As the seasons change, so should our surroundings. Spring and fall offer the perfect opportunities to reset not just our homes, but also our minds. Decluttering is no longer just a seasonal to-do—it’s a powerful way to clear mental fog and create space for joy.
For those who follow the Marie Kondo method, the rule is simple: if it doesn’t spark joy, let it go. It’s a deeply mindful approach that encourages us to check in with our emotions as we clean. Rather than viewing decluttering as a chore, it becomes a way to intentionally shape our space—and our state of mind.
“Cleaning your place could easily be one of the most powerful practical strategies we have to keep our mood and mental health in check,” says Jaya Jaya Myra, former research scientist turned best-selling author and mind-body wellness expert who coined the term, ‘conscious character development’. “Keeping your home clean and clutter-free has a direct, profound and positive impact on keeping your mind happy, focused, and clear.”
Why Decluttering Works
It’s no coincidence that clutter makes us feel overwhelmed. When we’re surrounded by piles of papers, bursting drawers, or cluttered countertops, our brains struggle to focus. We crave order—and visual chaos competes for our attention, increases stress, and makes it harder to relax.
Studies show that clutter is linked to increased levels of cortisol, the stress hormone. Over time, this can contribute to anxiety, insomnia, and even depression. Removing clutter helps reduce these triggers and opens up space for clarity—both physically and mentally.
One Room at a Time: A Grounding Way to Begin
Rather than trying to overhaul your entire home in one day, focus on one room. Start where you spend the most time or where clutter is most disruptive—your kitchen, living room, or bedroom. Once that room feels refreshed, you’ll have the momentum (and calm) to move on to other areas. This focused approach keeps the process from feeling overwhelming and makes each step feel intentional.
Spring and Fall: Built-In Reset Points
Spring brings sunlight and fresh air, making it a natural time to clean and renew. Fall, on the other hand, invites us inward. As we prepare for longer nights and more time at home, organizing our space can make those cozy months feel even more nourishing.
Decluttering twice a year also helps prevent buildup. You stay ahead of the chaos, so instead of scrambling to catch up, you’re maintaining a peaceful environment year-round.
Decluttering Tips for a Healthier Home and Mind
If you’re unsure where to start, remember: the goal isn’t perfection. It’s joy. Use these tips to guide your reset:
- Begin with a joyful intention. Ask yourself what kind of space you want to create. Let that vision lead your decisions.
- Pick a primary space. Tidy one room first. A single clean space often inspires the rest.
- Use the “spark joy” rule. Hold each item and ask: does this bring me joy? If not, thank it—and let it go.
- Sort mindfully. Make piles for keep, donate, toss, and recycle. Be honest about what you use and love.
- Tackle hidden clutter. Digital files, junk drawers, and closets may not be visible, but they can still weigh on your mind.
- Build the habit. Add spring and fall decluttering to your calendar. These gentle touchpoints help you stay grounded.
- Keep a donation bin handy. Having a place to collect items throughout the year makes the process easier and more intuitive.
- Celebrate each step. After you finish a room, light a candle, put on a favorite song, or just enjoy the space in silence. Savor the joy you’ve created.
Decluttering as a Mindful Ritual
More than just tidying up, decluttering can be a ritual—a way to reconnect with yourself and your space. It’s about letting go of what no longer serves you and honoring the items that do.
“Your external environment is a mirror of your internal state,” Jaya Jaya Myra adds. “When you clean and organize your space, you are literally sending a message to your brain that it’s time to feel more balanced, at peace, and in control.”
Whether it’s the freshness of spring or the quiet turn of fall, seasonal decluttering is more than a clean-up—it’s a mindful reset. One joyful item, one room, one breath at a time.