How to Declutter Your Home for Spring

As the weather starts to warm up, it can only mean one thing: it's time for spring cleaning. Before you get down to deep cleaning all the nooks and crannies in your house, you need to declutter. A cluttered home can be stressful and overwhelming, not to mention harmful to your health.

Most people fill their homes with unnecessary items that gather dust and take up space. Depending on the size of your home and how long it's been since the last time you tackled this task, you might feel overwhelmed at the idea. Don't worry. We're here to help. In this post, we discuss how to declutter your home for spring and provide tips to make the process a little bit easier.

What are the benefits of decluttering your home?

There are many benefits to decluttering your home beyond getting rid of unwanted items. One of the most overlooked ones is improved health and mental clarity. During winter, houses don't get as much fresh air as other seasons, making them feel stuffy and stale.

Your home is filled with items that attract and trap dust, even if you can't see it. Carpets, furniture, window coverings, and other accessories collect dust that can affect your breathing and overall well-being. When you declutter your home, you improve air quality and create a healthier environment.

When your home is cluttered, it can be challenging to find things, and that chaos can be overwhelming. Clearing out the clutter can help you feel more in control of your environment and less stressed out. That can also lead to increased productivity and efficiency.

Decluttering also means reclaiming your space. You get a more organized and spacious home to enjoy. Who knows? You might even decide to redecorate and update some areas of your home. If you need some inspiration, don't forget to check out our post on living room ideas created by our users.

How do I declutter my home for spring?

Now that we know some of the benefits of decluttering let's discuss how to declutter your home for spring. First, start by going through each room and sorting everything into three piles: keep, donate or toss. You might find that there will be fewer items in your keep pile after a second or third sweep.

Once everything is sorted, you can begin to declutter. Sort through your belongings and get rid of anything you no longer need or use. Don't be tempted to hold onto things because you might need them someday. If you haven't used something in the past year, chances are you're never going to use it.

Be ruthless when deciding what to keep - if you haven't used something in the past year or longer, chances are you don't need it. Donate or toss anything that doesn't bring you joy, and soon your home will be clutter-free.

Start with a plan

The first step in decluttering your home for spring is to create a plan. Decide what you want to achieve and which areas of your home need the most attention. Make a list of tasks that need to be completed to make the process easier. It will also help you stay organized and ensure that nothing is forgotten.

Whether you plan on renovating your home, moving or simply getting rid of a few extra things, make sure your plan works for you. Your needs are unique to your situation and might not fit what your next-door neighbor is doing.

Tackle one room at a time

Trying to declutter your entire home at once can be overwhelming and may not be very effective. Start with one room and work your way through the house until everything is free of clutter. You can also delegate spaces to different family members, making this a fun family activity.

Your objective and plan will help you decide which rooms to tackle first. You can opt to start with more manageable, less cluttered spaces or dive right into the messiest room in your house. Don't forget to tackle bathrooms, kitchens and pantries. Sometimes the clutter hides in drawers and behind cupboard doors.

If tackling the whole room is too much, focus on specific areas. Start with your closet or the space under the sink. Sort through books and magazines or your makeup drawer. Accomplishing small tasks will give you satisfaction and motivate you to tackle larger jobs.

Get rid of unnecessary items

There is a big difference between necessities and wants. Getting rid of clutter means getting rid of things that no longer serve a purpose. Over time everyone collects more stuff than they need. Think about all the objects in your house and why you hang on to them.

Clothes that no longer fit, old sporting equipment, sentimental mementos and expired foods often are the biggest culprits of clutter. Getting rid of those items might be difficult, but it is necessary if you want to declutter your home.

Ask yourself if you really need each item in your home, and be honest with yourself. If the answer is no, then get rid of it. Marie Kondo, the Japanese decluttering expert whose Netflix show hit a nerve with many, recommends only keeping items that bring you joy. If that's a bit overwhelming for you, start small.

Organize what you keep with storage solutions

Getting rid of unnecessary items means you have more room, but don't be tempted to fill it out with new things. Use smart home storage solutions to keep things organized and within easy reach. It will be easier to find items when you need them and help keep the house clean and organized.

While you might be tempted to go out and buy new bins and storage containers, it's better to wait until you finish decluttering. That way, you'll know exactly how much stuff you have and a better idea of how you want to store everything.

Before buying new storage containers, consider utilizing everyday items around your house. You can use empty shoe boxes as dividers, toilet paper rolls to organize cables and vacuum-packed bags for extra storage. Fabric storage bins and bags can save you more space and are a more environmentally friendly option.

Set a deadline and don't procrastinate

Decluttering is more effective when you set realistic expectations. Don't plan on doing your whole house in one day, but don't leave it off indefinitely, or you'll never get it done. You can devote different days to specific areas or schedule two weekends to finish it all.

Don't be too hard on yourself if you're not able to get through everything. Decluttering your house can be a quarterly or a monthly task that lets you accomplish your goals over time. You might even decide to get rid of things you previously kept on the second or third round of decluttering.

Don't be afraid to ask for help

Getting rid of things can be difficult for many reasons, including sentimental attachment to objects that don't have any more use. Whether you're overcome by the idea of parting with meaningful items or are overwhelmed by the sheer volume of things, ask for help.

Involving your kids is also a great way to teach them about responsibility and build up organizational habits. Ask them to select toys and clothes that you can donate together and teach them how to clean and care for things. That way, they can take that on as a regular chore. Your family and friends can make the process more fun and help get the job done faster.

If all else fails, don't be afraid to reach out to a professional. Having an impartial person come into your home helps you see the bigger picture. A professional can help you sort through your belongings and do the hard work. Then, you just have to stick to a regular decluttering schedule.

How often should I declutter my home?

There is no set frequency for decluttering your home. It all depends on your personal preference and how much clutter you're willing to deal with. Some people prefer to do it a few times a year, while others choose to do it once a month.

Decluttering your home can be a daunting task, but it's worth doing. The sooner you start decluttering your home, the sooner you will be able to enjoy the benefits. Now you can create a more organized and stress-free living environment for yourself and your family by following our tips. Happy decluttering!