Spring cleaning is more than an annual tradition—it’s an opportunity to reset, refresh, and create a sense of balance. Research consistently shows that clutter in our physical environment can reflect and even amplify the chaos in our internal world. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by a messy home, you’re not alone. Science supports the connection between our surroundings and our mental health, making spring cleaning a therapeutic practice with profound benefits.
The clutter in your environment can mirror emotional turmoil, unresolved stress, or a sense of being overwhelmed. Studies from the UCLA Center on Everyday Lives and Families have found that cluttered homes, especially those with an abundance of items in common areas, lead to increased levels of cortisol—a stress hormone. This heightened stress can contribute to feelings of anxiety, decreased focus, and difficulty relaxing.
When you walk into a cluttered room, your brain processes every item as a task. This can create a mental "to-do list" that triggers overwhelm, leaving you with less energy to focus on other priorities.
Cleaning offers a sense of control in a chaotic world. The act of organizing your space can be grounding and calming, akin to a mindfulness practice. Here’s how decluttering benefits mental health:
Reduces Stress Triggers: Tidying your environment reduces the mental load of seeing unfinished tasks, which helps calm your mind.
Improves Mood: A clean space can increase feelings of accomplishment and positivity.
Boosts Focus and Productivity: A decluttered workspace enhances your ability to focus, reducing distractions.
Encourages Emotional Release: Letting go of unnecessary items can be a symbolic act of releasing emotional baggage.
Environmental psychology studies reveal that our surroundings directly influence how we feel. Natural light, clean surfaces, and organized spaces have been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. For example, research from the Journal of Environmental Psychology found that tidy, well-lit environments promote feelings of calm and happiness.
On the other hand, disorganized spaces can contribute to mental fatigue, decreased motivation, and even relationship tension.
Spring cleaning can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here are some therapist-approved strategies to guide you through the process:
Break It Into Small Steps: Divide cleaning into manageable tasks. Start with a single drawer or a corner of the room to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
Set Intentions: Reflect on why you’re decluttering. Are you seeking a calmer space or letting go of a difficult past? Setting an intention can make the process more meaningful.
Practice Mindfulness: Focus on one task at a time, paying attention to the textures, smells, and sounds of cleaning. This can transform the act into a grounding exercise.
Let Go with Gratitude: When deciding what to keep, consider how each item serves you. If it no longer adds value, thank it for its role in your life and let it go.
Celebrate Progress: Acknowledge each accomplishment, no matter how small. Progress is more important than perfection.
Spring cleaning is an opportunity to nurture both your environment and your mental health. If the process stirs up unexpected emotions or you’re seeking support to create lasting balance in your life, therapy can be a valuable resource.
At JK Counseling, we believe everyone should have access to mental health support. We are in-network with Aetna and offer out-of-network options for many insurances such as Cigna, Emblem, and United Healthcare. Our team is committed to helping you navigate insurance options, making therapy an investment in your emotional and relational well-being.
Ready to bring clarity to your life? Whether through spring cleaning or therapy, taking the first step is the most important. At JK Counseling, we’re here to help you create a life that feels balanced, intentional, and full of possibility.
