Spring Cleaning: Dos & Don’ts for De-Cluttering Your Home, Kitchen, Body & Mind for the New Season

By Rachel Chemerynski

Spring is most definitely in the air! The question is, are you ready to ring in the new season? The time has come for some spring cleaning folks, and no we’re not just referring to cleaning out that space in your garage you’ve been meaning to get to for the past three years. We’re talking about some serious cleansing for your home, kitchen, body, and even your mind. With these simple de-cluttering dos and don’ts, you’ll be basking in the joys of the season in no time!

Spring Cleaning for Your Home

Do: Purge your closet and drawers, setting aside a pile of clothes to give away or donate. Once you’re through, you may even want to consider color-coordinating your closet to add more order. Plus, it’s the perfect way to showcase all your favorite brights!
Don’t: Hang on to every last pair of skinny jeans or old tees. If you haven’t worn it in over a year, it’s time to say goodbye.

Do: Recycle used magazines and newspapers to create a comfortable, clean reading space.
Don’t: Let your mail pile get the best of you. Set aside some time to organize: read, sort, or shred!

Do: Go “green” by purchasing some eco-friendly household cleaning products.
Don’t: Be a beauty product hoarder! Check the expiration dates, and clean out that over-stuffed makeup bag once and for all. Learn the rule of thumb for shelf life here.

Spring Cleaning for Your Kitchen
 
Do: Plan ahead. Dedicate Sundays as your day to get most of your grocery shopping done for the week. Make a list so you know exactly what ingredients you need in order to prepare your favorite meals. Hey, maybe you can finally make use of all of those drool-worthy foodie pins on Pinterest.
Don’t: Purchase more than you need (or can afford). Stick with the basics and buy more as desired throughout the week.

Do: Organize your fridge, tossing expired items to make room for the new!
Don’t: Order take-out or fast food for a week straight.

Do: Clean your plate, and no we’re not talking about licking it clean; rather we encourage you to “eat clean” utilizing fresh, wholesome ingredients.
Don’t: Fall victim to a shelf-load of packaged, processed, or artificial foods. Go for the real deal!

Do: Play with fresh herbs—like parsley, dandelion root, and milk thistle—all known to help detox and cleanse the body from toxins.
Don’t: Let your herbs wilt or dry out. To keep herbs fresh longer, try storing in an herb keeper, glass jar on the counter, or wrapped in a damp paper towel in the fridge, depending on the type.

Spring Cleaning for Your Body

Do: Eat with the seasons, filling your plate with fresh spring fruits and vegetables like kale, asparagus, peas, kiwi and cherries. Try this seasonal Chilled Asparagus Salad courtesy of Sundara Inn & Spa.
Don’t: Consume the same foods every day. Add some variety to your plate!

Do: Try a mini cleanse or detox that works right for your body and lifestyle. We love these DIY at-home detox tips from our friends at Mirbeau Inn & Spa.
Don’t:  Use a cleanse as a permanent “diet.” Rather, they’re meant to be treated as a healthy jump-start. This juice cleanse incorporates six nutrient-packed juices a day, and can be done for one to up to six days!

Do: Book yourself a much-needed massage. Don’t know where to go? Lucky for you, we’ve got hundreds of spas to choose from right here on SpaFinder. Sort by service or location, and use our handy massage guide to find your perfect fit.
Don’t: Forget to drink your water and stay hydrated, especially important after a massage.

Do: Detoxify, hydrate, and relax with a DIY sugar body scrub or revitalizing facial to start the season off on a fresh note.
Don’t: Use harsh, unnatural chemical-laden products on your face or body. Check your inventory and see which products you could go without. We’re suckers for these eco-friendly, all-natural balms!

Spring Cleaning for Your Mind

Do: Practice mindful eating, at the very least for your breakfast.
Don’t: Rush through meals…or life for that matter.

Do: Book a vacation to one of our Top 10 Wellness Retreats for a healthy reset.
Don’t: Overbook yourself; embrace saying “no” when you need to.

Do: Take time to unplug by curling up with a good book before bed, going for a long walk/run or just simply being.
Don’t: Spend the hours right before bed hooked up to your TV, iPhone, iPad, or favorite gadget.

Do: Incorporate meditation into your daily life, as it’s known to reduce stress and cleanse the mind.
Don’t: Lose sleep over it! Catch up on your Zzzs with these relaxing spa treatments—like acupuncture, reflexology, and essential oil based facials—all designed to promote healthy sleep habits.

Do: Take an afternoon breather at the office. Enjoy lunch outside, go for a walk or simply stand up to stretch.
Don’t: Let stress get the best of you at work. Try these simple stress management tips!

How can you incorporate spring cleansing into your lifestyle? What areas do you feel most “cluttered?”

Rachel Chemerynski is a certified health coach and freelance writer living in Boston, Massachusetts. She is the founder of Healthy Chicks, a wellness community dedicated to inspiring twenty-something women to live happier, healthier, more satisfying lives.