As the weather warms and the days grow longer, many of us feel a natural urge to refresh our homes. Opening the windows after a long winter invites a sense of renewal and clarity. And if you have trouble with motivation, this is the best time of year to harness that little boost of energy to declutter, organize, and reset your space! What better way to do it than a spring decluttering reset!
Many people feel that spring cleaning is all about dusting the baseboards (which is great too!), but there’s another step that I absolutely recommend tackling first: Decluttering.
According to the American Psychological Association, clutter can increase stress levels and make it harder to focus. And this article in verywellmind.com looks at how clutter and mental health are connected. They explain that cluttered environments are linked to procrastination, lower quality of life, and difficulty with relationships, in addition to other things.
Why Spring Decluttering Makes Cleaning a Breeze
At our first session, one new client once told me, “I feel like I’m always cleaning and tidying!” Cleaning without decluttering is like bailing out a boat without patching the hole. It feels like you are never really free of the source of the mess and dust. For this client, it turned out that the missing piece was organization.
It’s important to clarify that I am not advocating for neat-as-a-pin minimalism (I don’t think that level of tidy is really sustainable for many people anyway – at least not for those with children and no butler – ha!). As Julie Morgenstern says, there is such thing as “organized enough”, and I wholeheartedly agree.
But decluttering is still usually the first – and most gratifying – step. In addition to helping you clean more efficiently, decluttering also allows you to:
- Maintain order more easily and effortlessly
- Save money not purchasing duplicate items or things you misplaced
- Save time finding what you need when you need it
- Create a calmer, more functional home
What Room Should You Start Your Spring Decluttering Efforts?
I always recommend starting with the space that bothers you the most. That might mean:
- Overflowing cabinets. If items fall out every time that you open a cabinet, begin there.
- A chaotic closet. If getting dressed takes far too long, tackle your closet.
- A cluttered living room. If your living space feels anything but relaxing, that’s your starting point.
Focusing on the areas that create the most stress will give you the biggest sense of progress and relief. Alternatively, if you are low on motivation, try tackling an area that feels low stakes and non-emotional like a utility drawer or a single bathroom cabinet.
Room-by-Room Guide
The following rooms are common areas where I see clutter congregate in my client’s homes. Work in these areas for maximum return on your spring decluttering efforts!
Kitchen Organizing Ideas
The kitchen is one of the most frequently used spaces in the home, which means it requires consistent attention. Decluttering and organizing here can change your life!
- Sort through utensils, cookware and appliances.
- Let go of items kept out of obligation – even if they were gifts or impulse purchases.
- Keep only what you regularly use and enjoy.
- Clear your countertops. Open, uncluttered surfaces not only make food prep easier, but also create a sense of calm.
Removing Clutter From The Living Room
Living rooms often become catch-alls for items that belong elsewhere. I recommend grabbing a large bin or basket for items that belong in another room, as well as another for donations. Then:
- Gather items that don’t belong.
- Sort by category or destination: to donate, to recycle, to go elsewhere, to return, etc. Anything that belongs in another room goes in the “elsewhere bin”. DO NOT put those items away as you go – unless you are trying to get your 10,000 steps in! Doing this all at once will save you time and energy.
- Once you are done, return items to their proper place.
If an item doesn’t have a home, it becomes clutter. Donate usable items to give them a new life. I have a very handy list of Central Minnesota and The Greater Minneapolis/Piedmont Triad, North Caolina area Donation and Recycle locations here.
Bathroom Decluttering Tips
Bathrooms can quickly become cluttered with almost empty bottles, duplicates and unused or unwanted products.
- Toss expired or unused products. For medications and supplements, use a proper disposal bin-often available at pharmacies or local police stations.
- Recycle empty bottles (you might be surprised how many you find!).
- Donate or properly store duplicates.
- Organize daily essentials.
Bedroom Clutter Removal
Decluttering the bedroom helps make sleep and relaxation more possible
Do you sleep well at night? If not, an overcrowded bedroom could be the culprit! Your bedroom should be a restorative space; an escape from noise and overwhelm. If it doesn’t feel that way, these tips might help transform your bedroom.
- Declutter closets and dressers.
- Remove clothing items that don’t fit or aren’t worn.
- Check under the bed for hidden clutter
- If possible, remove items associated with work, like a computer or desk. Your room should be a break for your brain and nervous system.
- Clear flat surfaces like dressers and nightstands to make dusting easier and create a more peaceful environment.
- It may also be time to relocate or reduce decorative items.
For more ideas, take a look at this blog post on this topic, “Create a Calm Space to Rest”.
Central Minnesota and The Greater Minneapolis Area/Piedmont Triad, North Carolina Decluttering Help!
A key part of preparing for spring cleaning is letting go of worn-out or unused items and creating intentional homes for the things that you use every day.
If the process feels overwhelming, don’t hesitate to ask for help, A friend, family member, or professional organizer can provide support, keep you focused, and help you create systems that last. If you are in the Twin Cities or Central Minnesota or the Piedmont Triad in North Carolina, I would love to help you! I offer a complimentary initial consultation to see if it’s a good fit.
Spring cleaning isn’t just about scrubbing, it’s about creating a home that feels lighter, calmer, and more functional! Declutter first. Clean second. Enjoy!
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