Spring is your annual invitation for a fresh start. But spring cleaning isn’t just about dusting shelves or swapping out winter throws. It’s a chance to clear out what’s no longer serving you - and to create space for what will. The key to spring cleaning success? “Start small,” says pro organiser Autumn Burns of Extra Orderly, who has made over more than her fair share of homes. “It’s less about getting rid of everything and more about creating clarity in your space. Once you see the difference it makes, and how good it feels, it becomes easier to keep going,” she explains.
Here’s how to make your spring clean feel less like a chore and more like a mindset shift.
Start Where it Feels Easy
Overwhelmed by the idea of overhauling your entire house? Don’t. Begin with a single drawer, shelf or surface you use (or would like to use) daily. Think the entryway catch-all, your nightstand, or the kitchen bench. “Break it down into manageable sessions,” says Burns. “Motivation comes from little wins.”
Make a Plan
Before pulling everything out of your closet or pantry, ask: what do I want this space to do for me? Clarity comes from intention. “A common mistake is trying to tackle too much at once without a clear plan,” says Burns. “That’s when people get overwhelmed and lose steam.” Go in with a goal - whether that’s “keep only what I use weekly” or “make space for what I actually love” and stick to it.
Let Go Purposefully
Decluttering isn’t about having less - it’s about making room for more of what matters. Use the “one-in, one-out” rule: for every new thing that enters your home, one should leave. You don’t need to part with everything - just what is no longer adding value or getting utilised. If you’re only tossing things to make space, chances are, you’ll fill it up again quickly. For a spring clean to go the distance, it needs to be intentional. “The focus should be on setting up systems, not just clearing surfaces,” explains Burns.
Cleaner Space, Calmer Mind
The benefits of a tidy home go far beyond what meets the eye. “Clients tell me it feels like a mental reset, not just a physical one,” says Burns. “It’s a real sense of lightness and confidence.” With less visual noise, your home becomes a place to recharge, not just store things.
Make it Bite-Sized
If you’re still struggling to get your spring clean started, let this checklist of mini declutters get the good times rolling. Decluttering can be contagious, so start small and work your way up.
● Clear your nightstand
● Tackle the junk drawer
● Sort the bathroom cabinet
● Edit your entryway: shoes, bags, drop zones
● Re-home or donate 5 things you haven’t used in 12 months
● Clean out the fridge door (check the dates on your condiments!)
● Clear off the kitchen bench
● Wipe down and restyle one shelf or surface
Add a Finishing Touch
Once you’ve cleared the clutter, elevate the mood: lighter textiles, a clean surface, a fresh floral arrangement or, of course, scent. Alchemy White Tea & Wild Mint or Cotton Flower & Freesia are ideal post-declutter picks: clean, calming and fresh.
CIRCA, Welcome Home.