Spring Cleaning’s Secret Weapon: “Pre-Spring Declutter”

Spring cleaning gets all the attention, but let’s be honest- cleaning is so much harder when you’re drowning in clutter. Before you start scrubbing baseboards or deep-cleaning your fridge, there’s one step that will make everything easier: The Pre-Spring Purge.

As a professional organizer, I see it all the time- people dive into spring cleaning with the best intentions, but they quickly get overwhelmed because their spaces are packed with stuff. Dusting around clutter, reorganizing junk drawers that don’t close, or trying to deep-clean a pantry overflowing with expired food makes everything harder than it needs to be.

This year, flip the script. Declutter first, clean second.

A pre-spring declutter will make your home feel lighter, make actual cleaning easier, and set you up for a fresh start as the seasons change.

Where to Start: 3 Quick Wins to Declutter Pre-Spring

If you’re short on time, start with these three areas- they’ll make an immediate impact and give you momentum.

1. The “Graveyard” of Forgotten Things (Your Junk Drawer, Cabinet, or Closet)

We all have that one spot where random items go to disappear. It might be a kitchen drawer, a hall closet, or even an entire room. The problem? You don’t actually need most of what’s in there.

Action Steps:

• Set a timer for 15 minutes and do a rapid-fire sort.

• Trash anything broken, expired, or useless (old takeout menus, dried-up pens, tangled chargers for devices you don’t own anymore).

• Donate or relocate items you do need but shouldn’t live in this space.

• Use small dividers or bins to create zones for what stays.

2. The “Why Do I Still Have This?” Zone (Your Wardrobe & Linen Closet)

Clothes and linens tend to accumulate without us noticing. If your closet is packed but you only wear a fraction of it, or your linen closet is overflowing with mismatched sheets and towels, it’s time for a reset.

Action Steps:

• Pick five things you haven’t worn or used in a year. Bag them up for donation—-no second-guessing.

• If you’re feeling ambitious, try the hanger trick: Flip all your hangers backward. As you wear items, return them facing the correct way. In three months, anything still backward? It’s time to let it go.

3. The Sneaky Clutter Magnet (Pantry & Fridge)

Nothing clogs up a kitchen like expired food, half-used condiments, and snacks no one eats. Before stocking up for spring and summer, do a refresh.

Action Steps:

• Pull everything out and check expiration dates. Toss anything expired.

•  If you have unopened, non-expired food you won’t eat, donate it.

• Group similar items together (all pasta in one spot, all snacks in another) so you actually know what you have before your next grocery run.

What Happens Next?

Once you do this Pre-Spring Purge, your home will instantly feel lighter, and actual spring cleaning will be so much easier. No more cleaning around clutter- just freshening up the space you already love.

Feeling stuck? If you need a boost, professional organizers (like Totally Organized, LLC!) can help you clear the chaos without the stress. The best part? Once everything has a place, keeping it that way becomes effortless.

Ready to start?

Pick one of the three areas above and commit to 15 minutes today. Your future self will thank you!

Comment below and let us know where you started!