Thinking about spring cleaning always excites me. The feeling of a tidy, organized home with natural light pouring in is unmatched. Yet, the task of cleaning can feel daunting. Before diving into cleaning, it’s crucial to tackle decluttering first. But where should you begin?
What’s the first area for decluttering? Should I create a spring decluttering checklist? It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, and before you know it, you might want to quit. That’s why I consulted experts for their top decluttering strategies this spring.
6 Top Areas to Declutter This Spring
Below, professional organizers share their insights on the best spaces to start decluttering. Address these areas before grabbing your mop for a more satisfying spring clean.
Entry Points
Start by examining where you and your family drop items daily. Nick Friedman, Co-Founder & CEO of College HUNKS Hauling Junk & Moving, refers to these areas as drop zones. “Clearing entryways, kitchen counters, and coffee tables brings immediate visual relief,” he says. “These spots tend to gather mail, bags, and random items. Clearing them transforms your home’s overall appearance.”
To declutter effectively, keep a recycling bag for papers and a trash bag for disposables close by.
Children’s Items
If you have kids, you know how easily their belongings pile up. Expert Vanessa Garcia, a cleaning and organizing consultant, suggests setting aside items before starting your spring clean. “Going through children’s items—like old toys, broken crayons, and markers—can be very beneficial,” she notes. “Often, they won’t even notice what’s gone.”
Involving your children in decluttering can be a valuable learning moment, Garcia adds.
Refrigerator and Pantry
The kitchen is truly the heart of your home. Like your wardrobe changes with the season, so should your food choices as fresh produce comes in. Before a thorough kitchen clean, Cathy Orr, co-founder of The Uncluttered Life, advises cleaning out your fridge and pantry.
“Get rid of expired items, clean the refrigerator and freezer, and remove any long-forgotten food,” she instructs. Clearing space allows for a deep clean afterward.
Wardrobes
As winter shifts to spring, it’s a great opportunity to revamp your closet. Decluttering during this transition can refresh your space. “Closets are high-impact areas for decluttering,” Friedman explains. “Do a quick review: if you didn’t wear something last season or it no longer fits, consider donating it. Many people are surprised by how much space they create in just 20 minutes.”
Out-of-Sight Clutter
It’s easy to hide clutter behind closed doors. However, as you prepare for spring cleaning, make room for items you truly want to keep. “Tackle hidden clutter zones like garages, junk drawers, and storage areas,” Friedman suggests. “These spaces might be out of view, but they create stress by making it difficult to find what you need. Once you declutter these areas, it’s much easier to maintain organization throughout your home.”
I particularly enjoy organizing junk drawers; they’re quick and satisfying to sort out!
Excess Items
While searching for spring cleaning supplies, keep an eye out for duplicates. “We often see clients with an overabundance of repeated items,” Friedman says. Duplicates of cleaning supplies, kitchen tools, or items saved just in case can lead to clutter. He encourages discarding or donating these extras. “Keeping unnecessary items just contributes to clutter. Simplifying can reveal a surprising amount of space,” he explains.
As you begin your decluttering journey, embrace the excitement that comes with the fresh start. “Focus on momentum rather than perfection,” Friedman advises. “Starting with the most impactful areas makes spring cleaning feel less daunting and more refreshing.”
