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 has become more than just a seasonal chore—it’s now widely recognized as a powerful way to support mental health and emotional well-being.
“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 ‘conscious character development’ creator Jaya Jaya Myra, a former research scientist turned best-selling author and mind-body wellness expert. “Keeping your home clean and clutter-free has a direct, profound and positive impact on keeping your mind happy, focused, and clear. When your external space is clean and organized, it triggers these same emotions inwardly, creating mental calmness and peace of mind. This is one of the most powerful mindfulness hacks available for improving your mood and mental health.”
Why Decluttering Works
It’s no coincidence that we tend to feel overwhelmed when surrounded by piles of paper, overflowing closets, or cluttered countertops. Our brains are wired to crave order. Visual chaos can compete for our attention, making it harder to focus, process information, or even 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. By removing physical clutter, we reduce these triggers and create space for clarity—both physically and mentally.
Spring and Fall: Ideal Times for a Reset
Spring cleaning is a well-known tradition, fueled by the return of sunlight and fresh air. It’s a season of renewal, and cleaning your home aligns naturally with the desire to start fresh. But fall, often overlooked, is just as valuable for a deep clean and reorganization. As we prepare to spend more time indoors, making our homes more comfortable and calm can have a significant impact on our mood during shorter, darker days.
Doing a thorough clean-up and organization twice a year also helps prevent buildup. Instead of reaching a breaking point, you stay ahead of the chaos and maintain a more peaceful environment year-round.
Decluttering Tips for a Healthier Home and Mind
When it’s time to begin, the best approach is to start with small, manageable areas—what some call the “easy win” zones. Pick a single drawer, a single shelf, or one surface in your home. Tackling one contained space builds momentum and makes the overall process feel far less overwhelming. Once you’ve cleared one area, you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment that can motivate you to keep going.
As you work through your space, it’s helpful to sort everything into distinct piles: what you plan to keep, what you’ll donate, what should be thrown away, and what can be recycled. Try to be honest with yourself—do you actually use this item? Does it serve a purpose or bring you joy? Being mindful during this step can make a big difference in the outcome.
One especially helpful guideline is the 12-month rule. If you haven’t used an item in the past year and it doesn’t hold sentimental value, it’s probably time to let it go. This simple rule can help break through indecision and reduce the tendency to hold on to things “just in case.”
A Mindful Practice, Not Just a Chore
More than just tidying up, decluttering can be a mindful ritual—a way to check in with yourself and your surroundings. It’s about creating a home environment that reflects and supports who you are now, not just who you were in the past.
“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. This is conscious character development in action.”
Whether it’s the fresh air of spring or the cozy turn of fall, twice-yearly decluttering offers more than a cleaner home. It’s a reset for the soul—and a simple, actionable step toward better mental health.