Spring Cleaning vs Spring Decluttering: Which Is Better?

Spring is the season for rebirth. It is when the barren branches finally sprout some greens and flowers begin to bloom in a vibrant burst of colour.

Besides, for most of us, it is a sign of new beginnings. Well, what better way to begin anew than with a spring cleaning?

Our homes feel stuffy and dirty after a winter indoors.

This leaves many of us undecided whether to clean or to declutter. This article will point you in the right direction since most people just do not know where to begin.

What Exactly Is Spring Cleaning?

Typically involving scrubbing a house from top to bottom, spring cleaning covers every corner.

Its main purpose is to thoroughly cleanse all spots that are not usually part of your regular routine, from the gaps between tiles to the ceiling fans and vents.

Spring cleaning has countless advantages. Most notably, it freshens up your living space. Clearing away months of accumulated dust and grime instantly makes your home feel more open and inviting.

It provides multiple health benefits as well. Air quality greatly improves when you get rid of allergens such as pet dander and dust mites.

In addition, this eradicates harmful bacteria, moulds, and viruses that hang around in unseen elements. This promotes respiratory health and better sleep.

However, there are always some cons among pros. The biggest drawback to spring cleaning is that it requires many hours and much energy.

Without a defined cleaning checklist, a person can easily miss some areas. This allows dirt and bacteria to build up. These will then attract many types of pests.

What Does Decluttering Entail?

Spring decluttering is when you dispose of things you no longer like, use, or need. Things just somehow seem to stock up when you receive items as gifts, buy them spontaneously, or accumulate hand-me-downs. Decluttering means taking an inventory of everything you possess and making a conscious decision about which items to throw out, donate, recycle, or keep.

It cleans up space in your house and also has many psychological benefits.

Reducing the material clutter in your house can help you mitigate mental disarray, making you feel less overwhelmed and stressed.

Moreover, your day-to-day activities will become much easier to manage when you have fewer objects to organise.

Nevertheless, decluttering can cause emotional turmoil. Letting go of things you don’t use yet have held onto for years is not always easy.

Some items hold sentimental value or remind us of a dear time in our past. Taking this trip down memory lane can trigger a lot of mixed emotions.

Should You Clean or Declutter First?

This brings us back to where we started. Is it better to clean up or organise first? The answer mostly relies on your preferences and needs.

Decluttering first makes sense since it minimises the amount of things you have to clean later. It also helps you identify areas or objects that really need a good scrubbing.

Furthermore, it saves you time and effort that you would otherwise spend dusting off old books or knick-knacks you do not plan on keeping anyway.

Conversely, some people would rather clean up before downsizing their belongings. If you have not deep cleaned for some time, dust and filth can seriously divert your attention when you are trying to organise.

Just imagine opening your wardrobe, ready to go through your clothes, and then being suffocated by a dust cloud. Who would want that?

Cleaning first can also give you an immediate sense of achievement. You will feel more motivated to continue with your cleaning every time you walk into that room and find it spotless. This means you’ll continue the decluttering journey.

However, if the dust and dirt buildup is beyond your control, don’t be afraid to ask for help. There is no shame in having a professional company pave the way for you to finish the job.

What Must You Include in a Spring Cleaning Checklist?

Create a strategy that works for you. Use a cleaning checklist to stay organized and ensure everything gets done.

Here is our recommended list:

• Sort everything room by room into keep, donate, and throw-away piles.
• Dispose of sentimental objects mercilessly. Just keep what really enhances your life.
• After a room is organised, move on to the next one.
• Once surfaces are clear, vacuum clean each room and wipe away any visible dust.
• Clean windows, baseboards, and floor tiles.
• Deep clean the bathroom and kitchen’s surfaces, appliances, and backsplash tiles.
• Wash rugs, cushions, and drapes.

If you have opted to start with cleaning, just flip the steps.

It is also a good idea to create a list of the supplies you need for this exhaustive task. You will need a bucket, microfiber towels, and sponges. It goes without saying that you will also use an all-purpose cleaner, hoover, duster, and mop.

You do not need to run to the store for everything, though. You likely have potent cleaning agents right in your cupboard. Distilled white vinegar, baking soda, and dish soap will all come in handy.

Conclusion

So, which is the ultimate winner? Well, there is no direct answer.

Decluttering first would be wise if the clutter is driving you insane. On the other hand, spring cleaning should be on top of your list if you need the instant gratification of entering an immaculate environment to motivate you.

The key is determining where you will find the most satisfaction. Actually, the two techniques go hand in hand. Cleaning typically encourages decluttering, and vice versa.

Whichever route you take first, the end result will be a cleaner, more orderly space that you are proud to call home.

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