Why Decluttering Should Top Your Spring Cleaning Checklist

Spring is here, and it’s so hard to resist that natural urge to throw open the windows, clear away the cobwebs, and dust those nooks and crannies. All of which you can certainly do, but I suggest decluttering first. It’s a vital step in this seasonal activity; not only will decluttering make cleaning easier, but it will boost your overall efforts, resulting in a tidier space.

Before we dive in, let’s quickly explore the differences between decluttering and cleaning, two related but distinct activities when it comes to tidying a space.

Decluttering primarily involves removing unnecessary items with the intent to create a more organised, functional, and visually appealing environment. Reducing excess is a key factor when decluttering, and so it requires the realistic consideration of an object’s purpose and usefulness in your life.

Cleaning, on the other hand, involves removing dirt, dust, stains, and unwanted materials from surfaces and objects. It includes activities such as dusting, sweeping, mopping, hoovering, and wiping down surfaces and sanitising. Here, the focus is on maintaining hygiene and cleanliness by eliminating germs, bacteria and allergens.

So why am I advocating to start with a declutter session before jumping in to clean?

It is very normal for people to resist or delay decluttering, as it can be difficult to know when or how to start. At the opposite end of the scale, being overly ambitious and tackling too much in one go can cause people to walk away mid-project. Decluttering can be a highly emotional and time-consuming process, and many people require time and assistance to make progress. Whatever the reason, clutter continues to build up and this can take a negative toll - both physically and mentally.

But wait, there’s good news! The act of decluttering is hugely beneficial for your physical and emotional well-being. Once you start to create space by clearing unnecessary items, you’ll feel ‘lighter’. This has everything to do with the burdens - seen and unseen - that physical objects place on us. Many clients often consider the process of decluttering to be an exhilarating and cathartic activity. There are many amazing benefits when you assess your belongings, determine their purpose in your life, let go of excess, and cherish what you’ve kept. So, without further ado, let’s look at the important (dare I suggest, superior) role that decluttering serves in the Spring-Clean Season.

Let’s start with the practicalities; if you clean before you’ve decluttered, then you are doubling your work efforts. Picture this, you’re trying to dust and hoover your bedroom, and the contents of your wardrobe have escaped onto the floor, chair, bed, and so on (floordrobe anyone?). In order to access the surfaces to dust and the floor to hoover, you’ll first need to deal with your stray clothes. You can quickly remove any worn out or never-worn clothing. Keep only that which you currently use and love, and donate, sell, or recycle everything else. Fun tip: many UK charities accept worn/ripped/stained cloth and textiles which they can sell on to be ragged. This includes lone socks, old bras, stained tops, and old towels and sheets that you might otherwise be inclined to bin. Once you create space in your wardrobe, perhaps with the help of some fun storage solutions, you might find that your clothes fit inside. This will prevent clothes landing everywhere else.

Clutter can, additionally, harbour dust, allergens, and even pests. Keeping clutter at bay will reduce the surfaces for dust to accumulate, which in turn will cut down on the regular need to deep clean your house. Finally, depending on the amount of clutter and the spaces it inhabits, it is possible that navigating around your clutter could even pose considerable risk of accident or injuries. Decluttering your home will not only make it easier to clean, it will also reduce hazards and make it a safer place to live.

Decluttering can also significantly reduce your stress levels, which is always a GREAT thing! If you feel overwhelmed by the stuff in your space, you will be less likely to clean. A well-intended Spring clean might not progress beyond locating your cleaning supplies if the task feels too daunting. A decluttered space, therefore, is not only easier to clean, but you might feel even more uplifted and inspired to clean!

Then there are always the financial savings that are intrinsically linked to the decluttering process. Often times you will uncover valuable items that you can sell: that lovely vintage necklace that you never wear, that designer handbag you forgot about, or costly books just collecting dust! Check local shops to see if they can re-sell your valuables. Online sites, such as Vinted, Facebook Marketplace, and eBay also present good options to turn your things into cash.

Taking stock of your possessions also means you’ll know exactly what you own, making it less likely that you will mistakenly buy multiples. Those long lost yoga pants, a watch, small board game pieces, or a calculator, all of which you were about to purchase again (or recently replaced – oops!). Now, you might even find cash or gift vouchers.

What will you do with all this unexpected ‘income’? Upgrade your duster, or how about a new hoover? You could invest in some storage solutions to keep you on the straight and tidy. Your savings could go towards hiring a cleaner for a one-off deep-clean. Perhaps a solo spa session or dinner date with friends is in order. I love when the spoils of decluttering can support acts of self care. The Spring sky is the limit!

To sum it up, decluttering saves you time, energy, and money. It’s infinitely easier to clean clutter-free spaces, and therefore gifting you energy to clean or more time to enjoy the sunshine (fingers crossed for us in the UK). You’ll likely feel lighter and more in control of your home. This greater sense of well-being within your space is what decluttering is all about! When you truly love your space, a clear countertop and an organised cupboard will overshadow the odd cobweb or speck of dust.

Up for some more honest chat? Decluttering can be incredibly difficult to undertake. If you’re struggling, a friend, family member, or professional organiser can offer the support, accountability, and motivation you might need to tackle your clutter. It often takes a second set of eyes and hands to accomplish thorough decluttering sessions. Go at your own pace and be realistic with your projects. Decluttering is an on-going process, not a one-off project.

Wishing you all a very happy Spring, and fruitful decluttering!

Check out what’s happening with The Mindful Organiser and join my online family.

As always, do get in touch with any questions, comments, or suggestions. I love talking all things decluttering and organising!