This is the definition of spring cleaning according to Google:
spring clean·ing
noun: spring clean; plural noun: spring cleans; noun: spring cleaning; plural noun: spring cleanings
1. a thorough cleaning of a house or room, typically undertaken in spring.
verb: spring-clean; 3rd person present: spring-cleans; past tense: spring-cleaned; past participle: spring-cleaned; gerund or present participle: spring-cleaning
1. clean (a home or room) thoroughly.
And according to Wikipedia:
Spring cleaning is the practice of thoroughly cleaning a house in the springtime. The practice of spring cleaning is especially prevalent in climates with a cold winter.
Here in Nashville, winter doesn’t exactly always require down vests and thermal long underwear. Heck, many of us never even bothered to take out our heavy sweaters this year. But spring is dawning, and that means it’s time for spring cleaning.
Where did the notion of spring cleaning even come from? One theory is that it originated from the Jewish custom of Passover, or the religious renewal many Christians experience in preparing for Easter. Or maybe the credit goes to the Chinese, and the customary house cleaning that takes place before the Chinese New Year.
Regardless, humans are more tired in the winter. Why is that relevant to spring cleaning? Hormones in our bodies react to the amount of sunlight we receive, and with the shorter, cloudier days that come with winter, we’re put into a sort of extended sleepy stupor. Longer, sunnier days bring us more energy, hence the arrival of spring cleaning frenzies. Just look again at Wikipedia’s definition: the practice of spring cleaning is especially prevalent in climates with a cold winter. So the math works like this:
Winter = sleepiness = laziness = letting the clutter build up.
Yep, I just gave you an excuse for being lazy all winter.
Actually, Wikipedia did. And since it’s from Wikipedia, that means it’s completely accurate, right?
But now it’s spring, so that excuse was short-lived. Sorry.
Along with religious rejuvenation and watching nature’s greenery re-emerge, spring can provide a restart for the soul. When we decide to scrub down every surface in our homes and clear the clutter, we are clearing away the weight of cabin fever and starting anew.
Don’t forget that besides cleaning, the de-cluttering aspect of spring cleaning is just as important. Just as grime builds up on the inside of your oven, clutter builds up around your house. If you take the time to actually look at it, you may realize just how much stuff built up over the dark, dreary months. Purging unwanted items and creating clear, clean spaces brings peace to the mind and soul, and we highly recommend it.
When you’re wiping down the pantry shelves, go ahead and dig through all that food in the back and check for expiration dates. Cleaning the bathroom drawers? Surely there’s some make-up or old lotion in there that you tried once and decided you don’t even like. If you’re never going to use it again, toss it out. Maybe even take a look at some of those winter clothes you haven’t worn in over a year.
It’s not that hard, and it will help you feel a whole lot better. I promise. You are literally helping your house lose weight. Just in time for swimsuit season, too.
-Heidi
Professional Organizer & Organizing Enthusiast