It is that time of year again –– spring cleaning. This annual ritual of decluttering and deep-cleaning the house can positively impact our overall mental health.
It is common knowledge that a clean and organized home can help reduce stress. However, spring cleaning takes this idea further.
According to Kirsten Fisher, a Certified Professional Organizer and Founder of Imagine Home Organization, it is not just about scrubbing and tidying, but about letting go.
“We teach clients how to make better decisions about which things to keep. We do this by letting go of the word ‘should.’ Clients feel they should hold on to things because they were a gift, were expensive or have always been in the home,” said Fisher. “We teach them to keep what they use and love, and remind them of the significant consequences of having too much stuff.”
Emotional Cleanse
For many, possessions are a way to hold onto memories and emotions. This can be both a blessing and a curse. Clutter can often be a reminder of the past, which can bring up negative emotions such as regret and guilt.
Negative emotions can be consciously released by taking the time to do a thorough spring clean. There is freedom in removing the things that no longer serve their purpose to make room for new ideas, experiences and opportunities.
Empowering Self-Care
Spring cleaning can also be a great way to practice self-care. Organizing and decluttering can reduce stress, creating a more relaxing environment.
“We meet many clients who feel shame in their homes. They may have stopped inviting friends or family over because their homes are cluttered, or they are no longer at peace in their own space. We teach them how to organize and look at their possessions differently. A clean and organized home dramatically affects how people feel about themselves.” Fisher said.
Greater Tampa Bay businesses catering to home edit
- Imagine Home Organization – This woman-owned home organization service helps clients declutter, reorganize and streamline their homes for maximum efficiency.
- House Cleaning By The OCD Sisters – This sister duo creates a one-of-a-kind home cleaning plan customized to your needs. They offer scheduled maintenance for residential and commercial clients. There is weekly, bi-weekly, monthly or as-needed, initial deep clean, Spring and Fall deep clean, and move-in or move-out deep clean.
- Maids of All Trades – This locally owned business offers a wide range of cleaning services, from commercial to residential cleaning, errand services and meal prep options.
- Catagorica – This new home organizing company has already made a name for itself in New Port Richey. They specialize in making homes more efficient, functional and clutter-free.
- Clutter Rescue, 911 – This 5-star, judgement free company approaches organization with humor and a can-do attitude. They even offer DIY ideas to help homeowners get started.
- Balanced Order Organizing Solutions – This Wesley Chapel based company knows life is a balancing act. They organize everything from closets to cars.
Greater Tampa Bay thrift stores to donate well-loved possessions for a cause.
- Clothes to Kids – This non-profit has operated since 2003, providing more than 122,000 wardrobes to school children in desperate need of clothing. Their vision is for every child to have the clothing they need to attend school with dignity and pride, ready to learn!
- Echo Thrift Store – This thrift store provides residents of Hillsborough County with emergency food, clothing and access to life-stabilizing programs and resources. Every purchase fund their social programs, which assist homeless and low-income neighbors.
- CASA Thrift Store – (Community Action Stops Abuse) – All proceeds from sales fund CASA’s safety, empowerment and prevention programs to end domestic violence. To donate to the thrift shop, please bring in your “like new” items or call to schedule a furniture pickup. Donations are tax-deductible.
- Pet Pal Thrift Store – The mission of this thrift store is to further subsidize the efforts of their animal shelter, providing much-needed funds for sick and injured animals. Donations made to the thrift store are tax-deductible.
- Life’s Treasures Thrift Stores – Proceeds from this thrift store go to support the HPH Hospice patient and family programs in Pasco County. The Chapters Health System strives to offer the best home care for less. Donations are always welcome and are tax-deductible.
- Habitat for Humanity ReStore – All proceeds from the restore go building homes with hardworking families. They offer drop off donations, pick up and demolition hauls, all of which are tax-deductible.
By Deborah Holmen, M.Ed., NBCT.
