To clean is to be human. For thousands of years, we’ve crafted tools and rituals to maintain hygiene and order. A clean body, a well-kept home, and an organized life aren’t just about aesthetics—they’re about well-being, peace of mind, and showing care for ourselves and those around us.
But here’s the catch: staying organized isn’t a one-time event. It’s a habit, a practice, a mindset. A single burst of cleaning feels great in the moment but does little in the long run. Without consistency, clutter—physical, financial, and emotional—piles up. So, let’s dive into the three essential areas of spring cleaning with practical steps to create habits that actually stick.
Physical Organization: Clear the Clutter, Free Your Mind
Our ancestors had good reason to stockpile food and resources for survival. In those days, storing grain, drying meats, and preserving fruits meant the difference between thriving and struggling. Even today, saving money follows the same principle—it ensures security for the future. But when it comes to possessions, modern life has taken excess to a whole new level.
We’re drowning in stuff. Our homes, garages, and storage units are filled with things we don’t need, don’t use, and often don’t even remember we own. Worse yet, our stuff starts to own us, consuming space, time, and mental energy.
As Fight Club wisely puts it, “The things you own end up owning you.” Too much clutter creates stress. It clouds our thinking and drains our energy. Letting go isn’t just about tidying up—it’s about reclaiming mental and emotional space.
Pro Tip: Act as if you’re moving every three years. If you haven’t touched an item since your last “move,” you don’t need it. Give it a new home!
Decluttering as a Lifelong Gift
This practice becomes even more essential as we age. Eventually, someone else may need to manage our belongings—whether due to illness, an accident, or the inevitable passage of time. When we leave behind disorganized chaos, it places an unnecessary burden on our loved ones.
Worse, unresolved belongings often lead to family conflicts. Without clear direction, emotions run high, and disagreements arise over who gets what.
The Mindset Shift: I am the only one responsible for my property.
Taking control of our physical space—deciding what stays, what goes, and what happens to it in the future—is a profound act of care. Personally, after tidying my space, putting things in order, and letting go of excess, I feel grounded, calm, and beautifully human. There’s something deeply satisfying about knowing where things are and that everything has its place. It brings peace of mind—for me and for those I care about.
Financial & Legal Organization: Take Control Before It Takes Control of You
At every stage of life, it’s essential to know what you own and where it is. Yet, I’ve found that most people don’t. Many of us have outdated or missing legal and financial documents—wills, powers of attorney, shareholder agreements, beneficiary designations—that don’t reflect our current reality.
The biggest mistake? Treating legal documents as a “one-and-done” deal. Set it and forget it? More like set it and regret it. When these things aren’t maintained, they create stress, uncertainty, and costly problems for you and your loved ones.
Pro Tip: Maintain an up-to-date list of your assets and liabilities.
Include:
- Bank accounts, investments, and income sources
- Mortgages, loans, and credit cards
- Named beneficiaries for RRSPs, TFSAs, and life insurance
- The location of key documents like your will and powers of attorney
This list isn’t static. Just like getting your teeth cleaned or servicing your car, reviewing your financial and legal records should be a routine habit. I recommend two hours per year—one half-hour per season—to update your records and make necessary adjustments.
Ask Yourself:
- Where is my will? Do my people know where to find it?
- Do my documents still reflect what I want?
- Are my corporate records up to date? (And do I even know where they are?)
Taking control of your financial and legal matters doesn’t just help you—it spares your family from unnecessary confusion, stress, and potential legal challenges.
Emotional & Relationship Organization: Say What Needs to Be Said
My dear friend, take nothing for granted. Grief isn’t just sadness—it’s the weight of lost opportunities. The questions never asked. The words never spoken. The embraces never given. There will come a time when certain conversations are no longer possible.
If there’s a relationship that weighs on you—one that feels unresolved—this is your sign. Don’t wait.
Pro Tip: If you were to die today, would there be a relationship that causes you discomfort because of things left unsaid? Do something about it now.
Start by writing a letter. Put your thoughts on paper. Organize them. Then decide: Will you have the conversation? Will you send the letter? Or will you simply keep it for yourself as an exercise in clarity?
This is not about being spiteful or proving a point. It’s about truth, resolution, and connection. If you need to vent, write a flame letter—then destroy it. But if you want to heal a relationship, be thoughtful. A well-written letter can be a powerful bridge, providing clarity and closure.
Taking Responsibility for Yourself and Your Life
To clean is to be human. To be organized is to show up for yourself and those around you. Developing habits of organization—physically, financially, and emotionally—creates a life of ease, clarity, and intention.
Some of this work you can do alone. Some of it benefits from the support of a coach, a legal expert, or a trusted advisor. Either way, only you are responsible for you.
And from my perspective? You are absolutely worth the effort.
A life well-organized is a gift—to yourself and to those who matter most. Start by securing your will, power of attorney, and legal documents. We’re here to guide you every step of the way.
