Simple & Sustainable Spring Cleaning Tips

'Tis the season for spring cleaning. With summer just around the corner, we feel that there's no better time than the present to start sprucing up our space. Not only does decluttering create a more mindful abode, but it can also contribute to your mental well-being. So, whether you like to clean room-by-room or tackle the entire house in one sweep, below are some simple and sustainable tips to get you through the season.

kitchen with white shelves

1. Repurpose Everyday Items

From using glass jars as storage containers to repurposing a cup into a toothbrush holder, there are endless ways to get creative with existing everyday items.

bathroom with a mirror and a sink with a sign to wash hands

One of our recent go-to’s has been making our own chemical-free cleaner. Not only is it all-natural, but it can also easily be customized with your favorite combination of scents. To make a standard all-purpose solution:

Mix 1-part vinegar to 1-part water in a glass spray bottle (plastic can occasionally react with essential oils, so it’s important to use a glass container)
Add 8-10 drops of your favorite essential oil
You can also add citrus peels to the above mix for extra cleaning power

soap and dish brush

2. Clear the Clutter by Categorizing

One of the most rewarding parts of cleaning is clearing out your closet. Start by separating all of your clothing into four categories:

donate
sell
throw-away
keep

Take your time when sorting and do your best to avoid creating a “maybe” or miscellaneous pile. Once you’re finished with clothing, move on to homewares.

room with a chair and a table with clothes on it

Learning to let go of unnecessary possessions is not only a helpful decluttering exercise, but it also reminds us to have a “want better, not more” mentality with new purchases. Plus, getting rid of unused objects doesn’t mean it has to go to waste. Items that are still in good condition can be donated or gifted to a friend.

When it comes to donating, look locally for a no-contact option. Safely dropping off things you no longer use (but are still in good condition), will not only contribute to your community, but it will also help reduce your environmental impact.

living room with a fireplace and a black and white armchair next to a black floorlamp

3. Set Small Goals & Stick to Them

When it comes to cleaning, it’s best to commit. Setting small goals and sticking to them will make each task less overwhelming and motivate you to keep going. Start by making a list and cross things off along the way. If you live with others, cleaning can also be a fun group activity. Dedicate specific days and times to complete household chores with your roommates or family. Be diligent with daily projects and take comfort in knowing that almost no task will take as long as you think.

kitchen with shelves and utensils

laundry room with a laundry basket

4. Master the Art of Organizing

Making sure that everything has a home will save you a lot of time in the long run. Spend a few minutes to walk around your home at the end of the day. Is there loose paper on the table? Are there dirty clothes in the living room? Assessing the state of your space is an easy indicator to your organizational needs. Here are some tips to help restore order:

Laundry to Linens: Small baskets are a great way to keep household linens organized and looking fresh.

linen closet and plant

Pots to Pantry: If you find yourself needing a little bit of extra counter space, a wall-mounted shelf or rail is a stylish space saver.

clock on a wall in the kitchen

Magazines to Books: A small storage rack can lend a helping hand to stray publications, records, and books.

living room with a couch and a coffee table and tall plant

Mail to Miscellaneous: A catch-all cup or small tray can help tidy loose change, letters, and other everyday essentials.

desk with a computer and a chair and trash can

Collectibles to Toys: Shelves are a simple and straightforward way to organize objects that you want to keep out for play (or display), while a basket makes it easy for small hands to take out and put away toys.

bed and bedframe and basket of toys

Mastering the art of organizing goes beyond making sure everything has a home, it also means learning to accept the imperfections that are a part of the everyday. Instead of stressing about keeping everything in its place, give room for the patterns of daily life knowing that you can easily set the space back in order.

chair in a room with yellow round pillow and shelves on the wall

light fixture in a white room

room with shelves and a clock and a black chair

5. Celebrate Successful Spring Cleaning

Once your checklist is complete, it’s important to celebrate a job well done. While this will look different for everyone, we always find that indulging in a sweet and special treat is the perfect post-cleaning reward.

dining room with a wood floor and a plant in the corner