What is Spring Cleaning? Refresh Your Home with an Aussie Tradition

what is spring cleaning

This weekend, we found ourselves with excess energy on a quiet weekend all with the urge to tidy, declutter and clean our living spaces. As winter's chill gives way to the gentle warmth of spring, many people embark on a timeless tradition known as spring cleaning. It's a practice that goes beyond mere cleaning; it's a rejuvenation of our living spaces and a refreshing start to the season. In this article, we'll explore the spring-cleaning process, what we do at home and even the origins or spring cleaning.

What is Spring Cleaning Process?

You can really create any process that suits you. Spring cleaning is a thorough and methodical cleaning of your home, focusing on areas that may have been neglected during the winter months. During winter we as a family don’t have the energy to run around the house and do the more difficult cleaning tasks which are easier with a fresh breeze and a lot of sunshine. In winter I rather organise papers, my schedule, finances or photos.

For spring cleaning the process becomes more energetic and physically demanding, the process typically includes tasks like dusting, decluttering, deep cleaning carpets and upholstery, washing windows, and organising your living spaces. It's a chance to refresh your home and create a more pleasant and healthy living environment.

Spring cleaning in our home

We work organically, I tend to start with dusting, vacuuming, and mopping floors.

The it is time to go through my wardrobe to declutter clothes I no longer need or want. I make sure my spring and summer clothes are all in good condition as someone who embraces the capsule wardrobe, I don’t have many clothes, what I have needs to be in excellent condition and versatile.

I normally spend one afternoon with each child going through their wardrobe making sure they are organized with the change in school Uniform and checking what clothes they have outgrown.

We also go through everyone’s rooms, to dust, vacuum, declutter and organise. I utilize the extra light, fresh warm breeze, and energy I feel this time of year.

What Month Do You Start Spring Cleaning?

The timing of spring cleaning can vary, it typically begins in March, April, or May in the Northern Hemisphere. Here in Australia, we started to get excited in September and we will do a few different things until November. Our goal is to complete this process before the warmer months when afternoon naps in the hammock, BBQ’s, and surfing are more important. Not to mention when we do have super-hot days in Australia you don’t want to move during the middle of the day, conserving your energy for morning and afternoon for fun things is the name of the game.

Lady cleaning a bed with white sheets

A little bit of history, Why Do We Say Spring Cleaning?

Did you know that the term "spring cleaning" is rooted in history? In earlier times, homes were heated with coal, wood, or oil, which left a layer of soot and grime on surfaces throughout the winter. With the arrival of spring, it became necessary to thoroughly clean the home to remove this built-up dirt. Additionally, as days grew longer and brighter, there was more natural light to expose the accumulated dust and mess, making spring an ideal time to clean and freshen up the living spaces.

Spring cleaning in your life

Spring cleaning is not just about tidying up; it's a tradition that signifies a fresh start, both for your home and your mindset. Whether you live in a region with distinct seasons or in a place where the climate remains relatively consistent, embracing the spirit of spring cleaning can bring a sense of renewal to your life. It fits very much in the ethos of this website where we don’t overdo things, we declutter, clean, and organise when we have time and energy and it suits our lives. Over time all these things start to add up to a pretty organised life.

Need some extra support?

If you're looking for guidance on how to organise your home effectively during your spring cleaning, consider checking out these helpful resources:

what is spring cleaning

Organising Unpacked eBook

Organising Room by Room

Got a specific process for your Spring cleaning?

Tell me about it in the comments.

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