The Mental and Physical Benefits of a Good Spring Cleaning

For many Americans, finding the time to do a good deep spring cleaning in the home can be difficult; we work long hours, we cope with stress over making sure our children are well taken care of, and we prioritize other things. That’s not to say that we don’t care about the state our homes are in, however; in fact, decluttering, getting organized, and making sure everything is nice and neat can have a profound effect on the state of our mental and even physical health. It can even help you sleep better at night!

Spring cleaning may sound like an overwhelming task, especially if you have a large home or a very busy schedule. However, it doesn’t have to be a huge, difficult job; the key is to break down the job into manageable tasks, and don’t expect to get it all done in one day. Be patient with yourself and ask for help from your friends and family members. Give everyone a job to do, and cross off each item from a list to ensure nothing gets missed.

Getting started

Begin in one of the rooms you use the most, such as the kitchen. Having a clean, well-lit, well-organized kitchen can actually help you eat healthier, as a disorganized and chaotic home can cause stress… which can lead to stress-eating. Start with the pantry or food cabinets; gather organizational materials, such as bins, canisters, and labels, and make everything nice and neat. Throw out anything that has passed the expiration date; check spices and herbs too, since these usually don’t get used very often.

Remove allergens

Removing allergens from your home’s carpets and furniture can go a long way toward helping everyone stay healthy, and it will help you breathe more freely as well. If you have pets, consider using a product such as FUR-D Duo Fur Remover, the FURemover Rubber Broom, or a Hair-Removing Mitt to keep your furniture and flooring looking and smelling clean. Click here for more info.

Declutter

Go through closets, cabinets, and drawers, and get rid of anything that doesn’t work for you anymore. Old clothing that doesn’t fit or is out of style, battered shoes, dead batteries, and anything else you don’t need can be trashed, recycled, or donated. Make piles for each type of item to keep things sorted and label them neatly so there are no mix-ups. Decluttering can be hugely beneficial for your mental health and can help you stay on task and focused.

“A clutter-free space also contributes to your well-being because you will subconsciously feel like you are providing yourself with a higher level of self-care,” says Darcey Rojas, a healthy-home designer.

Remove hazards

One of the biggest benefits of spring cleaning for seniors is the removal of possible hazards, such as clutter, throw rugs, or ill-lit areas that can lead to falls. No matter your age, making your home a safer space for your family is important, so go through each area of your home to assess the safety factors and make changes as needed. The bathroom and kitchen are two main areas of concern, but look also for problems outside, such as cracked pavement or steps, and add lighting to walkways.

A good spring cleaning can help you assess your home and make it work for you and your family, but it can also benefit your health in various ways. Seniors and very young children are especially prone to illness and respiratory issues, which means making the air cleaner is always a good thing. Start in one room and take your time to avoid becoming overwhelmed and talk to your family about ways they can help out.