When the time comes for spring cleaning, Professional Organizer Katy Annulli, of KMA Organizing, tends to replace the word “clean” with “clear.” During the winter, dust and stale energy collects. A shift in mindset means taking steps to clear away the heavy winter energy and make space for warmer spring energy to enter. 

“I get so excited when that first 60-degree day hits,” says Annulli, “and I can open my windows and let fresh air flow through my space. I’m ready to roll up my sleeves and get to work giving my own home the care and attention it needs. Like me, most of my springtime clients are looking to declutter, clear surface areas and have their spaces flow and function more easily.” Organizing for the season makes everyday tasks easier and more efficient, and Annulli readily states the many benefits of a spring reset.

Clearing out physical clutter clears mental clutter. A reset allows for a fresh mindset, reducing stress and overwhelm. Spring clearing boosts energy and motivation, as decluttered spaces feel lighter—even inspiring and inviting. There is a sense of renewal. Just as nature refreshes with springtime, spring clearing of the home space makes room for growth and new possibilities. It also promotes better health, as deep cleaning reduces allergens, dust and bacteria that build up over the winter. 

“Clients come to me when they feel stuck and need guidance on how to break the spring cleaning process into manageable steps,” says Annulli. “Sometimes it’s hard knowing where to start. People have busy schedules that make it challenging to dedicate time to organizing and resetting. Some clients become overwhelmed with decision fatigue—letting go of items, especially those with sentimental value. Many clients find themselves alone in the process,” adds Annulli, “and they struggle, because they feel embarrassed or unsure of how to move forward without judgment. That’s where I can help.”

Annulli offers her clients a clear, step-by-step plan and guides them through the process, making it manageable and achievable. She also provides support and accountability, whether it’s one-on-one work or group support, in such a way that clients feel encouraged rather than judged. She is experienced in designing functional systems that work with each client’s unique lifestyle so that the results are lasting. Most importantly, Annulli helps her clients achieve a mindset shift. “It’s not just about a tidy home,” she explains. “It’s about creating a space that supports well-being and peace of mind. My approach focuses on self-compassion and letting go of perfectionism.”

A busy mom needed help tackling seasonal storage, swapping out winter gear, and creating a streamlined system for spring/summer essentials. After Annulli helped her make a few simple changes, her mornings became easier, and she no longer felt buried under piles of off-season items.

A senior was feeling stuck in a home filled with decades past. By doing a spring reset, Annulli helped the woman transform her space into something that truly reflected her current life, clearing out unused items and reorganizing key areas. Feeling lighter, the client said, “I can breathe in my home again.”

While each situation is unique to the client, Annulli offers a few simple tips to get started.

•    It’s important to set realistic expectations. If it took several months for the mess to accumulate, it’s going to take more than a day to clear the mess, and any progress is good progress. Breaking a project up into “shifts” with brief breaks prevents overwhelm. One can always continue the project another day if the work is tiring or there are other responsibilities that need attention.

•    By focusing on improving a single space at a time, one can avoid exhaustion and gain a sense of accomplishment. Entryways are a great place to start. Front doors and side doors are the most trafficked areas of the home or office, and where good or bad energy enters or leaves. After clearing away winter boots, sweeping steps, shaking out welcome mats and replacing tattered rugs, one can plant spring flowers or hang a wind chime by the entryway to create some positive energy.

•    Clear tabletops, desktops and counters make a whole room look cleaner, and they provide a flat surface of working space that will make it easier to organize other areas of the room. It helps to sort items into piles with similar objects—books, clothing, wire/electronics—and keep a trash can available.

The process can seem overwhelming, but Annulli strives to help make it easy. She can support anyone desiring assistance with a spring reset and those in dire need of assistance in organizing their home or office.

Wendy Nadherny Fachon is a frequent contributor to Natural Awakenings magazine.