How to Declutter Before Spring Cleaning: A Fresh Start with Fresh Nest
Spring is the season of renewal, and there's no better time to refresh your living space than now. Before diving into the deep cleaning tasks that come with a thorough spring cleaning, it’s important to start by decluttering. Clearing out excess items not only makes your home look more organized, but it also makes the cleaning process easier, faster, and more effective. At Fresh Nest, we understand that decluttering can feel like an overwhelming task. But with the right approach, you can transform your home into a tidy, inviting space in no time.
Here’s a guide to help you declutter before you start your spring cleaning, ensuring that your home feels fresh, organized, and ready for the new season.
1. Start Small: Focus on One Area at a Time
Decluttering can seem daunting if you think about tackling your entire home all at once. To avoid feeling overwhelmed, break down the task into smaller, manageable sections. Start with one room or even one area within a room, such as a desk, drawer, or closet. Once you finish one space, move on to the next.
Fresh Nest Tip: Create a checklist for each room to help you stay on track. Whether it’s the kitchen, bedroom, or bathroom, a list of specific tasks (like sorting through papers or organizing shelves) will make the process feel more achievable.
2. The “Keep, Donate, Toss” Method
As you begin sorting through your things, you’ll be faced with the question: What should stay and what should go? The key is to make quick decisions to avoid overthinking. Use the Keep, Donate, Toss method to help simplify your process:
Keep: Items you use regularly or truly love—things that serve a purpose or bring you joy.
Donate: Items in good condition that you no longer need but could be of use to someone else.
Toss: Things that are broken, expired, or no longer useful.
This method helps you eliminate unnecessary items while keeping your space functional and tidy.
Fresh Nest Tip: If you haven’t used an item in the last 6 months to a year, it’s probably time to let it go. The less clutter you have, the easier it will be to clean!
3. Declutter Your Storage Spaces
We often forget about our closets, pantries, and storage areas until they’re overflowing with unused items. Before jumping into the cleaning phase, it’s essential to tackle these hidden areas where clutter tends to accumulate.
Here are a few ideas to help you get started:
Closets: Sort through clothing and shoes. Donate items that no longer fit or are out of style. Consider seasonal rotation (storing winter clothes in bins during summer months, for example).
Pantry: Check expiration dates and throw away expired or unused food. Organize items by type to make it easier to find what you need.
Garage/Basement: Clear out old boxes, tools, and sports equipment that no longer serve a purpose.
Fresh Nest Tip: Use clear bins or labels to store seasonal items, tools, and supplies. This will help you stay organized year-round and make spring cleaning a breeze.
4. Organize Paperwork and Digital Files
Paper clutter is one of the most common types of mess that builds up over time. Start by going through any loose papers, old bills, and documents that you no longer need. Shred sensitive documents, and create a filing system for important paperwork you need to keep.
Additionally, take some time to declutter your digital files. Clean up your email inbox, delete old or irrelevant documents from your computer, and organize digital photos or important files into easy-to-navigate folders.
Fresh Nest Tip: Set aside 15 minutes each week to handle incoming paperwork and digital files. This small habit can prevent overwhelming clutter from building up again.
5. Set Yourself Up for Success: Maintenance Is Key
Decluttering is a one-time effort, but maintaining a tidy home is an ongoing process. Once your space is clutter-free and ready for spring cleaning, make a commitment to maintain the organization you’ve achieved.
Here are a few tips to keep things in order:
Daily Tidying: Spend 10-15 minutes each day tidying up high-traffic areas (like the kitchen or living room).
Regular Purging: Every 3-6 months, go through a quick decluttering process to ensure items aren’t piling up.
Organize as You Go: As you bring new items into your home, make sure they have a designated space.
By staying on top of your clutter, your home will feel consistently fresh and organized—not just during spring cleaning, but all year long. At Fresh Nest, we’re passionate about making your home a clean, peaceful sanctuary. We offer professional cleaning services in the DFW area, ensuring that your home gets the care and attention it deserves.
Let us take the stress out of the cleaning process so you can enjoy a fresh, organized and clean space all season long. Contact us today to schedule your spring cleaning service with Fresh Nest!
