There’s something about the nearly-neon green of new leaves and the cheerful pink of tulip blooms that makes me want to add a bit of springlike cheer to my home environment. Out of this is born my yearly tradition of spring cleaning. Whether you look forward to spring cleaning like I do or moan at the thought of one more thing to do, learning to approach it with your Enneagram type in mind can help you better enjoy the process and the fruits of your labor.

Enneagram Type 1: Lighthearted spring cleaning systems equal success

You like things done well and appreciate the details, which makes you naturally gifted in the cleaning department. That said, perfectionism is just as likely to motivate you to keep a beautifully sparkling abode as it is to keep you from starting a spring-cleaning project when you fear doing it imperfectly.

One sure-fire way to work with your perfectionism instead of against it is to gamify your cleaning systems. This can make it easier to get started if you’re afraid of cleaning imperfectly or give you an ending point if you’re tempted to forget to come up for air.

Some possibilities to consider:

  • Hat-draw cleaning: Write down your spring-cleaning wish list on small strips of paper and draw them randomly out of a hat. One task per day or week is more than enough.
  • Off to the races: Race your timer to see how much you can get done in 15 minutes when you focus on the messiest part of your home.
  • Baby-step boogie: List out spring cleaning tasks that take no longer than the length of your favorite song and dance your way through them.

Enneagram Type 2: Spring cleaning plus self-care equals success

You’re so gifted in caring for others, but remember that you are worthy of that same care, love, and attention. So, why not use spring cleaning as self-care even more than a way to care for others? Try focusing on areas of your home that make you smile when they’re clean. Then, use one or more of these ideas to make the experience feel more nurturing:

  • Lap of luxury: Inspire relaxation with your favorite essential oils, music, fancy cleaning products, and a beautiful flameless candle.
  • Mindful movement: Incorporate gentle yoga or qigong stretches into your cleaning and remember to wear your softest athleticwear.
  • Self-care bingo: Create a bingo card with spring-cleaning tasks on it and set aside a dollar for each one completed. Then, use your reward to take yourself out for tea or choose to buy that new lotion you’ve been eyeing.

Enneagram Type 3: Accomplishment equals success

You’re a natural achiever, which means that you probably keep your home relatively tidy throughout the year but likely don’t make it to your bigger cleaning projects on the regular. Spring cleaning is the perfect way to knock those out and enjoy a sense of accomplishment.

Here are some thoughts about how to feel accomplished when you tackle deeper spring-cleaning tasks:

  • Photo evidence: Take before and after photos of your projects for a sense of accomplishment. Display them on a celebration board or share them online to inspire others.
  • Group synergy: Join a virtual group of like-minded people who are sharing progress on spring cleaning projects and cheering each other on. That validation and encouragement sure does feel good!
  • Trendsetter: Look through design magazines and choose a trend to implement in your space once it is decluttered and clean.

Enneagram Type 4: Purposeful expression equals success

As a Type 4, I value living in a unique space that reflects who I am. I don’t mind having a few dust bunnies here and there, as long as they don’t detract from a space that feels like me. When clutter accumulates, my brain feels chaotic because the clutter detracts from my unique expression.

Because of this, I tackle the spring cleaning projects that have the biggest impact on my sense of wellbeing in my space, and I don’t want those projects to take over other priorities I value more. Here are some of the creative tips and tricks I use:

  • Apps and scheduling: Automated to-do list or cleaning apps like Tody keep track of spring-cleaning tasks automatically so that I don’t have to. I simply open the app and select the task I want to complete.
  • Purchase with a purpose: Purchasing from ethical cleaning brands helps me feel like I am making a difference in the world, even while doing something mundane like sorting through and cleaning out an old closet.
  • Paint a picture: Home vision boards inspire me to dream about how I would like my space to look and feel one day, so spring cleaning feels like a step toward my bigger goals, rather than a distraction.

Enneagram Type 5: Useful solutions equal success

As a Type 5, you thrive in a simple and efficient environment that is naturally clutter-free. Spring cleaning might look differently for you than for other types, as you tend to look at it as an opportunity to create new solutions to everyday problems.

