Let’s be real: if your home looks like an emotional tornado hit it, it might be more than just “a busy week.” As a mental health professional, I can confirm what the research says: a cluttered home can be both a sign and a source of depression. I can relate in a more personal level because in times of feeling down I have a lack of motivation or desire to clean. I am usually a very neat and tidy person. When things are piling up then that is not a good sign. Sometimes they don’t pile up because I am depressed, but its because I am too busy to keep up. But seeing the mess knowing I am unable to clean it makes me feel overwhelmed. Depression can lead to a mess, or a mess can clean to depression. This is a no win situation.
Clutter and Mental Health: What’s the Link?
Studies have found that people with cluttered homes have higher levels of cortisol (that’s your stress hormone’s way of yelling). Constant visual chaos overwhelms your brain, making it hard to relax or focus. Translation? Your junk drawer might actually be messing with your serotonin.This is why we must keep up with the piles and the high trafficked areas. The visual mess will effect you some way.
But here’s the good news: spring cleaning is basically therapy with a mop.
The Spring Effect: Why This Season is the Perfect Reset
There’s a reason spring makes us want to open windows and dance in the breeze like we’re in a laundry detergent commercial.
- More daylight = natural serotonin boost
- Fresh air = reduces fatigue and anxiety
- A sense of renewal = perfect time to mentally and physically reset
Spring inspires action—and when we pair that with a good scrub of our space, we’re giving our minds room to breathe too. Do not underestimate the power of weather. In this case we want to take advantage of the wonderful spring days that are moving us out of the gloomy, cold ones.
Getting Started with Spring Cleaning (Without the Overwhelm)
Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Where do I even start?” That mountain of unfolded laundry has been eyeing you since December. But don’t panic—we’re doing this one mindful step at a time.
Here’s how to ease into the joy (yes, joy) of spring cleaning.
5 Simple Spring Cleaning Tips for a Happier Mind
- Start Small—Like, One Drawer Small
Decluttering your entire house in one day? Nope. That’s how anxiety gets invited to the party. Pick one space—a junk drawer, your bathroom cabinet—and tackle that first win. I personally love baskets and organization cubes. They have helped me organize almost every area of my house. I got the idea from the Home Edit show on Netflix. I was inspired! If everything has a home then there is no need to ask “where does this go”?
- 2. Make It a Sensory Experience
My favorite thing to do as any Latina will tell you is to play salsa while cleaning. The beat of the music will keep you moving. So try upbeat music. Also diffuse calming essential oils (lavender is your friend). This will help set the atmosphere, although a good scent of pine sol or fabuloso will do the trick. Wear comfy clothes, leggings and a t-shirt will do. Something you don’t fear messing up when cleaning. This together provides a sensory experience to keep you going.
- 3. Ditch the “Maybe Someday” Items
If you haven’t used it, worn it, or even looked at it in 6 months, it’s time to part ways. Say goodbye with love—and maybe a little sarcasm. No need to elaborate on this one. We all hold on to things too long. No emotions are attached to the space you need.
- 4. Use the “5 Things” Rule (check out this comprehensive cleaning checklist)
Pick up 5 things in any room:
- 1 to throw away
- 1 to donate
- 1 to relocate
- 1 to clean
- 1 to put in its proper place
Boom. Progress without overwhelm. Repeat this until you feel you have made progress.
- 5. Celebrate Every Win
Did you clean one shelf? Reward yourself. You just told depression, “Not today, Satan.” Honestly the feeling of cleanliness will be the reward you are looking for. That satisfaction is indescribable, and it is priceless. Enjoy the moment.
Conclusion
In the end, Spring cleaning is like hitting that reset button and starting fresh. We all go through moments of not wanting to organize. The links between a messy home and depression are there. DO not let depression win. Take control one step at a time. Happy Cleaning!
- check out this comprehensive spring cleaning checklist:
