As March begins, we start to see the first hints of spring—longer days, slightly warmer temperatures, and a sense that winter is slowly fading away. But if your home still feels stuck in the cold season, now is the perfect time to shake off winter clutter and make space for a fresh start.
Decluttering before the official start of spring makes it easier to transition into the new season, preventing your home from feeling weighed down by unnecessary items. Let’s walk through a simple, step-by-step approach to clearing out winter clutter and preparing your home for a lighter, brighter spring.
Step 1: Identify and Pack Away Winter-Specific Items
Winter brings with it a lot of bulky and seasonal-specific items—coats, boots, holiday decorations, extra blankets, and more. If you’re not going to need them for another eight months, it’s time to put them away.
What to Pack Away
- Winter clothing: Thick sweaters, heavy coats, snow boots, and gloves that won’t be needed as temperatures rise.
- Seasonal bedding: Flannel sheets, heavy duvets, and fleece blankets can be washed, folded, and stored.
- Winter sports gear: Ski equipment, snowshoes, and sleds can be cleaned and stored until next year.
- Holiday decor: Any stray decorations or holiday items that didn’t get packed away in January should be put in their proper storage.
Tip: Use vacuum-sealed bags or labeled storage bins to save space and keep items organized. Keep one light jacket or sweater accessible for those lingering chilly days.
Step 2: Let Go of Unused Winter Items
Not everything needs to be stored away—some things should be let go. If you didn’t wear certain sweaters this winter, it’s time to donate them. If your kids outgrew their snow boots, pass them on to someone who can use them next year.
How to Decide What Stays and What Goes
- Clothing rule: If you didn’t wear it this winter, you probably won’t next year.
- Broken or worn-out items: Get rid of anything that’s too damaged to be useful next season.
- Duplicates: If you have three pairs of black winter gloves, consider donating at least one.
- Holiday leftovers: Half-burned winter-scented candles, festive decor that no longer fits your style, or old greeting cards—let them go.
Tip: Donate coats and winter gear to local shelters or charities while they are still useful to those in need.
Step 3: Refresh and Organize Storage Spaces
After removing winter clutter, take time to reorganize the storage areas where these seasonal items will be kept. This ensures that when winter rolls around again, everything will be easy to find.
Storage Organization Tips
- Use clear storage bins: Label bins for “Winter Clothing,” “Holiday Decor,” or “Snow Gear” so you can quickly grab what you need next season.
- Store shoes and boots properly: Clean and dry them before storing to prevent odors or mold. Consider boot shapers to maintain their form.
- Rotate your closet: Move spring clothing to the front and winter clothing to the back or into storage bins.
- Check expiration dates: If you stored canned soups, teas, or winter comfort foods, make sure they haven’t expired.
Tip: Store bins in a garage, attic, or under-bed storage space to keep closets clutter-free.
Step 4: Declutter Your Entryway and Living Spaces
During the winter, entryways and main living spaces tend to accumulate extra clutter—muddy boots, thick scarves, heavy coats, extra blankets. Now is the time to lighten things up.
Entryway Declutter Checklist
- Remove extra coats and scarves from hooks or racks.
- Store or donate extra winter shoes and boots.
- Wipe down the area to remove salt, dirt, and grime from winter weather.
- Swap out dark, heavy doormats for lighter, spring-friendly versions.
Living Room Refresh
- Replace thick, winter throws with lighter, spring-friendly options.
- Remove any winter decor, such as pinecones, holiday candles, or snow-themed items.
- Dust and wipe down surfaces that have collected winter dust.
Tip: Adding fresh flowers or lighter-colored decor can instantly make your home feel ready for spring.
Step 5: Start Fresh with a Spring Cleaning Mini-Challenge
Once the clutter is out of the way, you can start thinking about deep-cleaning. But don’t overwhelm yourself—start small. Try a one-room-per-day challenge where you focus on one space at a time.
Mini-Challenge Example
- Monday: Declutter and dust the entryway
- Tuesday: Organize winter clothing and pack away seasonal items
- Wednesday: Refresh the living room and swap out winter decor
- Thursday: Deep-clean one kitchen or bathroom cabinet
- Friday: Declutter and organize your bedside area
Tip: Set a timer for 15 minutes a day. Small daily tasks add up quickly.
Final Thoughts: Welcome the New Season
Decluttering before spring officially arrives makes it easier to transition into the new season without the stress of excess stuff weighing you down. By taking just a few days to pack away winter gear, let go of unused items, and refresh your home, you’ll feel a sense of lightness and readiness for warmer days.
What’s Next?
Next week, we’ll dive into creating a spring cleaning plan that actually works—without feeling overwhelming. Get ready to tackle the new season with ease.