Remember to Declutter before Spring Cleaning

Spring is here! That means warm weather, fresh air, and of course… spring cleaning. But this year, let’s take it a step further. Instead of just cleaning, let’s declutter—because a clean home is great, but a clutter-free home? That’s life-changing!

Why Decutter This Spring?

Over the past few years, many of us have accumulated more than ever before. Studies show that during the pandemic, spending on home goods increased by 38%. From fitness equipment to hobby supplies to home decor, we were buying to fill a void. But once that life returned to normal, much of it just feels… unnecessary.

That’s why decluttering now is so powerful. It’s not just about tidying up—it’s about letting go of the excess so we can focus on what truly matters.

Benefits of Decluttering

I’m going to give you three great reasons to Spring Declutter instead of Spring Clean. Then I’m going give you my list of 53 things that you may choose to remove from your home and life so you will have MORE ROOM to Enjoy Spring!

Reason #1: It frees up space—not just in your home, but in your mind. Less clutter means less stress and a more peaceful environment.

Reason #2: It saves you time and money. With fewer things to manage, you spend less time cleaning and less money replacing items you don’t actually need.

Reason #3: It’s better for the environment. The less we consume, the less waste we create. Plus, donating items you no longer use gives them a second life with someone who actually needs them.

Questions that will help you Declutter:

Have I used this in the last year?

If you haven’t, you probably won’t. Be honest with yourself—if it’s just taking up space, it’s time to let it go.

Could Someone Else Use This Today?

We often hold onto things “just in case.” But ask yourself: Is there someone out there who could use this right now? If so, donating is a much better option than keeping it stored away.

Decluttering isn’t about getting rid of everything—it’s about keeping what adds value to your life and letting go of what doesn’t. And once you’ve decluttered, spring cleaning becomes a breeze!

Here’s my list of 53 Things to Declutter this Spring

Decluttering some of these items will free up space and make your home and outdoors feel lighter and more organized! 

1. Heavy winter coats & boots – Store only what you truly need.
2. Scarves, hats & gloves – If you didn’t wear them last winter, let them go.
3. Worn-out swimsuits or ones you are not comfortable in.
4. Clothes you haven’t worn in over a year – If you didn’t wear it last spring & summer, chances are you won’t wear it this year.
5. Shoes that hurt your feet or don’t fit properly – If they’re uncomfortable, why keep them?
6. Worn-out socks & underwear – Say goodbye to anything with holes or stretched elastic.
7. Excess handbags & backpacks – If you don’t use them, donate them.
8. Excess Cleaning Products – Declutter all the speciality cleaners you never seem to use, and focus on keeping the tried and true solutions. (Perhaps your church or a senior center could use your extra cleaners.)
9. Expired pantry items – Check your spices, sauces and canned goods.
10. Chipped or mismatched mugs & dishes – Keep only what you love.
11. Duplicate kitchen gadgets – Do you really need 4 spatulas?
12. Plastic containers without lids – Time to let them go!
13. Old and worn kitchen towels, cloths and excess potholders.
14. Excess pots and pans.
15. Excess blankets, sheets and pillows.
16. Holiday decorations – Declutter any broken or unused winter-themed decor.
17. Unused winter candles & scents – If they’ve been collecting dust, it’s time to part ways.
18. Old rugs.
19. Toys your kids have outgrown – Donate to a family in need.
20. Expired makeup & skincare products.
21. Expired medicines.
22. Half-used hotel toiletries – If you haven’t used them by now, you probably won’t.
23. Old sunscreen & bug spray – Expired products won’t be effective when you need them.
24. Old towels & washcloths – Repurpose them as cleaning rags or donate to an animal shelter.
25. Old magazines.
26. Random cables & chargers – If you don’t know what they belong to, toss them.
27. DVDs, CDs & books you’ll never use again – Donate them so someone else can enjoy them.
28. Excess home decor – Clear your space by keeping only what you truly love.
29. Under-the-bed storage.
30. Unused jewelry & accessories – If it no longer brings you joy, pass it on.
31. Old phone cases & unneeded/outdated tech accessories.
32. Declutter inside your car.
33. Old or broken snow shovels – Keep only the essentials for next winter.
34. Unneeded ice melt & winter car accessories – Store what’s useful, discard the rest.
35. Unused winter sports gear – Skis, snowboards, or ice skates that won’t be used again.
36. Broken or unused patio furniture – Make space for warm-weather relaxation.
37. Old gardening tools – Toss rusted, broken tools and replace them with better-quality ones.
38. Broken rakes, broken garden hoses.
39. Unused or broken plant pots.
40. Expired or half-used garden chemicals – Expired or hardened fertilizers, pesticides, or seeds.
41. Damaged or unused outdoor lighting – Get rid of broken solar lights or tangled string lights.
42. Old paint, caulks and adhesives.
43. Rusted or uneeded nails, nuts and bolts.
44. Extension cords that no longer work.
45. Expired car fluids.
46. Leftover scraps of wood, drywall, or tile you won’t use.
47. Broken power tools or ones you haven’t used in years.
48. Old beach gear.
49. Deflated or damaged sports equipment – Old soccer balls, baseball gloves, or frisbees that are no longer used.
50. Outgrown bicycles or helmets, skateboards, etc. – Pass them on to someone who can use them.
51. Camping gear you never use.
52. Old or unused fishing gear.
53. Old pet toys and accessories.

Whew! Now… don’t forget this part: 

If you want to keep your home clutter-free, you must limit the amount of stuff you allow in! Before buying something new, ask yourself—do I really need this, or is it just retail therapy?”

So… what’s the first thing YOU are going to declutter this spring? Drop me a comment below—I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Keep it Simple, Friends!

 Angie

P.S.  I invite you to subscribe to my blog and receive your free copy of Seven Simple Steps. Take advantage of this FREE 4-Week Challenge to create New Habits that will help you simplify your possessions and start experiencing the Benefits of Owning Less! You can also view my Decluttering Playlist here.