As we tentatively welcome in the first signs of spring, the milder temperatures and bursts of colour in the garden are a reminder that Easter is just around the corner. So as we prepare for family get-togethers and the school holidays, now is the perfect time to give your home some TLC, and get underway with your spring cleaning.
But where did this tradition come from, and why is it still so important today? Let’s take a look at the history of spring cleaning, and how it has evolved over the years.
An Age-Old Tradition
The origins of spring cleaning can be found in religions and cultures around the world. In Judaism it’s associated with Passover, while for Christians, it’s a spiritual ritual that takes place between Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday. In Chinese culture, it’s a way to ward off bad spirits before the New Year arrives.
However, spring cleaning was never just a religious or superstitious practice – it was a necessity for households in the days when our homes were powered by coal, oil, candles and wood.
After a long winter locked up from the outside world, families would throw open their windows and begin scrubbing their properties from top to bottom. This could take days on end – there were no washing machines, vacuums and household cleaning brands to rely on back then!
The Evolution of Spring Cleaning
Over the years, our houses have become cleaner, and keeping them that way has become far easier. Yet the tradition of spring cleaning is still very much a part of modern life.
Why? Because in an age where we are constantly accumulating ‘stuff’, a new challenge has arrived – decluttering your home from those unwanted presents, piles of old clothes, and endless reams of paperwork. With a little more time on our hands over the bank holiday, it’s a great opportunity to declutter.
Blitzing Your Home
A good blitz of the house might not stretch to scrubbing walls, but it does often involve a big sort out. It may not be the most pleasant task, but it certainly feels good to finally address the mess on your desk, in your spare room, or the monster that is your bedroom wardrobe…
Besides, our homes can get pretty stuffy over winter, so flinging open the windows and sweeping away the cobwebs can freshen up your home and prevent dreaded problems such as damp, mould and that unpleasant foisty smell.
So when a bright and crisp spring day arrives over the next few weeks, take the opportunity to spring clean your home, to restore it to full glory before the family arrives for Easter. You’ll feel so much better for ticking some of those long overdue jobs off your to-do list!
Need a few tips on how to declutter your home this spring? We’ve got some expert advice to help you out. Or, if you’re looking for storage solutions that will keep your home tidy, pop down to our Skipton showroom this Easter.