As the flowers bloom and the weather warms, many of us are getting into (or trying to motivate ourselves towards) the familiar rhythm of spring cleaning. It’s that time of year when we open our windows, shake off the winter blues, and rejuvenate our living spaces. Spring cleaning also provides us with an opportunity to organize and streamline ourselves: it’s a time when we can reflect on the year, reimagine our habits, and set goals.
And of course the Day One app can help with all of that! So let’s clean up our living spaces and our minds with these spring cleaning journaling prompts. There’s still time to get planning before all the flowers bloom!
Starting With Some Freewriting
As we already know, the act of writing down thoughts, ideas, and plans can provide us with clarity and direction. Any time we take on a big task — like cleaning our homes or revamping our goals — it can be helpful to get started with freewriting, where we write any thoughts or ideas that come to mind before taking action. This is the time and place to focus on the abstract. Don’t worry, we’ll get to concrete planning next!
Before you take on spring cleaning, try answering one (or more) of these spring cleaning journaling prompts geared toward self-reflection:
1. What does the season of spring represent to me?
2. Which habits in my day-to-day life would I like to change?
3. How do I want to feel in my space after completing spring cleaning?
4. How might I take the energy of spring cleaning into other areas of my life?
Brainstorming and Goal Setting
Now that you’ve reflected, it’s time to start getting concrete with goals and priorities. This is where things get a little more specific: let’s turn to the areas of the home that need attention, such as closets, cabinets, or the garage. Consider setting specific objectives for each space, such as decluttering, deep cleaning, or reorganizing. You can also makes lists of tasks, like going through your kids’ closets to see what clothes they’ve outgrown, taking household items you no longer use to a local charity or posting them in a Buy Nothing group, or going through the pantry and throwing away any expired items. When it comes to personal reflections, the same principle is true: think about specific tasks or goals, and reflect on how you’d like to approach them.
Here are some more spring cleaning journaling prompts to help you with journaling goals:
5. What items in my home do I no longer use?
6. What are some tasks in my home I’ve been meaning to get to?
7. Which of my habits are in need of a revamp, and how might I reimagine them for the rest of the year?
Enough Planning. Let’s Get to Action!
Once you’ve identified your goals, it’s time to create an action plan. One way to do this is by breaking down your tasks into manageable chunks and assigning deadlines using Day One’s calendar view feature. Whether you prefer to tackle one room at a time or spread tasks throughout the week, having a clear schedule will help you stay on track.
You can set journaling reminders within the app to prompt you when it’s time to start a new cleaning session, too. Don’t feel limited to just household cleaning tasks as you schedule your goals for the week: you can also use the calendar app to set goals inspired by spring. Maybe you want to walk thirty minutes before breakfast on Tuesday and Thursday, or try a new workout class on Friday. Whatever it is, put it in your calendar, and you’ll be a whole lot more likely to achieve it!
Documenting Your Progress and Milestones
As you work through your spring cleaning checklist, use Day One to document your progress. Take before and after photos of each space to visually track your accomplishments. Write a brief journal entry detailing your experiences, challenges, and successes along the way. Celebrate milestones, no matter how small, to stay motivated and inspired to continue.
Reflection and Future Planning
Once your spring cleaning project is complete, take some time to reflect on the process through these remaining spring cleaning journaling prompts. Review your journal entries and photos to see how far you’ve come. Note any lessons learned or areas for improvement in future cleaning endeavors. Use Day One to set reminders for regular maintenance tasks to keep your home clean and organized year-round.
Try these journal prompts, or create your own!
8. How do I feel after cleaning up?
9. How do I feel knowing someone else will get to use an item I no longer need?
10. What did I accomplish through spring cleaning?
Spring cleaning doesn’t have to be a daunting task when approached with intention and organization. Take it in chunks, and set achievable goals for yourself that you can reflect on once complete. So, grab your smartphone or laptop and embark on your spring cleaning journey with confidence, clarity, and plenty of organization. Your fresh, revitalized home and routine await!
Download the Free Day One Journal App
The Day One journaling app makes it easy to stay clean and organized. Download Day One for free today to start your spring cleaning journey.
About the Author
Phoebe Kranefuss is a freelance writer and marketer based in Madison, Wisconsin. She’s a lifelong journaler and (almost) daily writer. She studied English Literature at Bowdoin College, is currently pursuing her MFA in fiction at University of Wisconsin–Madison, and has written for and worked with healthtechs including Monument, NOCD, and more.
