Spring Clean Your Mind & Space: Decluttering for Mental Clarity

Have you ever felt like you have 50 tabs open in your head?

From professional to personal to-dos: don’t forget to send that email; I need to send pricing to a client; pick up the kids from school; grab grapes from the grocery store; did I move the laundry; when was the last time I called my parents?

Yes-me too!

Recently, I was at a conference speaking with another professional who described this exact feeling. Whether you’re a working parent, daughter, son, friend, or colleague, the mental load can feel constant. We carry everything, responsibilities, reminders, and expectations, at all times.

Some researchers suggest the average person can have 35–48 thoughts per minute. I don’t know about you, but that feels pretty accurate for my brain. As you can imagine, that takes up a lot of space: leaving little room to be proactive, mindful, calm, and grounded.

A friend once reminded me: “Control what you can control.”
So today, let’s focus on exactly that, and how decluttering both your space and your workflow can help close some of those open tabs.

Decluttering Your Home

Walking into a messy space can instantly impact your mood. I know I feel it when dishes are piled in the sink or crumbs are scattered across the counter (even when my kids are trying to help-something I love and appreciate!).

Here are a few simple ways to take back control:

• Create a manageable routine
  Instead of saving everything for the weekend, break chores into small, daily tasks. For example:
  • Mondays: wash bedding
  • Tuesdays: clean bathrooms
  • Wednesdays: laundry
    Find a rhythm that works for your household so your weekends feel lighter.
• “Close” your home each night
  Spend 10–15 minutes resetting your space before bed: clean the kitchen, wipe counters, and tidy up. Starting your morning with a clean, calm environment can set the tone for your entire day. I have taken this advice from a friend and this has made a huge impact on my mornings.
• Keep flat surfaces clear
  Counters, nightstands, and coffee tables tend to collect clutter quickly. Focus on keeping these areas minimal and intentional to reduce visual stress.
• Follow the “one-in, one-out” rule
  For every new item you bring in, remove one. Donate or discard items that no longer serve you. This helps prevent clutter from quietly building over time.

Decluttering Your Workspace

Now let’s talk about the other place where “open tabs” show up: your workspace.

If your desk is covered in sticky notes, your browser has 20+ tabs open, and you’re juggling multiple tracking systems… you’re not alone!

Here’s what’s helped me:

• Start your week with intention
  Block time on Monday morning to review emails, upcoming meetings, and priorities. This helps you reset and approach the week proactively instead of reactively.
• Find a system that works for you
  Not everyone organizes tasks the same way. Whether it’s digital tools, color-coded lists, or a handwritten planner, choose one method that helps you clearly track priorities. Simplicity is key.
• Limit what stays visible
  A cluttered desk can drain your attention. Keep only the essentials in your workspace, which are items you use daily and a few meaningful personal touches.
• Create a “shutdown ritual”
  Clutter isn’t just physical, it’s unfinished thoughts. At the end of each day:
  • Write down your top three priorities for tomorrow
  • Clear your desk
  • Close out open tabs
    This signals to your brain that the day is done and helps you mentally disconnect.

Spring cleaning isn’t just about your home: it’s about creating space for clarity, focus, and calm.

For me, it’s one of the most refreshing times of the year. It signals that warmer days are ahead, but more importantly, it offers a chance to reset. Because when you clear your space, you create room to think, breathe, and show up as your best self, both at work and at home.