Stress-free Spring Cleaning
Tips for Stress-free
Spring Cleaning
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Every year, when the weather starts warming up, and the sunlight hits my windows just right, I notice… everything. The dust on the baseboards, the clutter that somehow multiplied over winter, the mystery drawer that I swore I’d organize months ago. Spring cleaning sounds easy in theory—but in reality? You can quickly become overwhelmed when you think about all of the things that need refreshing.
A few years ago, I hit that exact wall. I had one Saturday, a cup of coffee, and a very unrealistic to-do list. I thought I was about to deep clean my entire home in one day. Spoiler: I didn’t. Instead, I got overwhelmed halfway through cleaning my kitchen, sat on the floor scrolling my phone, and decided I “wasn’t in the mood anymore.”
That’s when I realized something: spring cleaning doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing. It can actually feel… doable. Even satisfying.
Let me show you how.
Gather your supplies
Before you get started on anything, gather at least some basic cleaning supplies that you can take to each spot. I finally did this after so many years, and it’s made it SO much easier to have everything I need in one spot.
I do have some specific items in certain rooms, like (toilet bowl cleaner), since I don’t need that anywhere else.
But, for the basic items that you’ll use in multiple rooms, its so helpful to have everything you need. I know, if I have to keep stopping the job to look for things, it will be easier to stop and start a different task.
Here are some ideas for what I’d call a basic starter cleaning basket:
Cleaning Spray
Cleaning Cloths
Duster
Scrub Brushes
Glass Cloth
Bucket with soap
Small Vacuum
Rubber Gloves
Garbage Bag
Start Small
(Like, Really Small)
Now that you have your supplies, it’s time to get started. Instead of tackling your whole house, pick one tiny area. A junk drawer. A bathroom counter. Even just your nightstand.
When I restarted my failed cleaning day, I chose the space under my kitchen sink. It took 20 minutes—and the sense of accomplishment? Immediate.
Small wins build momentum. And honestly, momentum is everything.
Create a “Reset Routine,”
Not a Marathon
Think of spring cleaning less like a one-time event and more like a series of mini resets.
Try this:
15–30 minutes per day
One space at a time
Stop before you feel exhausted
This approach changed everything for me. Instead of dreading it, I started looking forward to my little “reset sessions.”
Switch to Non-Toxic Cleaning Products
One thing that made cleaning feel less like a chore and more like self-care was swapping out harsh chemicals for safer, non-toxic options. The strong smells and headaches? Gone.
There are so many options out there nowadays. The hard part is finding the ones that are truly non-toxic. Packaging can be deceiving. I’ve taken some of the guesswork out of it for you and put together some easy, effective swaps for common cleaners:
1. All-Purpose Cleaner (Non-Toxic)
My hands-down favorite cleaning spray is from Branch Basics. You can literally use it on everything from general cleaning to washing fruits and vegetables, and it’s super safe for kids and pets. You can read more in-depth on why I love this Brand so much here.
Find Branch Basics Spray here!
2. Glass Cleaner
You can make this one very toxic-free with Glass Cloths like these. You can just use water and get a streak-free window. If you want to stick with a spray, This CleanBoss Spray is awesome, toxic-free and smells great!
3. Reusable Microfiber Cloths
Swap paper towels for washable cloths like these. They clean better and save money long-term.
4. Natural Dish Soap
Brands like Seventh Generation & Mollys Suds offer powerful grease-cutting without synthetic fragrances or dyes.
5. Air-Purifying Room Sprays or Essential Oils
Instead of artificial air fresheners, try essential oil sprays or a diffuser. I love this one! A little lemon or lavender essential oil goes a long way in making your space feel fresh. If you want scent more candle-like, a set like these smell so good!
Declutter as You Go
Here’s a rule that helped me: if I pick something up and don’t immediately know where it belongs… it probably doesn’t need to stay.
Ask yourself:
Do I use this regularly?
Would I buy this again today?
If the answer is no, it might be time to let it go.
And no pressure to be extreme—you don’t need to become a minimalist overnight. Just lighten the load a little.
Quick Tip: Bring a Garbage Bag and a container for items that don’t belong in that space. That way random items aren’t just floating around the house.
Make It Feel Good (Not Punishing)
Cleaning used to feel like something I had to do. Now I make it something I want to do. Try:
- Playing your favorite music or podcast (no T.V.)
- Light a candle or run your essential oil diffuser
- Opening windows for fresh air
One time, I turned on a podcast and ended up cleaning my entire bathroom without even noticing. That’s the sweet spot.
If you want to incorporate your whole family (even the kids!), check out this post on how I have been getting everyone involved in a quick, fun way!
Focus on How You Want Your Space to Feel
This was the biggest mindset shift for me.
Instead of asking, “What do I need to clean?”
Ask: “How do I want this space to feel?”
Calm? Cozy? Clear?
When I started focusing on that, cleaning stopped being about perfection and started being about creating a space I actually enjoyed being in.
Final Thoughts: Progress Over Perfection
If you take anything from this, let it be this: you don’t have to do everything. You just have to start.
Spring cleaning isn’t about having a spotless, magazine-perfect home. It’s about giving yourself a clean, fresh start—one small step at a time. In no time, you’ll have a much cleaner home.
And hey, if all you manage to clean today is one drawer? That still counts.
Honestly… that’s exactly how it starts.
