As with the advent of spring cleaning we clear out of our houses the things no longer useful to us, why not at the same time relieve our minds of worthless rubbish? – Emily Tolman, “Seasonable Suggestions,” 1907

Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful. – William Morris, lecture, 1880

Having too many things about us is a certain confusion to the intellect. – Oscar C. McCullouch, “The Piety of the Intellect,” sermon, Plymouth Congregation

There is hardly a place where, in the course of a year, some things are not purchased and never used, and where spring cleaning does not unearth them. Spring is the time when the good housewife puts all doubtful things into the trash barrel. – E.F. White, “Spring Soda Fountain Thoughts,” 1908 [a little altered —t&#94