May 9

May 9 Tackling Organization and Spring Cleaning

Spring is in the air! If you’re like most people, you’re probably feeling refreshed and ready to tackle things you’ve been putting off all winter. If spring cleaning is on the to-do list, make sure to include a refresh of your organization. A well-organized home looks great and reduces stress, saves time, and creates a functional living space. With a clear plan and a touch of elbow grease, you can transform your home for spring. Here’s how to approach your spring cleaning while prioritizing organization.

Before diving in, take a minute to picture your ideal space (or if you have aphantasia, like me, just get an idea of what you want). What does an organized home mean to you? Perhaps it’s a kitchen where you have lids for every storage container or a closet without a pile of unknown items on the floor. Define your goals. Next, create a plan. Break the task into chunks—tackle one room or area at a time to minimize overwhelm. For example, dedicate one day to the kitchen, another to the bedroom, and so on. Gather supplies like storage bins, labels, trash bags, and cleaning tools ahead of time so you’re ready to hit the ground running.

Declutter First, Organize Second
Effective home organization almost always starts with some serious decluttering. Begin by sorting through each area, categorizing items into four groups: keep, donate, sell, or discard. Be honest with yourself—do you really need that stack of old magazines or the mail from three years ago that you haven’t opened? For practical belongings, if you haven’t used an item in the past year, it’s likely time to let it go. For sentimental items, consider taking photos and letting go of the physical item. Once you’ve decluttered, you’ll have a clearer sense of what needs organizing.

Maximize Storage Solutions
Now that the clutter has been removed, focus on storage to maintain order. Use versatile containers and solutions that can be repurposed later if your needs change. In the kitchen, drawer dividers and pantry bins keep things orderly and easily accessible. In the bedroom, bins on closet shelves can make those hard-to-reach places functional for storage. For smaller spaces, furniture like storage ottomans and lift-top coffee tables can make a big difference so that you can store things more easily. Especially if you live with other people, make sure to label any storage solutions you put in place. This will also make delegation of tidying up a lot easier!

Tackle High-Traffic Areas
Pay special attention to high-traffic areas like entryways, living rooms, and bathrooms, where clutter tends to accumulate as things get put down and left during transit. Create designated spots for everyday items: a tray for keys and mail in the entryway, baskets for throw blankets in the living room, or under-sink drawer storage for toiletries in the bathroom. These small changes may be all you need to prevent chaos. For families, consider assigning each member a personal storage area they are in charge of in order to keep shared spaces tidy.

Incorporate Cleaning into the Process
While organizing is the goal here, you surely expect spring cleaning to include a bit of scrubbing. As you’re clearing out the clutter from shelves, drawers, and closets, take time while things are empty to wipe down surfaces, vacuum corners, and freshen things up. Cleaning areas as you go will ensure that your home ends up both organized and clean, with the bonus of not having to clean around a bunch of items. There’s no need to get fancy and buy special cleaning products. Diluted vinegar, baking soda, and a microfiber towel will be enough to tackle the majority of the grime you encounter.

Maintain the Momentum
Once your home is organized, the key is maintaining it. Adopt simple habits to keep clutter at bay: put items back in their designated spots daily, do a quick 10-minute tidy-up each evening, and reassess your belongings every few months. Schedule a mini declutter and cleaning session each season to prevent buildup, ensuring that next spring’s cleaning will be a breeze. Practice making organization a routine, and you’ll enjoy a consistently functional and clean home.

A spring cleaning focused on organization is a chance to reset your space for the rest of the year. The process can feel daunting, but breaking it into steps and celebrating small wins keeps it feeling doable. When you’re done, you’ll not only have a cleaner and tidier home but also a sense of accomplishment and control. So, roll up your sleeves, put on some fun music, and embrace the season!