Here are some Type 5 ways to keep it simple as you refresh your space this spring:

  • Breakfast bar delight: Why not make your mornings a little easier? Clear off some counter space and a shelf in a cupboard nearby. Coffee, cups, creamer, sugar, and easy breakfast foods can now enjoy a central location in your kitchen.
  • Special interest highlights: Celebrate your special interests by cleaning off a shelf for your murder mystery collection or that fish aquarium you have always wanted. Contrary to what you sometimes believe, it is okay to invest in and celebrate yourself.
  • Welcome home: Add a welcome area near your front door where you can stash your keys, hang up your coat, keep mail, face masks or anything else you might need as you’re running out the door.

Enneagram Type 6: Supportive community and simplicity equal success

As a Type 6, when it comes to spring cleaning, reliability and community help make everything feel a bit more manageable. So, while your Type 7 friends might be going on a cleaning frenzy with the latest and greatest fun-smelling cleaning products, you might want to stick to classic products that you know are effective and readily available, as well as ask for support when you need it.

Check out the possibilities:

  • Call in the pros: Invite a personal organizer to help you go through cleaning and organizing checklists for each room in your home. An extra set of hands and a buddy to take breaks with makes all the difference!
  • Share the preparedness: You know how to be prepared and others can benefit from that, so why not share some of what you have with those in need? Maybe you have a surplus of canned goods and the food pantry has a shortage. Or, perhaps you have a few extra furniture pieces that a college kid has been doing without.
  • Support group time: Avoid the burnout of trying to clean it all at once by gathering a support group of friends. Pick one small area in each of your homes to focus on before grabbing a cup of coffee together. You can cheer each other on, and that coffee date reminds you that one small task at a time is enough.

Enneagram Type 7: Fun and excitement equal success

As a Type 7, you likely have a wide range of interests and hobbies that change like the seasons, as well as bring lots of new things and supplies into your home. This is fun but can also cause clutter over time.

When it comes to spring cleaning, you can declutter as you share the excitement of these hobbies with others. Consider the possibilities:

  • Share the fun: Donate art supplies to the community center or a nursing home where people will jump at the possibility to try something new.
  • Party time: Hold a swap party so that you can share interesting supplies with others while also finding a few new treasures for yourself.
  • Rock it out: Start a virtual cleaning jam session with friends on social media or over Zoom. Put on some of your favorite jams and splurge on some new and exciting cleaning products to add some extra pizzaz to the experience.

Enneagram Type 8: Intentional plans equal success

As a Type 8, you are a natural leader who loves to form and execute plans. Thankfully, these strengths come in handy when big spring cleaning projects are at play. With the following tips, you’ll be celebrating victory before you know it:

  • Plan for success: Set an intentional planning time. Write down all that you’d like to tackle when it comes to spring cleaning, as well as what the projected completion timeline might look like.
  • Schedule your success: Schedule your cleaning session according to your plan. You might prefer a weekend or even a week of focused effort to doing an hour here or there.
  • Teamwork makes the dream work: Gather a team of helpers to make quick work of bigger projects. Hired workers can provide a huge boost for projects like repainting a room, leveling shelves, and home repair tasks. Maybe even throw in some pizza to sweeten the deal!

Enneagram Type 9: Gentle projects equal success

My Type 9 husband is a sentimental type who feels a sense of connection to others through things, so he hangs on to them. While having lots of stuff makes me feel overwhelmed, to him it feels like a cozy warm blanket. From his anime collection to clothes from college, he would rather create more storage than get rid of his treasures. He needs to tackle projects on his own timetable so it’s not rushed. For those who empathize with this, consider spring cleaning tasks that look like this:

  • Thoughtful gifting: Carefully choose one or two items that someone else might enjoy even more than you do and give them away.
  • Storage solutions: Measure your book collection or the space needed to store a particular clothing item and pick out the right storage solution for the job.
  • Meaningful displays: Bring out a few treasured items from storage to display where you can enjoy them and put a few other things away to make room. 
Anne Kinsey
Anne Kinsey is the nonprofit founder and executive director of Love Powered Life, as well as a Certified Trauma Recovery Coach, certified HRV biofeedback practitioner and neurofeedback geek. Anne hails from her rural North Carolina home office, where she resides with her husband and three children. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking, traveling and sitting by the beach, hot tea in one hand and delicious novel in the other.