Spring Cleaning for Your Marriage:

Growing up, I knew spring meant one thing at our house: a full-on cleaning spree. While I dreaded the work, there was something deeply satisfying about restoring order and making things feel fresh again. That same idea—renewal, reorganization, and recommitment—applies powerfully to marriage. A long winter of emotional distance, stress, or distraction can leave even strong relationships feeling neglected. Spring offers the perfect chance to take inventory and clean things up.

Big cleanups can feel daunting. Thankfully, my parents would break projects into manageable chunks—and that same principle can apply to relationships. If taking on “the whole marriage” feels like too much, start with a few small but meaningful actions. The following ideas can help guide your marital spring cleaning and may be great to explore together.

Dust off your wedding album. Watch your wedding video. Talk about the early days. Reflecting on the love, excitement, and joy that brought you together can be a powerful emotional reset. Think back to what made you fall in love—chances are, it had something to do with time, fun, and connection. That same energy can bring renewed life into your relationship now. The principle is simple: couples who do what they did during courtship tend to stay in love. Those who stop, drift apart.

According to Gallup research, friendship accounts for up to 70% of marital satisfaction. Emotional intimacy—the trust, thoughtfulness, and genuine enjoyment of one another’s company—matters even more than physical intimacy. Happily married couples repeatedly cite friendship as the secret to their lasting happiness. A good friend is present, attentive, loyal, and kind. In marriage, that same foundation builds emotional security and joy. Small acts of thoughtfulness, shared experiences, and reciprocal support go a long way.

Remember birthdays. Make holidays personal. Ask how your spouse’s day went—and listen. Share laughter. Express appreciation. Deep friendship requires consistent investment and kindness. Mutual loyalty and shared meaning come from ongoing, intentional connection.

As Marlin K. Jensen once said:
“Friendship is a vital and wonderful part of courtship and marriage… Nothing is more inspiring in today’s world of easily dissolved marriages than to observe a husband and wife quietly appreciating and enjoying each other’s friendship year in and year out.”

Spring cleaning your marriage might seem like a big lift—but it’s also deeply satisfying. A little reflection, a little effort, and a renewed sense of friendship can go a long way. Start with one memory, one gesture, or one conversation. You may be surprised how fresh things feel again.