Spring Cleaning: Is it Just Me?

This weekend, I had this sudden urge to organize my entire house. Clear out cabinets, give away clothes and housewares, and—slightly embarrassed to admit—finally compost my Christmas urns. (Yes, in April. It happens.)

It got me wondering: is spring cleaning just a thing for those of us in colder, more temperate climates? Is it the shift from hibernation to emergence—the feeling that we need to escape the confines of our cluttered winter selves and clear space for lighter, brighter days? Or is this urge to refresh universal, even in warmer places?

Curiosity always gets the best of me, so I started digging. Turns out, the ritual of spring cleaning stretches across cultures and climates. From Persian khaneh tekani to Jewish Passover prep to pre–Chinese New Year sweeping—there’s something deeply human about wanting to start fresh when a new season begins.

And yet, spring cleaning can feel like a double-edged sword. In one breath, it’s daunting. In the next, exhilarating. I sometimes think of it as reconnecting with old friends (like the salad spinner or set of dishes you forgot you owned) and letting go of the items that weigh you down—emotionally or physically. For me, it’s not just stuff—it’s paperwork, organizing for taxes, washing the winter jackets and finally putting them away.

But why do we feel this need to do it all right now? Is it the longer days? The smell of thawing earth? That peculiar magic of April?

Honestly, I feel like a bear coming out of hibernation. My den is a mess, and I’m craving a serious refresh—personally and in my space. It can be so easy to get carried away without a lot of thought, but my gut always brings me back to my values and the environment. Do I really need another set of cushions for the patio furniture? Probably not. Simply cleaning them will give them a whole new look. Who would’ve thought? And do I need a new mat to welcome guests at the back door? Let’s be honest—I’ve had so few over this past year, the old one will probably suffice.

From an environmental perspective, spring cleaning can easily tip into excess. It’s tempting to toss everything and start fresh—but that often leads to overflowing landfills and unnecessary waste. So let’s shift the mindset.

Remember the saying: “One person’s waste is another person’s treasure.” What you’re ready to part with might bring joy or usefulness to someone else. Before tossing things out, consider donating to Habitat for Humanity, listing items on Facebook Marketplace, or offering them in a local Buy Nothing group. Even if those items aren’t quite perfect, the possibilities are endless for giving them a fresh new look—whether through a coat of paint, swapping out hardware, or adding personalized touches to make them truly unique. You never know who’s looking for exactly what you’re letting go of.

Spring cleaning doesn’t have to be about creating a perfect home. It’s about realigning your space with who you are right now. A little lighter. A little freer. 

Or is it just me?

Maybe it’s the longer days, maybe it’s the composted urns—but there’s something about this season that makes clearing space feel extra good. If the thought of doing it all at once feels overwhelming, don’t stress. I like to take it one room at a time, and just allocate a couple of hours here and there. You’d be amazed at how much you can get done—and how much lighter and more energized you feel when it’s done.

So, I’m curious… what do you love most about spring cleaning? Or do you avoid it entirely until the mood hits mid-June (no shame in that either)?

Wherever you're at, trust the process. And remember: even clearing out one drawer is a win.