Spring Cleaning Checklist: Expert-Backed Tips for Efficient Spring Cleaning

Spring Cleaning with Purpose: Letting Go of What No Longer Serves You

Spring cleaning is a concept that’s been around for a long time, encouraging us to open our doors, let the fresh air in, and clean up our spaces after being cooped up all winter. While we may not need to scrub away soot from burning charcoal or wood like in the past, it’s still a helpful seasonal reminder to tidy up and reset.

Coincidentally, I’m in the middle of a big move this month, which has more or less forced me to confront my material possessions and ask whether they actually serve a purpose—or if I’ve just been holding onto them for arbitrary reasons. 

You may not be facing the same kind of upheaval right now, but this experience really got me thinking about how spring cleaning can become a meaningful yearly ritual. It’s a chance to reflect, reset, and release what no longer serves us.

So, in this blog, I’m breaking down what “clutter” really means and sharing tips to help you let go of it in a way that feels intentional and personally gratifying.

Redefining “Clutter”

If you’re anything like me, you might’ve once viewed clutter simply as a mess. For example, if I came home and saw a pile of shoes by the door, I’d consider that clutter that needed organizing. Toss the shoes into their respective cubbies and boom - clutter gone! 

But over time, I’ve realized clutter can be so much more than just quick-fix messes. It can include anything that no longer brings joy or serves your current lifestyle or routine.

To figure out whether something is truly clutter, I’ve found it helpful to ask a few self-reflective questions:

– Do I use this?

– Do I love this?

– Does this reflect who I am now?

I’ve been asking myself these questions a lot lately, especially since I have a tendency to hang on to things just in case I might need them someday. 

Sure, I haven’t worn this dress in five years, but what if the right occasion comes up? Or this food processor my mom gave me from the early 2000s—it weighs a ton and takes up half a cabinet, but still… I use it sometimes… right? 

Eventually, I decided to let go of both, along with many other items. Once I got honest with myself, I realized they were inconvenient, rarely used, took up valuable space, and mostly just stressed me out, especially when thinking about my move. 

Shifting my mindset to focus on what actually serves me versus what just takes up space made a big difference. It helped me approach each room with more clarity and less overwhelm. 

So next, let’s walk through each space with a few simple, intentional tips to help you declutter.

Spring Cleaning Tips 

Wondering how to start spring cleaning? Well, here are some spring cleaning tips and tricks for every room of your house:

Living Room:

I’m by no means a minimalist. I love keeping items that remind me of memories and experiences shared with family, friends, and loved ones, as well as things that represent my interests and hobbies. My living room is probably the best example of that personality trait, since it’s full of knick knacks, photos, records, DVDs, and books. These things bring me a real sense of joy, so I love having them around. Instead of cutting down on those items, I started by removing anything broken or unusable, old cords, burnt-down candles, things like that. 

Here’s how I decluttered my living room:

• I focused on letting go of things that didn’t really reflect me anymore, felt worn down, or simply weren’t being used. For example, my partner and I had an extra couch in our living room—a hand-me-down we got when we first moved in together three years ago. We weren’t especially attached to it, but it helped fill our space when we were just starting out. Since then, we’ve gotten a couch we actually enjoy and rarely used the old one. While it was tempting to bring both to our new place for extra seating, we decided it was time to let it go and make room for something new that we truly like, even if it means having to wait for it. 

•  If you’re feeling overwhelmed about where to begin (I definitely was when I first tackled my living room), start with the surfaces (coffee tables, shelves, cubbies) and go item by item. Breaking it down like that makes the process feel much more manageable.

Bedroom:

Here’s how I decluttered my bedroom:

• Personally, the most challenging part of my bedroom is the closet. So I decided to break it down into sections - one day I’ll tackle jeans, then sweaters, and so on.

• I spend that time trying on pieces to check if they still fit and whether they align with my current style and needs.

• My number one rule has been to let go of items that are too old or overly worn—my six-year-old Target sheets, for example, definitely didn’t make the cut.

•  Not everything has to be pristine to earn a spot in the new space. Some things, like our hand-painted nightstands, may not be in perfect condition, but they add cozy character and still feel meaningful, so they’re staying.

• For personal spaces like your bedroom, try to balance practicality with emotional value. 

• It’s okay to keep something because you genuinely enjoy it, even if it’s not brand new, but be honest about what truly serves you and what’s just taking up space.

Kitchen/Dining:

Going through the kitchen felt like the most relaxing part of this process for me. I think it’s because I had been holding on to a bunch of random dishes from college and plastic souvenir cups I’d picked up at various events and tourist spots over the years. 

