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What is it about the changes of the seasons that draw us to get into the nooks and crannies to remove dust, dirt, and open the windows to fresh air?

In the Southern Hemisphere, spring has sprung.

The air is warming. The flowers are blooming. The days are getting longer, and it seems there is an innate desire to pull back the curtains, open the windows, and let the sun and air in.

Strangely, or interestingly, I have a similar reaction as we head into winter. Again, the cycle of cleaning out the cupboards, packing away the season’s clothes, and almost in a ritualistic way, welcoming the change of the wardrobe and bedclothes appeals to me.

This is a heralded time to pull out everything for a complete deep clean—removing old dirt, fire soot, dust balls, and things that might have been loving the relative quiet of the light, weekly clean. Cleaning the dark spaces reduces the likelihood of mould, which we know is toxic. It leaches a potentially lethal biotoxin—let alone the spores entering our body.

Our physical space is also a representation of our inner world—what we believe, feel, and put attention on, our levels of relaxation, peace, and sense of sanctuary in the place in which we spend our time.

As we consider our living spaces, let’s consider these things:

>> How do you feel when in this room, looking into this cupboard?

>> What are the feelings that are triggered when you bring awareness to it?

>> Do you feel this more often than not when you look or move in these spaces?

>> If you share a space with others, consider the impact their tastes and living style have on how you feel. Can you, if needed, edge out a space just for you, even if it’s just a reading corner?

What if we gave such detailed attention to our living spaces, and we gave our bodies and minds an equal amount?

If you think you would like more lightness, ease, and joy in your life, then clean through the shadow parts of your psyche to free up your energy and the free flow too.

Let’s welcome more joy into our lives—now is the time.

We know how the moon affects us, even with so much artificial light and brain distractions. How about the equinoxes and solstices in the midway of the seasons? Do we feel the pull to clean out and become ready as we move away from these tipping points?

Perhaps, consider the benefits of completing a full clean around the turn of any season.

1. Deep clean

Move and clean in, around, and behind the furniture, nicknacks, and wall furnishings.

Remove all the linen and air the mattresses, blankets, and pillows; deep clean the carpets and rugs; and steam clean the bathroom, kitchen, and other wet areas.

Sterilize the fridge, freezer, chill box, wine bar, oven, and all other food-related areas.

2. Declutter

As we move things around to clean, we have the opportunity to declutter and check-in how much we still want, need, and appreciate the item. 

Not serving you anymore? Move it on with love and gratitude for serving you to date. 

Yes, it is okay to regift a gift, to throw out holey, damaged things, or to thrift things you have multiple of.

Choose to keep the pieces likely to bring a smile to your face and make you feel better overall.

By doing this, we create a physical void. This allows space to create, attract, and manifest the item we choose to fit that space that we will love, and it will make us more productive. Having items that provide joy and a space that brings a smile to our faces is an immediate game-changer.

By checking with each item to see if we like it, want to throw it out, or gift it, we bring up a range of emotions and memories. Brilliant! The heavier the emotions and memories are that we clear from our psyche, the better. Who really wants to feel guilty for spending money on something?

If we find some things are too challenging to sort and process, this might be a sign to invite professional services to support us. No joke, we create so many emotional attachments to things—it’s like we must have this to feel good.

Oh, this was given to me by so-and-so; I remember the moment so well! (Meanwhile, we have also wanted to have a bonfire with a voodoo doll of remembered person.) 

Gifting is actually a universal law, so there is an even bigger reason to give away that which we do not need. Other laws being honoured are the Laws of Attraction and Vibration. Feeling good about the spaces we live in, the things we see, and focusing on this helps keep the vibe higher and for longer. Remember, what we put attention to increases. So again, it makes sense to feel good and frequently acknowledge this feeling.

3. Choose where and how the pieces will go back 

Again, create a space that flows easily, feels good, and is visually pleasing to the eye. Feeling good, as we know, is a big part of healing. Lighten your mood, the vibe of the space. Put your focus on these expansive, lighter feelings, for we attract more of what we focus on. Activating the with this one. High vibed, focus on the things that bring you happiness. Another big winner.

4. Use colour

Try throw rugs or a fresh coat of paint even.

We know how colour changes our mood. What is your favourite or what colour helps you to feel good? If you can’t repaint, how else can you bring these flashes of vibrancy into the space?

5. Think about smell and aroma

Who likes the smell of stale, dead air? If you live in an apartment or use the air-conditioning or heating or the clothes dryer a lot, all that moist hot air is the perfect breeding ground for mould and fungi. Air it out, or install exhaust fans to suck the air out.

Using essential oils can help clean the air too. Eucalyptus, pine needles, citrus, other high note oils help with our vibe, helping us two ways at once.

6. Start where you can

If you are not yet sure you have the energy or interest to do a season clean, start where you can.

>> Pull the sheets off the bed, air the mattress, pillows, and donnas. Put the sheets through the hot wash to kill any bugs and to really freshen the linen.

>> Look at your wardrobe. What can be thrifted, gifted, or tossed? Have you changed careers or roles and don’t need the range or the same clothes anymore? Shoes—are any worn down or shabby? Underwear—how does your current range make you feel? Sexy and empowered or granny and frumpy? How do you want to feel when you put your intimates onto your body?

>> Accessories are an expression of your personal style—own it or move on. Bags, satchels, and other carryalls—how many do we need for each possible travel scenario? Can a few styles really carry over into other needs?

Don’t worry if you don’t get it done in one session.

As with all things, this is a work in progress. After all, we live, buy, and dwell in these spaces. At the end of the cleaning event—and yes, it can feel like a marathon—celebrate.

You have just done one of the harder things to do: let go. Acknowledge the memories and the feelings that came up, whatever they were, and thank them and process each one as needed. 

Tomorrow, next week, or next season is another time when we may do more, as we choose. Become aware of how you feel in the days after each cleaning event when you look and step into these spaces you have just respected.