Spring is a season for rebirth and renewal and bringing that mindset to our homes can be a revitalizing way to begin the new year. Although the thought of reorganizing and decluttering on a deeper level than we typically do can sound like a large task that may deter us from beginning. Allow your mind to be more at ease as you go through my favorite spring cleaning organizing ideas to get you started. When you have manageable tips and tricks in place, what feels like a large task can become simpler to undertake.
Why Organizing Tips Can Help You When Spring Cleaning
Having a plan of action when tackling a large thing like Spring Cleaning can reduce the feelings of being overwhelmed when looking at a large area to clean (like your home).
A simple and straightforward plan of action will bring more order and calm, and make everything feel more doable.
Even with the best intentions and a regular cleaning routine, spring cleaning is still an idea we should all explore. Many items in our homes don’t require a weekly or even monthly cleaning, but every 3-12 months, it’s time to give those items and spaces a refresh too.
Another reason that spring is the perfect time for a deep cleaning is that winter lends itself to accumulation. With fewer hours of light, there will naturally be fewer work hours and that usually includes less time cleaning as well.
The weather is colder, storms can be frequent, the windows are shut, and more time is spent indoors. This can lead to accumulation of things, dirt and damage from inclement weather, and excess moisture and humidity.
We can take advantage of the longer days and warmer weather as spring approaches, and tidy up the messes that winter has left behind.
Using these spring cleaning organizing ideas will begin you on the path towards less clutter and more peace.
Declutter before you clean
Beginning with decluttering significantly reduces your workload. When you declutter first, there are fewer items to clean around.
While decluttering, create three piles: keep, donate, discard
Broken, empty, and worn-out items can be discarded. Things that have been used in the past year or hold sentimental value can be kept. Donate items that no longer serve you in this season of life.
Start with one small zone at a time
Spring cleaning can feel like a lot. Breaking it into zones helps it to not feel like so much. However, everyone’s organizing and cleaning styles are a bit different. You may prefer to clean and organize one category across the house at a time instead of one space at a time. This can also be an effective cleaning and organizing method as long as it doesn’t cause you undue distraction.
Label shelves, bins, and baskets
As you move through organizing your home, labeling items now can save you time in the future. If you have ever found yourself searching for items often, which we all do from time to time, labeling shelves, bins, and baskets can free up that part of your mind for other tasks. Locating items and replacing them becomes an easy task when everything has a place.
Empty drawers and cabinets completely before reorganizing
Though we may all feel the desire to sort through our full drawers while organizing them, removing everything first is a more effective solution. When everything is laid out, you can easily sort items into your three bags (keep, donate, dispose). Wiping down drawers and shelves becomes much easier when they have been emptied already.
Add storage as needed
Your space may work better for you with fewer items or better storage. Once you have sorted through what you are keeping and discarding, bringing additional organizational pieces into your home can help keep things better organized for the entire year.
Some examples are:
- Small drawer organizers and dividers
- Under-cabinet extra shelves
- Clear pantry storage bins
- Large plastic totes (typically to house items in the garage, closets, or seasonal decor)
Reorganize cords, chargers, and tech accessories
Electronic devices have become a part of our everyday lives. Wires, chargers, and other tech accessories are used frequently and can be a source of clutter, disorganization, or can even become tied up behind furniture.
Taking time to sort all of your tech accessories now will create a home that works more seamlessly every day.
Purge expired pantry items and spices
If you have a large family, a large pantry, or busy days, the pantry can accumulate many items that become expired or that your family will never use. Taking time this spring to remove everything in the pantry, wipe down the shelves, toss or donate expired items and things your family will never use, and replace what is left sorted by category, will make the task of preparing meals a much more relaxing experience.
Sort paper clutter and digitize what you can
Paperwork can be important, but it also has a way of accumulating. Things that we set aside because we needed them at the time often don’t find their way to the waste bin before we add the next month of paperwork on top of them.
Taking time to lay them all out, digitize what you can, and store what is needed into file folders will make your kitchen, desk, or wherever paperwork accumulates at your house better serve its purpose and feel lighter.
Empty and reorganize closets
Oftentimes, places that we close up like cupboards, drawers, and closets we forget (or choose not to) clean out. However, when it is time for spring cleaning, it’s a good idea to organize these places for the coming year. You haven’t done anything wrong with using such spaces in this manner. The purpose of these types of places is to store, contain, and hide our clutter, but they require a bit of attention at least once a year.
Begin by emptying the closet and sorting everything inside into the 3 piles we mentioned.
Then clean the shelves and floors and replace all remaining items. Utilize new storage solutions and labels if that makes sense for your home’s needs.
Wash and store off-season bedding and clothing
As the weather changes and the days lengthen, it’s a perfect time to wash and pack away what you won’t be using until the cold sets in once again.
Using space-saving bags and totes can be an efficient way to pack away seasonal linens and bulky clothing as well.
Keep only what supports your current life, not your past.
Decluttering is a refreshing part of the spring cleaning process. It can also feel hard to let go of things that no longer serve us. Carefully consider why you are keeping an item and if it still fits into your needs and desires. If possible, attempting to remove a bit of emotion from the process and how we look at physical items can make it simpler to decide what is needed now.
Wrapping Up Spring Cleaning Organizing Ideas
Spring cleaning is a time for refreshing and new beginnings. When you follow these tips when cleaning through your home this year, the process can become simpler. The toughest places to organize, like the drawers and closets, will be handled, the winter dirt and linens will be packed away, and you will be ready to enjoy a season of sunshine and rebirth.