Here’s how I decluttered my kitchen:

• If you’re looking to declutter your kitchen, try starting with chipped plates, excess utensils, or decor that doesn’t really serve a purpose, whether functionally or stylistically.

• Keep only what you use regularly or genuinely love to display. Everything else is just taking up prime real estate in your cabinets.

Entryway

Here’s how I decluttered my entryway:

• Your entryway is your home’s first impression—keep it light, functional, and welcoming.

• For me, our entryway had become a bit of a dumping ground—worn-out welcome rug, old shoes piling up, and a couple of catch-all bins that had turned into black holes for mail and random clutter.

• One thing I realized right away was how rough my welcome rug looked. It had definitely seen better days. Luckily, working at Rug & Home has its perks, now I have a whole new lineup of beautiful rugs to choose from, and swapping it out instantly made the space feel fresher and more intentional.
  

Letting Go With Intention

Once you’ve sorted through your belongings and identified what no longer serves you, the next step is figuring out what to do with those items—and doing so with care.

• Donate Whatever Possible: Whenever possible, I try to part with things responsibly. If it’s still in good condition, I’ll donate it or post it for sale online. 

• Recycle: Some items can be recycled, so make sure you keep the environment in mind while saying goodbye to your clutter. Of course, some items may just need to be tossed. The goal is to keep as much out of the landfill as I reasonably can.

• Stay Away from Guilt: Letting go doesn’t have to feel wasteful or guilt-ridden. I’ve found peace in reminding myself: “It served its purpose, and now it’s time to move on.” That mindset helps me release things more freely—whether it’s a shirt I once loved or a piece of furniture that just doesn’t fit anymore.

In the end, spring cleaning isn’t just about making physical space. It’s about creating room for new experiences, new energy, and a home that feels like it truly reflects who you are now.

Bringing in Joyful, Purposeful Pieces to Start Afresh

After the clutter is cleared and the space feels lighter, take a moment to notice what might be missing. Does the room feel a little bare? Is it lacking warmth, color, or comfort?

This is the perfect opportunity to refresh your home with pieces that genuinely reflect your current style and values. Think about what brings you joy now. 

Maybe it’s a cozy new rug in a soft, comforting texture. 

Maybe it’s a piece of art that truly resonates with you or a new set of pillows and throws that reflect your personality. 

Focus on adding items that feel personal and meaningful, that support who you are today and what you value, rather than just what’s in season or convenient.

That said, refreshing doesn’t mean rushing. Something I’ve really been trying to implement lately—both in how I decorate and how I live—is the idea of being patient with what I bring into my life. 

With Instagram, TikTok, and social media constantly pushing trends, it’s easy to get caught up in the idea of needing everything now. But more often than not, those impulse buys don’t stick around.

So, with my upcoming move, I’ve been trying to embrace the idea of waiting for pieces that are truly meaningful. 

Even if it means living without a few things for a little while, I’d rather hold out for items I really love than settle for quick fixes I’ll end up replacing. In the long run, it feels more personal, more thoughtful, and a lot more satisfying.

Conclusion: Curate Your Space, Curate Your Life

Your home is more than just a collection of furniture and decor; it’s a reflection of who you are and who you’re becoming. Every piece you choose should support your values, lifestyle, and the energy you want to invite into your space.

Remember, it’s not about perfection; it’s about progress. Take your time, make thoughtful decisions, and embrace the process of curating a home that truly feels like yours. With each step, you’re not just clearing out clutter, you’re making room for what truly brings you joy and purpose.

FAQs

1. How to spring clean your house?

Clean room by room, focusing on deep-cleaning and decluttering overlooked areas– like what you literally just read in this blog!

2. How to do proper spring cleaning?

Deep-clean, disinfect, and organize each space thoroughly. Don't just surface clean.

3. What is the 20-minute rule in cleaning?

Spend 20 minutes cleaning and ten minutes relaxing. 

4. How many times a year should you declutter your house?

At least twice a year, or more often to maintain a tidy space.

5. How to start spring cleaning?

Make a plan, gather supplies, and start with one small area to build momentum.

6. What are the benefits of decluttering?

It reduces stress, saves time, and makes your home feel more spacious and calm.

7. What is the concept of Spring cleaning?

A seasonal deep-clean to refresh your home after winter.

8. How to make spring cleaning easier?

Break tasks into small chunks, use a checklist, and play music to stay motivated.