Spring cleaning your life - what does it really mean?
When I think of a spring clean, I don’t just picture dusting skirting boards or opening the windows to let the breeze in (though that feels good too). For me, it’s the perfect time to pause, look around at the things that no longer serve me, and ask myself: what do I actually want to carry forward?
As a single mum, my version of “refresh” doesn’t look Pinterest-perfect. It’s not a well-organised wardrobe or a pristine pantry. It’s more like decluttering the bottom of my handbag or finally deleting those emails I’ll never read. Slowly but surely, I’ve learned that to spring clean your life means taking small, intentional steps that bring a sense of lightness.
This year, I’ve realised that when I take time to spring clean my mind as much as my home, I feel calmer, clearer, and more present in my daily life. So here are some of my favourite ways to realign.
Spring cleaning your life, starting with your goals
Think of this season as a gentle invitation to sweep away old expectations. Those “shoulds” that no longer fit? It’s time to set them free. Imagine opening the windows not just in your home, but in your head; letting stale air out so that new energy can come in.
Your goals don’t have to be grand. It could be one simple intention, like adding five minutes of meditation to your morning or setting aside space for journaling at night. My first piece of advice - by focusing on what truly brings you joy, you’ll be getting rid of what’s heavy and making space for what’s important.
Simple upskilling tools that fit your real life
Upskilling doesn’t need to feel like another job on your never-ending project list. I've learned that there's no need to overload my to-do list—I only had to find tools that fit my current needs.
- Short courses on platforms like Coursera or LinkedIn Learning
- Podcasts you can listen to while folding laundry
- A language app to dip into during school pickup waits
- Bite-sized YouTube tutorials that fit into a coffee break
Small, steady steps count. Even just five minutes a day can give you that sense of accomplishment and a little boost of confidence.
Letting go of mental clutter through learning
One great way to quiet negative thoughts is by inviting something new in. Learning a fresh skill or hobby can feel like a soft cleanse for the brain—a gentle reminder that growth is still possible.
Think of it as getting rid of stale worries by picking up something that makes you curious. It might be a local art class or a weekend workshop that helps you reconnect with your spark. All you need to do is have a great time by choosing what feels light and nourishing.
Tools and apps that refresh your mind, body, and career
Growth isn’t just about work. It’s also about how you breathe at the end of the day. These gentle tools helped me a lot:
- Notion or Trello to get organised and keep overwhelm at bay
- Blinkist for bite-sized book summaries when you’re too tired to read
- Journaling prompts for a quick brain dump before bed
- Insight Timer or Calm for guided meditation
- A gentle workout or walk to move your body and release stress and anxiety
Even tiny rituals can bring clarity, confidence, and enjoyment back into your daily routine.
Declutter your digital life
Your phone and laptop need a spring clean too. Try:
- Clearing out your inbox (and hitting unsubscribe on emails you don’t need to receive marketing from)
- Unfollow accounts you follow that don't resonate positivity
- Muting the constant notification buzz that leaves you drained
- Doing a mini digital detox—even for just one evening a week
Spring cleaning your life by reassessing your routines and old habits
This is the perfect time to look at your old habits and see if they still fit. Maybe your exercise routine is feeling more like a chore than a joy. Or maybe that 10 p.m. scroll through your feed is leaving you flat instead of lifted.
Find out which habits make you happy, and which no longer serve you. Once you see things clearly, you can create new routines that better match your season of life.
Spring cleaning your life by clearing space for mindfulness and meditation
Life moves so fast that it’s easy to get stuck in autopilot. Setting aside even five minutes to sit still, breathe deeply, and check in with yourself is one of the simplest steps to help create mental space.
Mindfulness is all about slowing down enough to notice. Whether it’s through meditation, a cup of tea on the back step, or a quiet journal entry, these pauses are what reinvigorate us.
Declutter the people in your circle
Sometimes, it’s not things that drain you—it’s the people in your circle. Take a gentle look at your relationships. Do they encourage and inspire you, or weigh you down?
It’s okay to delegate your energy wisely. Let go of connections that you no longer need. Surround yourself with people who align with your values and genuinely make you happy.
Spruce up your space for new energy and new routines
Even small changes in your physical environment can reinvigorate your mood. Light a candle, shift the furniture, or spruce up one corner of your home that’s been forgotten.
You don’t need a pristine house—just a space that reflects you. Creating an environment that feels warm and alive can help your spirit bloom.
You can even join your kids in these Fun spring activities.
Prioritise self-care as part of your reset
Finally, remember that self-care isn’t selfish. It’s the foundation that allows everything else to flow. Think of it as the anchor in your daily routine—whether that’s a walk or enjoying a cup of coffee.
By choosing to prioritise yourself, you’re saying “yes” to showing up with more presence and joy for your family. And that feels good.
Final thoughts: Spring cleaning your life
Spring cleaning your life doesn't only mean getting rid of dusty shelves or messy drawers. It’s about gently letting go of what no longer serves you, so you can make room for what’s important. That might look like trimming back your inbox or rethinking your existing routines and creating new ones that truly align with your energy.
Remember, Mum: this isn’t about achieving a spotless home or a flawless calendar. It’s about finding clarity, renewal, and small rituals that encourage and inspire you. A spring clean is really about saying “yes” to yourself—your growth, your peace, and your joy.
Take it slow, celebrate the small wins, and enjoy your season of growth.
