I used to roll my eyes at the idea of spring cleaning. Like girl, I’m just trying to keep the dishes from taking over my sink. But what I’ve found is—when I do take the time to freshen things up—it really does shift the atmosphere in our home. Even a little.

Spring Cleaning

It’s not about the mess itself sometimes. It’s the mental clutter that comes with it.

Getting rid of things, wiping stuff down, resetting a space—it helps me think clearer. I parent better. I breathe deeper. It’s not magic, but it does help.

Step 1: Start with What’s Bugging You

Don’t go looking up someone else’s “ultimate” spring cleaning checklist. (You know, the ones that include scrubbing behind your oven, repainting your baseboards, and pressure washing your garage… who even?!)

Start with what’s actually bugging you. Walk through your house and just notice:

  • What’s been bothering you every time you pass it?
  • What areas feel heavy or out of control?
  • What space would make you breathe easier if it was cleaned or decluttered?

Write down three of those. That’s your list. That’s your plan.

For me, it’s usually the fridge, the coat closet (why is there always random stuff in there?!), and one toy bin that’s become a black hole.

Spring Cleaning

Step 2: Declutter First (Trust Me on This One)

Before you grab the spray bottles and mop, you’ve got to clear the clutter. Otherwise, you’re just cleaning around stuff you don’t even need or want anymore.

I keep it simple:

  • One box for donations
  • One trash bag
  • One laundry basket for stuff that needs to go to other rooms

I grab those three things and hit the room. If I don’t want to see it again in two weeks, I let it go.

Let your kids help if they’re around. Or at least let them throw random things in the box—it gives them a little control, and you’ll probably still get rid of half of it when they’re not looking (been there).

Step 3: Clean the Impact Zones

We’re not deep-cleaning every inch of the house here. Focus on the areas that make the biggest difference:

  • Bathrooms – a scrubbed toilet and wiped counters do wonders.
  • Kitchen – clean the fridge, wipe the cabinets, sweep behind the trash can.
  • Living space – just dust the shelves, vacuum under the couch cushions (if you’re feeling brave), and let the light in.

I like to do these in little bursts—like 20 or 30 minutes. Set a timer, blast a podcast, or give the kids a “spray and wipe” job to keep their hands busy (and maybe keep them from destroying another room while you’re cleaning this one).

Spring Cleaning

Step 4: Refresh What You Already Have

Once it’s clean-ish, it’s time to bring a little joy into the space.

  • Open a window, even if it’s just for a few minutes.
  • Swap heavy blankets for lighter ones.
  • Throw a plant or a candle on the table.
  • Rearrange something small—like your bookshelf or a basket of toys—just for a change of pace.

You don’t need to buy anything or make it Instagram-worthy. Just make it feel new to you. That little shift does something in your spirit.

Step 5: Give Yourself Grace (This One’s Non-Negotiable)

Listen, if you only cleaned out one junk drawer and wiped down your bathroom mirror this week, that’s a win.

Spring cleaning doesn’t have to be a project you tackle in one weekend. In fact, it shouldn’t be. You’re living in this home. There are people here. Small people. Mess-making people.

The goal isn’t a perfect house—it’s a peaceful one.

So if your house still looks lived-in when you’re done… congratulations, it is.

Simple Checklist (Use it Your Way)

Just something to keep in your back pocket. You can screenshot it below or click it to get your own printable pdf version

Spring cleaning

Extra Resourse, Just for fun

Check out this Minimal Mom video all about simple cleaning. I love her videos as they are relatable as well as achievable.

I also have a list of other experts who know far more than me. These are some of my favorites:

What are some of your favorite resources for easy cleaning? Any tips? Leave a comment below.

A Fresh Start Doesn’t Mean a Perfect Start

Spring cleaning in this season of motherhood—whether you’ve got toddlers underfoot, homeschool chaos, or just a small space bursting at the seams—isn’t about achieving perfection.

It’s about claiming a little space for peace. For joy. For breathing room.

So go easy on yourself. Light a candle. Clean the counter. Let the rest wait.

One corner at a time, friend. You’ve got this.

Hi, I’m Bri — the heart behind Hesitant Root. I wasn’t raised on a farm or homeschooled in the woods. I grew up with a city mindset and a fast-paced lifestyle. But after marrying my very country husband, things slowly began to shift. Over time, I traded drive-thrus for homemade meals and school drop-offs for homeschooling rhythms. Now, years later and with four kids in tow, I’m a newish homesteader, a homeschooling mama, and a firm believer in starting where you are. Here at Hesitant Root, I share our journey of growing food, learning at home, managing a small space, and trying to live simply, self-reliantly, and faithfully—even when it’s messy and loud. If you’re navigating motherhood, home education, or a slow shift toward a simpler life, I hope you’ll feel at home here. This space is for the hesitant, the hopeful, and everyone learning as they grow.
Bri Picard

Hi, I’m Bri — the heart behind Hesitant Root.

I wasn’t raised on a farm or homeschooled in the woods. I grew up with a city mindset and a fast-paced lifestyle. But after marrying my very country husband, things slowly began to shift. Over time, I traded drive-thrus for homemade meals and school drop-offs for homeschooling rhythms.

Now, years later and with four kids in tow, I’m a newish homesteader, a homeschooling mama, and a firm believer in starting where you are.

Here at Hesitant Root, I share our journey of growing food, learning at home, managing a small space, and trying to live simply, self-reliantly, and faithfully—even when it’s messy and loud.

If you’re navigating motherhood, home education, or a slow shift toward a simpler life, I hope you’ll feel at home here. This space is for the hesitant, the hopeful, and everyone learning as they grow.

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