Spring Decluttering: 18 Things To Toss Before You Spring Clean

With spring just around the corner, you may already be thinking about tackling an annual deep clean. But have you considered spring decluttering first? In this post, we’ll discuss the importance of decluttering and 18 items you should get rid of before you begin your spring cleaning.

We’ll also talk about some practical tips and insights for clearing clutter this spring and how it can help you feel rejuvenated and energized for the season ahead.

So grab your favorite beverage, read this post (and don’t forget to check out the rest of my declutter tips!), and get ready to enjoy the results of your seasonal decluttering!

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Why Do We Declutter In Spring?

When the warmer weather arrives, we look forward to fresh starts, clean slates, and new beginnings. Yet, aside from the traditional spring cleaning (yes, I do have tips for spring cleaning!), why do we declutter in spring?

One core reason is that it feels like a practical response to winter hibernation. The winter months can leave us feeling stagnant or weighed down by household clutter. As the season change brings renewed energy, many of us are motivated to sweep away that weight and clutter to create more livable space in our homes.

Another reason for springtime decluttering stems from a psychological purpose nurtured by the principle of mindfulness. Clear spaces relieve stress and anxiety by generating more lightness and openness around us.

By engaging with our belongings through decluttering, we have an opportunity to assess what truly matters in life while actively practicing the art of letting go.

Springtime holds immense potential for renewal that goes beyond just physical decluttering and cleaning; it’s also applicable in refreshing our minds with a new set of perspectives. So take hold of this season’s powerfully positive momentum by adopting some new habits today!

>> No time to read the entire post? Click here to have the printable spring decluttering checklist sent right to your email. <<

Why Is Spring Decluttering Essential?

Imagine walking into a home where every item has its place. You immediately feel relaxed and calm. Sounds nice — but maybe a little impossible?

Clearing clutter is an essential step for an orderly and stress-free life. If you’ve had decluttering on your list for a while, the changing of seasons is the perfect time to get started on purging clutter. By letting go of items you no longer need or use, you can begin to create more space and bring new energy into your home.

Spring decluttering isn’t just about creating more physical space but also freeing up mental space to experience a sense of calm and clarity.

This is especially important in the spring, after the long dark months of winter when everything tends to pile up around us. These are things you may have accumulated over time, yet they no longer serve a purpose in your life.

By taking a ‘spring fresh’ approach and identifying what brings value to your daily routine, you can begin letting go of non-essentials.

Whether you want to start small or tackle the entire house all at once, every step counts. It’s time to let go of excess baggage – both physically and mentally – so we can live our lives lighter and with greater intentionality!

Differentiating Spring Cleaning and Spring Decluttering

Here’s the thing… Spring cleaning and spring decluttering are often lumped together, but they’re actually two distinct activities. Cleaning refers to the process of scrubbing and dusting a space. Decluttering is the act of getting rid of unnecessary or messy items in order to make the space more functional.

The mistake many people make is trying to do both at once, leading to feelings of overwhelm. Trying to deep spring clean while also getting rid of clutter can be a recipe for failure.

Instead, it’s important to start with decluttering first. Once the extra ‘stuff’ has been removed, cleaning becomes MUCH easier and more effective. You’ll spend less time cleaning and feel less frustrated.

Take the time to declutter first, then you’ll be able to tackle cleaning with renewed energy and focus. It’s important to note that these activities really complement each other in creating a harmonious living space!

18 Things To Declutter Before You Spring Clean

So what should you declutter first in the spring? Here are 18 items that need to go before you start any spring cleaning.

These items are all either in open areas of your home or in spaces that you’ll be deep-cleaning soon. Removing them will make it easier to get your space clean and organized.

1. Kitchen counters

2. Extra or unused kitchen gadgets taking up space in cabinets/drawers

3. The pantry 

4. Bathroom counters

5. Old makeup and/or unused personal care appliances taking up space in bathroom cabinets/drawers

6. Worn out towels and other linens (repurpose for spring cleaning!)

7. Extra cleaning supplies or products you don’t like or never use

8. Extra pillows that clutter up couches and chairs

9. Knick-knacks and decorative items around the house that are just collecting dust

10. Seasonal decor that’s not your style

11. Furniture pieces that no longer work in your space

12. Winter clothing and winter outerwear

13. Unused exercise equipment and other bulky items

14. Gifts you received but never liked or used 

15. Half-finished projects that you’re not interested in completing

16. Paper piles from anywhere in the house

17. Houseplants that didn’t survive the winter

18. Anything in disrepair beyond a reasonable cost of fixing

>> Click here to get the printable spring decluttering checklist <<

Spring Decluttering Tips

Here are some ways to keep decluttering VERY simple this spring:

• Start small: Begin with one room or area at a time instead of trying to clean up the entire house all at once.
• Use a timer: DECIDE how long you’re going to spend decluttering during each session. Set a timer so you stay motivated to keep working and get as much done as possible instead of getting lost and overwhelmed.
• Be honest with yourself: Take an honest look at each item in the space you’re working on and ask yourself if you truly need it, use it regularly or if it holds sentimental value.
• Use the three-box method: Have three boxes labeled ‘Keep’, ‘Donate’ and ‘Throw Away’. Sort every item into one of these categories. (That’s right — no ‘sell’ box — click here to read why.)

How Long Should Spring Decluttering Take?

There are a couple of ways to answer the question of how long it should take to do your spring decluttering.

On one hand, the question of how long spring decluttering should take is subjective and depends on several factors, including the size of your home, the amount of clutter you have, and how much time you can dedicate to decluttering.

But decluttering in springtime need not be a job that drags on for weeks. You don’t HAVE to declutter your entire house or ALL of your stuff. One of the keys to success is to set a time limit or deadline for this task.

To eliminate overwhelm and the risk of spending an entire year doing ‘spring’ decluttering, I recommend focusing your efforts for just a week or two. If you’re really motivated and have plenty of energy, you might even be able to declutter in a weekend.

The key is to remember that you’re decluttering right now in order to make deep spring cleaning easier, while full decluttering is a process and not a one-time event. Spring decluttering can be PART of that larger process.

For now, remember that every step you take toward decluttering your home is a step towards a more organized and intentional life. So take your time, be kind to yourself, and enjoy the process of creating a clutter-free home this spring!

More Help For Decluttering And Cleaning

Printable Essential Cleaning Planner

8 Strategies To Use When Your Partner Refuses to Declutter

How to Quickly Declutter a Room Every Day

9 Reasons You Fear Decluttering Clothes {And How to Get Past It}

Next Steps…

Your home and your life can be transformed when you start the season well with an effective spring declutter. 

Not only will it improve your physical surroundings, but also help to clear your thoughts. With a clutter-free space and a clear head, you’ll be able to tackle other projects and spring cleaning with confidence and enthusiasm. 

So if you’re ready to begin your decluttering journey, don’t forget to grab your printable Spring Decluttering Checklist so you can get this DONE! Download it now and enjoy the freedom that comes from living with less!

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