Spring is nature's way of hitting the reset button. It’s the season of renewal and fresh starts that we can see and feel around us. Trees burst into blossom, fresh leaves return, and fields are dotted with fluffy lambs. After lying dormant through winter, nature delivers us the exciting possibility of a fresh start.

Do you also feel like you’re waking up from a long sleep? Is your DIY list growing? Are you suddenly noticing all sorts of home and garden projects that demand urgency? It’s no coincidence if you’re feeling the urge to spruce up your home this time of year.

Before a bathroom declutter

After a bathroom declutter

Spring has long-standing historical, cultural, and biological ties with renewal, and this is why it’s a great time to clear the cobwebs and the clutter.

The instinct for a spring tidy isn’t new. In fact, there's an established historic tradition of cleaning homes in spring. For centuries, the idea of a ‘spring clean’ has been connected to hygiene and practicality. Before modern times homes were heated with coal and fire and illuminated by candles and lanterns. All of these methods of heat and light emitted soot inside the house. Spring brings the sunlight and the warmer weather so people can throw open the windows, let fresh air in, and clear away the residue of winter.

The seasonal practice of ‘spring cleaning’ also has deep roots across cultures that range from ancient Chinese and Persian New Year celebrations to Jewish Passover and Christian Lent and Easter practices. In their own ways, all of these practices are centred around spiritual purification and new beginnings.

Together with cultural and historic traditions, our bodies physically undergo a seasonal change in spring. Just like the trees and flowers around us, we are hard-wired to feel more energetic and motivated. During the darker winter months, our bodies produce more melatonin, a hormone that helps us regulate our sleep-wake patterns. This can make us feel less energetic and motivated. To put it another way, we are in hibernation mode.

Before a wardrobe declutter

After a wardrobe declutter

When the days get longer in spring, we naturally produce less melatonin, and this boosts both our energy and ‘can do’ motivation. That gentle biological surge is yet another reason why spring is a great time to start decluttering your home. Not only will you have more energy and stamina for decluttering projects, you’ll be carried by the cultural reinforcement for clear-outs and fresh starts.

It’s strange that December and January are the most popular times to start new year's goals. It’s the time when our energy and follow through efforts are at their lowest. People often begin decluttering in January, determined that this is the year of their clear-out. Because we’re in hibernation mode, many projects get abandoned or never get started, and this can have a knock-on effect on our decluttering confidence.

If this is sounding familiar, let this be your gentle nudge to look at your space with fresh eyes and begin taking small steps towards a more calm and supportive home.

Decluttered clothes

Charity donations

Cher Casey delivering decluttered donations All photos: Cher Casey

Spring is full of possibilities; it marks the transition from dormancy to new life, from rest to renewal. And as humans, we are deeply influenced by these historic, cultural, and natural cycles, sometimes without even realising it. It’s no surprise that we want to refresh our surroundings and create spaces that feel lighter, calmer, and more supportive.

As a professional organiser, I always notice a flurry of new enquiries to declutter, organise, and help people move house. My current clients book more regularly, and they’re extra excited to start ambitious projects, such as garages, lofts, and paperwork. It’s a really fun time of the year to be helping people create their intentional homes.

Because at its heart, spring isn’t really about cleaning. It’s about renewal and creating space for a new season and a lighter way of living.

Cher Casey, PhD, is a York-based professional organiser, decluttering expert, and public speaker who helps people simplify and create homes that support their well-being and their daily lives. She takes a holistic and compassionate approach to decluttering and organising. With a background in research and education, she blends psychology and practicality to help people move from overwhelm to clarity. Find out more on her website, Instagram, or facebook.

What’s next:

Join me at The Art of Decluttering, an in-person workshop to kickstart your decluttering journey. We’ll dive into how to get started, navigate common barriers, maximise space in your home, and all the wonderful things you can re-home and donate locally. A great way to love up your home this spring.

Wednesday 13th May 7-9pm

Impossible York

Tickets: £25

Book tickets here