This month marks the onset of spring, and though we do not have the season in Bahrain, there is no reason why we cannot indulge in some timely rituals like spring cleaning. Check out this list of ideas and latest trends surrounding the concept, from digital decluttering to upcycling and more.

Spring cleaning has existed for centuries with roots across different cultures. In some, this transition from winter to spring symbolises ‘renewal’ or ‘energy cleansing’ and in others, ‘sweeping away bad luck’.

In modern times, the practice represents more of a reset. While at its core, it goes beyond mere surface-level tidying up, involving deep cleaning that is often overlooked, spring cleaning can also be extended to include one’s mental space and overall lifestyle.

Japanese organising consultant Marie Kondo said: “Life truly begins only after you have put your house in order.” She founded KonMari, a category-based system of tidying up. The method encourages keeping only those things that ‘speak to the heart’ and discarding what no longer sparks joy. The philosophy emphasises that physical clutter is often a reflection of internal, mental chaos. Dealing with the former can considerable improve the latter.

Since the airstrikes, many of us are navigating confusion and emotional overwhelm, which makes spring cleaning a timely exercise. In fact, this could be an activity for the entire family. Getting children involved is smart way to keep them constructively occupied. Assign age-appropriate tasks or if they are younger, get them to assist you.

While you are at it, make sure to note down these latest spring cleaning trends:

‘Smart’ homes

More and more people are going for smart devices this season, from robot vacuum cleaners to refrigerators that inventory food and even offer customised recipes. It could be a good idea to invest in one of these high-tech appliances to make your adventures that much more organised. Something as simple as an automated cat litter box that saves you the hassle of ‘scooping up’ can go a long way.

In with the old

Sustainability has evolved from being a mere buzzword to the norm across industries. Even when it comes to homes, this is a major guiding factor, with an increasing number of people preferring to live in ‘green spaces’. Spring cleaning is a time when we throw out many household items and buy new ones to replace them. However, this season, the trend is to upcycle what we have or blow new life into it. For instance, upcycle your old coffee mug as a penholder or an old cushion cover as a stuffed puppet for your pet, all with the goal of intentionally resetting.

Digital decluttering

This is a growing trend this season where people are going beyond the conventional idea of spring cleaning. Instead of restricting it to their homes, they are extending the concept to their online spaces, like cleaning out email boxes, organising cloud storage, uninstalling unused applications, deleting the thousands of photos on their phones after creating a backup or simply organising them into folders, leaving group chats that do not honour them, and more.

 

Home offices

Many of us are working remotely at this time, making work and personal life seamless. While this has some professional advantages like higher productivity and zero travel time, it could have a flip side. Having a designated area or room as your ‘office’ could help mentally demarcate work and play. If you cannot, dedicating a spot like the dining table or couch for work but only for specific hours after which they revert to personal spaces can help. Much like hot desking – a workspace management strategy where employees do not have assigned desks. Moving a potted plant to the space or adding some art or handwritten motivational quotes could make you feel inspired. Desk organisers and paper trays are a great tool too, and do not forget that coffee cup that you upcycled!

 

Wardrobe overhaul

Dressing up well is a quick way to boost your mood and come spring, most of us are packing up our woollies and making space for lighter fabrics. In Bahrain, while the weather is still cool, that summer is round the corner is undeniable. Instead of buying new clothes and resorting to fast fashion, try thrifting. Some local thrift shops support animal shelters and your purchases could make a world of a difference to their furry residents. Another way could be to tailor pieces and repurpose them. Even if you must buy a new item, make sure you donate older pieces so you do not clutter your wardrobe.