creativity, and even your relationships.
The good thing is, you don’t need an Instagram-worthy or Pinterest-perfect home makeover. Start small with one drawer, one surface, one “later” pile. Group like items together so you can see what you truly have. Then ask yourself: Is this still serving me? Does it bring joy or serve a purpose? Make real decisions, and don’t just shuffle things around.
From years of experience at Out of Chaos helping clients through major transitions like downsizing, renovations, and estate clear-outs, I developed the C.L.E.A.R. method:
C — Consolidate and categorize
Group similar items together to understand what you truly have. You can’t make decisions about what to keep or let go until you see the full volume of what you have.
L – Limit what you keep to what serves your current life
How much do you really need? What’s of value to you? What are you actively using in your space and life today?
E – Evaluate each item honestly
Is it joy, guilt, or habit keeping it here?Then reevaluate the why. Why are you doing this?
A – Allocate space for what remains
Do this in ways that are functional and accessible. Where do you put what you keep?
R – Remove, recycle, donate
Responsibly dispose of everything that no longer serves you. That pile? You need to organize it into three little piles based on what to do with it.
Pro tip: Staples offers easy recycling drop-offs for small electronics, light bulbs, and batteries! Learn more about where to sell and donate items here.
Ready to Clear the Clutter and Make Space for What Matters?
Remember, spring clearing doesn’t have to be a massive, exhausting project. It’s all about consciously choosing what to carry forward and what to release, so you make space for life to flow again.
Whether it’s tackling one drawer or an entire room, the small steps you take today can lead to big changes. Start with just one area, follow the C.L.E.A.R. method, and see how it transforms not just your home, but your daily life. (Learn more here)
If you’re feeling ready for a spring reset but not sure how, let’s chat. I’d be happy to guide you through building a space and a mindset that supports the season ahead.
Happy Spring Clearing!