Starting With Daily Life, Not Storage
Every spring, I feel the same temptation - to open cupboards, pull everything out, and “deal with it properly”. And every spring, I’ve learned that doing so drains my energy before I’ve seen any benefit.
Now, I always start with the spaces I use every day. The kitchen surfaces I make breakfast on. The sofa I sit on in the evening. The bedside table I see first thing in the morning. These areas shape how my home feels, even when everything else stays the same. And as someone who works from home, these spaces are far more important than what's lurking in the cupboards.
Start With Impact, Not Scope
One of the biggest mistakes I used to make was choosing where to clean based on size. I’d start with the spare room or a cupboard because it felt “manageable”, only to wonder why the house still felt heavy afterwards.
Now, I start with impact instead. I ask myself:
- Where do I spend the most time each day?
- Which space affects my mood the most?
- What do I see first thing in the morning, and last thing at night?
For most people, that’s the kitchen, living room, or bedroom. Choose one of these. Not all three.
The First Reset: Surfaces and Softness
Before I clean anything, I open windows. Even if it’s still chilly, fresh air changes a room instantly.
This is usually when I wash soft furnishings - cushion covers, throws, blankets. A gentle laundry detergent and a low wash are often enough to make familiar things feel refreshed, without replacing them.
Before you reach for storage boxes, clear and clean visible surfaces. Tables, counters, bedside units. Put everything back where it belongs - or temporarily into a basket if you’re unsure. The key here is to not fatigue yourself too early with too many decision. Don't know where to put it? Put it in the basket, this will become clear later. Trust the process.
Why You Should Ignore Cupboards (For Now)
Cupboards are tempting because they feel productive, but they demand a lot of decisions.
Every shelf asks you to sort, evaluate, and commit - and that’s exhausting when you’re just getting started.
Early in a spring reset, momentum matters more than organisation. Clearing visible surfaces gives you an immediate sense of relief, which makes it easier to keep going. When you start with cupboards, all that effort stays hidden behind closed doors, and the house often looks exactly the same at the end of it.
I now leave cupboards until the space already feels lighter. Once the room is calmer, it’s much easier to decide what actually deserves a place there - and what doesn’t.
Next in the series:
Next, I’ll share how I time my spring reset - without turning it into a daunting project.
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