The Ultimate Guide to Spring Cleaning and Decluttering

Today we’re turning our attention to the quiet joy of clearing out and beginning again—an elegant ritual that welcomes spring into every corner of the home.

There is something deeply satisfying about spring cleaning. Not the frantic scrubbing or the pressure to perfect, but the gentle act of making space—physically and emotionally—for what matters. It is a tradition as old as the season itself, where the home sheds winter’s heaviness and inhales lightness again.

When I begin my spring cleaning, it is never rushed. It is a conversation between me and the house. What have we outgrown? What no longer serves? What deserves to shine again?

Where to Begin

Start with intention, not overwhelm. Choose one space—a drawer, a cupboard, a room—and let your pace be patient.

• Open all windows and let the air shift

• Bring a basket for donations, a bag for recycling, and a cloth for gentle dusting

• Light a candle with a fresh scent—citrus, rosemary, or white tea

Decluttering with Grace

The goal is not minimalism, but meaning. Keep what you love, use, and respect. Let the rest find a new home.

• If it hasn’t been touched in a year, ask yourself why

• Sentimental items deserve a place—but not all the space

• Be ruthless with broken or duplicate items

• Store seasonally to keep surfaces light and purposeful

Favorite Organizing Tools

I rely on a few beautiful, practical tools to restore order without sacrificing charm.

• Woven storage baskets for open shelving

• Linen drawer inserts and dividers

• Glass jars for pantry items—function that also delights the eye

• Vintage trays to corral loose items with elegance

Cleaning as Ceremony

The act of cleaning is often more about rhythm than result. It centers the day. It clears the mind.

• Use natural scents—lavender, lemon, and white vinegar

• Play music you love or open the windows to birdsong

• Let each task be its own reward: folding, polishing, wiping

• Finish each room with a small grace note—a flower, a scented sachet, a clean towel

A Gentle Reset

I don’t aim to finish it all in one day. I allow the process to stretch across the week or the month. What matters is the feeling—fresh, clear, and open. Spring cleaning is less about what we take away and more about what we make space for.

Reminders

• Choose one area each day to freshen, no more

• Donate with joy, not guilt

• Keep your entryways clear—clutter there clutters the whole

• Line drawers with scented paper or dried lavender

• Always clean with the windows open, whenever possible

I am grateful for today

• The sound of curtains fluttering in spring wind

• The clarity that comes after letting go

• The peace of a drawer newly in order

From Our House to Yours,
Mrs. Mayfair