Spring cleaning and why it's good for you

As the days lengthen and the sun stays up longer, it's the perfect time of year to get stuck into a spring clean. More than just ‘tidying up’, spring cleaning might involve washing surfaces, windows and curtains, dusting, decluttering and clearing out the cobwebs from musty corners. The great news is, it can have a surprising impact on your mental and physical well-being.  
 
Here are 10 top reasons why creating a clean, organised space will lift your spirits and benefit your whānau or housemates. 

1. Reduce clutter, reduce stress

Spring cleaning can help you clear your head and feel more relaxed. Being organised means you’re less likely to lose things, or spend hours looking for Sellotape, sunblock, scissors, matching socks! If you feel like there’s a lot on your ‘to-do list’, start small, even if it’s tackling one drawer at a time. Celebrate that achievement and build on that momentum.

2. Improve your mood 

When the sun’s shining on your clean windows and dust motes aren’t dancing in the light, it’s sure to give you a sense of satisfaction, which can boost your mood. A clean space usually smells nice too which adds to that feeling of wellbeing and happiness.

3. Improve your focus

A cluttered environment can be distracting, making it difficult to start or complete tasks. Spring cleaning can help you create a more organised and clutter-free space, which can improve your focus and productivity.

4. Help ward off depression

A clean and organised home can help create a more positive, calming environment and restore a sense of control in your life. This can help reduce symptoms of depression, overwhelm and anxiety. It may even make you sleep better if your bedroom’s tidy and you’ve got clean sheets!

5. Promote a sense of accomplishment

Ticking off a bunch of cleaning jobs, sorting out your wardrobe, clearing the empty containers under the sink or tackling a project you’ve been putting off can give you a sense of pride and satisfaction in a job well done. There’s a real sense of achievement in knowing you can finish something you started, and it helps you feel more in control of your life.

6. Get the feelgood factor by giving to others

Your cast-offs might be someone else’s treasure, so pass on any items you’re clearing out or don’t need to a charity, or give them away on the local community Facebook page. Remember, only donate good quality, usable items – nobody wants your broken coat hangers, chipped saucers or anything dirty. Donating and recycling is a win-win for both giver and receiver!

7. Be motivated to take on other challenges 

Spring cleaning one or more areas might be a springboard to spur you on to tackle other tasks and goals. Look what you can do when you just start. What else could you try – maybe something new? A clear garage might mean space for a woodworking hobby, an exercise area with room for a yoga mat, or a corner to create art.

Image credit: Canva

8. Get you moving

Getting stuck into the spring cleaning requires elbow grease and can be a great way to get some accidental exercise! While it can help you burn calories and improve your overall fitness, don’t forget to put your safety first. Be careful with ladders while chasing cobwebs, clearing leaves in the gutter or changing lightbulbs; watch slippery surfaces while cleaning, mopping or water-blasting, etc. It’s a good idea to have someone else with you if you’re taking on these sorts of jobs.

9. Deal to allergies

A clean home with well-aired rooms, dust-free surfaces, vacuumed carpets and mould-free corners is so much better for your health and that of your whānau. Having a clean environment helps you breathe better too. But remember, some cleaning products such as bleach or bathroom sprays contain strong chemicals that can trigger allergic reactions or make asthma worse. When shopping, aim for allergy-free and fragrance-free products or use vinegar, baking soda and other natural ingredients for good, cheap and effective cleaning.

Read about natural cleaning products you can make at home(external link).

10. Connect with your loved ones

Don’t be afraid to ask for help, eg, if you don’t know a weed from a shrub, ask a friend who might be able to give you guidance and a hand in the garden. Ticking off jobs or tasks together makes light work of things that might feel overwhelming on your own – just make sure you express your thanks and gratitude.

Then, when the hard work’s done – socialise! Don’t let all that cleaning and decluttering go to waste – gather your whānau and friends together to enjoy your revitalised space.