Spring cleaning... on many levels!

Is 2025 a year of “cleaning”?

I don't know about you, but since the beginning of 2025, I've felt a strong urge to clean things out! And that's exactly what I started doing in early January! 

Life even handed me the perfect opportunity: two of my nephews are getting ready to move into their own apartment! So it was the ideal moment to offer them a few bins of dishes I hadn't used in years!

That said, my need to “clean” still hasn't fully settled… and the mild weather over the past few weeks seems to be amplifying it even more!

Much more than a simple cleaning!

A clean up on multiple levels

When I talk about cleaning, I’m referring not only to the physical need to create space in my home, but also to the emotional need to release what’s weighing on me so I can lighten my mind. 

Cleaning and positive psychology

During one of my sabbaticals, my aunt, a librarian and avid reader, recommended the book "Mon Projet Bonheur" by Christine Michaud. It’s a 12-week personal development program exploring 12 themes of positive psychology. 

One of the themes was precisely about doing a big clean up! During that week, the author encouraged readers to take the time to go through every room in their home, empty out drawers and cupboards, and sort everything. 

She explained that this kind of deep cleaning not only declutters our physical space but also declutters our thoughts and our inner world. 

My inner cleanup in action

And that's exactly what happened to me. As I went through each room, I felt lighter every time, physically and emotionally. 

I realized how many of our belongings come with a story, and that when we're ready to let go of that item, we often release the emotions attached to it at the same time. 

Sometimes we're not ready to let go right away, and that's perfectly okay. In some cases, it took me several years before I could part with certain objects. 

Everything in its own time

What matters isn’t how many things we get rid of, but rather becoming aware of the importance we give - or have given - to certain belongings in our lives. We can then consciously choose the right moment to release the emotions tied to them.

Navigating a consumer society

Let's be honest: we live in a society that encourages constant consumption - goods that last less and less, new models always more "trendy" than the previous ones, and so on. 

And with social media, everyone has something someone else doesn't… which creates a sense of “need” for us!

Doing more with less

My big clean up helped me realize that I can absolutely live with fewer belongings. Or rather, that I wasn't using everything I owned - meaning I was already living with less!

Over time, I also realized that owning fewer things requires less maintenance, costs less, and takes up less physical and mental space in my life. 

When I see a cluttered room at home, my stress level inevitably rises and I try to declutter as quickly as possible to clear my visual space! 

Your turn!

Do you also feel the need to clean things out from time to time? When was your last "big cleanup"? 

Where do you feel most comfortable: in a minimalist space or in a room filled with memories?

There is no right or wrong answer - the goal is simply to become aware of the environment in which you feel most at ease, and why!

Need a little support?

Not sure where to start? Coaching can be a powerful tool to help you find your own answers! 

Give it a try! What's more, the first introductory session is free!