If you’re like me, you’re just as excited about letting go of the cold weather as you were to welcome it in the first place. Winter has worn out its welcome, and we’re looking forward to the vivid colors and warm temperatures of spring. But with the change in seasons comes a change in décor, in our wardrobe, and in our metabolisms, and we want to reflect that in our homes. No more pinecones and dead branches; I’m embracing the lush greenery that signifies the abundance of the season ahead.
However, spring is about energy, not consumption. There’s no need to head out to your local box store for a whole new set of decorations. There are mindful, sustainable ways to refresh your home, even without spending a dime.
Start with Energy, Not Stuff
Energy flows where clutter goes. We call it “spring cleaning” for a reason. One aspect of this is clearing out the visual clutter. Visual clutter = mental clutter, and mental clutter can keep you feeling stuck, even with new beginnings on the horizon. Walk through each room with fresh eyes and purge what is no longer needed. Think about items that are taking up space and energy without a good payoff. If it doesn’t serve a purpose, place it in the donation pile.
Another aspect is clearing out mental clutter. Keep margins in your schedule. Make time to slow down, even during spring. Sit on the front porch and watch the sun go down. Spend quality time with your loved ones.
Deep Clean with What You Already Have
Cleaning is so much more than a chore. It’s an opportunity to reset – to find a new appreciation for what we have. Spring is a time to purge the heaviness of winter, and eliminating all the dust and grime build-up feels amazing. Open your windows and let in the fresh spring air. Shake out rugs (or wash them if you have washable rugs like me). Rotate mattresses. Wipe baseboards, door frames, and ceiling fans (and all the other places that were overlooked during the winter).
If you’re looking for nontoxic cleaners for your spring cleaning, rest assured you don’t have to go buy them. Though if you do, I love Branch Basics. But you can make your own with vinegar and essential oils. Baking soda is good for scrubbing the kitchen sink or other items that need a little abrasive cleaning. Alcohol is great for sanitizing. You likely have everything you need in your pantry to get your home clean and smelling fresh.
Rearrange Instead of Replace
I moved back in with my parents during my last couple of years at university. One evening, while I was awake late into the night, I decided to rearrange the sitting room. I moved 2 leather sofas and a chair all by myself while my parents were sound asleep. It changed the whole feel of the room. Since then, I have understood that sometimes a small shift makes a big difference in how a room feels. If you’re not happy with your current set up, or you feel like you want something new, try moving things around before ditching them completely.
You can also swap décor between rooms. Relocate artwork. Move throw pillows and blankets to another room. Place the lamps in a different corner. You’d be surprised how different your home might feel after a few small changes.
Work with Natural Light
My favorite part about spring is the lengthening days and the abundance of sunlight. I love gray skies and cloudy weather, but after months of it, the warm sunlight streaming in through the windows is a welcome reprieve. Remove heavy curtains if they’re blocking the light. Dust and open the blinds. Clean windows inside and out (don’t forget the window tracks). Place mirrors strategically to reflect sunlight. All these things can make a space feel open, light, and airy.
Bring Nature Indoors
You don’t have to spend $20 on store bought bouquets (although if you want to, that’s totally fine). Forage for plants outdoors, making sure not to trespass or bring in plants that are heavily sprayed. Clip branches, pick wildflowers, gather stones or driftwood, depending on location.
If you have plants, you can repot them or move them to a new location. Trim back dead leaves or propagate clippings in water. There are many ways to bring in nature without having to go to the store.
Refresh Textiles
Thankfully, long cold nights are a thing of the past. As much as I love a warm, cozy comforter, I’m ready for the coolness of spring fabrics. Wash all blankets and pillow covers. Put away heavy bedding and opt for lighter materials like cotton and gauze if you have them. Swap sheets if you have more than one set. Hang linens in the sun to make them feel fresh.
Reset the Scent of Your Home
Scent strongly impacts emotional perception. I may not tolerate many scents due to chemical sensitivity, but I know how important they are. However, products like Febreeze and room sprays are laden with toxins and endocrine disruptors, and they cost money. If you have access to herbs and food, you can easily refresh the scent of your home without those toxins. Simmer citrus peels with rosemary for a fresh, spring scent. Open windows to let in fresh air. Dry out herbs and hang them in your kitchen. Bake cookies or simmer soup on the stove. All these things can create a welcoming cozy scent to enliven the senses.
Create One Self-Care Habit for Spring
Creating an anchor in your day that is specific to the season can help bring that season alive, inside our homes and minds. For spring, try combining something you love with being outdoors. For me, it’s walking in the evening when it’s cool, but light outside. (I wait all winter for this!) You can journal in the morning sun or take your coffee or tea outside. You can simply sit on your patio in the afternoon for some quiet time.
Spring is About Renewal
Spring isn’t about consumption. You don’t need new things; you need a new perspective. Your home reflects your inner landscape, so refresh your mind by refreshing your space this spring. With a few simple shifts, you can celebrate the season inside and out.
What would shift in your home if you treated it like a living space instead of a storage unit?
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