Spring Cleaning Isn't Just for Closets – It's for Your Mind, Too

May means blooming flowers, longer days, and yes — spring cleaning. While it’s traditionally about freshening up your space and finally donating that pile of “maybe I’ll wear it again” clothes, spring cleaning can go much deeper than your closet. It turns out, decluttering your surroundings (and even your digital life) can have a profound effect on your mental well-being.

Clutter and mental health

Studies show that messy or cluttered environments can increase cortisol levels, reduce focus, and contribute to decision fatigue. Even just the visual reminder of “stuff everywhere” can create a low hum of anxiety that’s hard to shake.

And it’s not just about being tidy. That feeling of where do I even start? chips away at your willpower over time, which can make it harder to take action — and easier to spiral into a loop of stress. So while “spring cleaning” might be a seasonal buzzword in your email's inbox, it’s also a small but powerful way to reset your environment and your mood.

How to declutter

Traditionally, spring cleaning covers everything from dusty baseboards to mystery items in the pantry. But your physical space isn’t the only thing that benefits from a reset.

Declutter your phone

Did you know the average person spends close to 4 hours a day on their phone? Considering it’s where many of us go to unwind (or distract ourselves), it’s one of the best places to start decluttering — both digitally and mentally.

You can take the literal approach of simply cleaning up your apps – uninstalling ones you don’t use, clearing out inboxes and notifications, finally performing that system update that’s been popping up for the past 6 months – or you can take the approach of reducing your screen time to improve your mental health.

Tips to reduce screen time

Changing habits is hard, especially when those habits live in our pockets. If your phone has become your go-to during every break, moment of boredom, or lull in the day, here are a few ways to create a little more space (and peace of mind):

• Set app limits: Most social media apps have a built-in feature where you can set time limits, locking you out of the app after that limit is reached for the day. You can also set these limits through your phone settings (on iOS, it’s listed under Screen Time, on Android, Digital Wellbeing).  

• Schedule “phone-free” periods. You may have to do this on your phone by setting an alarm or timer, but physically force yourself to put the phone away, even if only for an hour a day, so you can pursue offline activities like taking a walk, meeting friends, or reading a book.  

• Switch to a limited data plan. While you can still enjoy unlimited app access at home or at work over Wi-Fi, switching to a limited data plan can help you cut down how much time you spend on your phone when you’re on-the-go, allowing you to be present when out with friends, on your commute, or sitting at a restaurant. Bonus: this can also help you save on your monthly phone bill!  

Free and low-cost mental health resources

We recognize that a lot of mental health support comes with a price tag, which is why we've put together a list of low-cost or even free resources:

• 988 Lifeline: offers free, confidential support 24/7 to anyone experiencing emotional distress or a mental health crisis.  

• Mental Health America: Offers quick, anonymous online screening tools for common conditions like depression, anxiety, and PTSD – a great first step if you're unsure where to begin.

• Open Path: This nonprofit connects individuals with licensed therapists offering reduced-rate sessions 

• 311: Call your city for referrals to low-cost mental health services through local public health clinics, universities, or nonprofit organizations. 
• Apps:
  Headspace: Mindfulness and mediation for beginners and pros alike.
  Calm: Sleep stories, breathing exercises, and guided relaxation.
  Happify: Science-based activities to help reduce stress and boost positivity.

Let this be your gentle reminder: You don’t have to do everything all at once. But even one small change — one cleaner drawer, one deleted app, one phone-free hour — can be the start of a clearer, calmer season.