Decluttering Tips for After Spring Cleaning

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of a fresh start. As the days get longer and the air a little milder, many of us take the opportunity to clean out our homes and clear the decks. But here’s the thing—once you’ve done the hard work of sorting, scrubbing, and simplifying, you’re often left with one big question:
What do I do with all this stuff?

That’s where a few clever decluttering tips can make all the difference.

Not Everything Needs to Be Thrown Away

Spring cleaning doesn’t have to mean bin bags and heartbreak. You’ll find that a lot of the clutter taking up space isn’t rubbish at all—it’s just in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Think of:

• Winter coats and boots

• Holiday decorations

• Suitcases

• Books you want to keep but don’t need every day

• Spare furniture you’re not ready to part with

For these items, the real goal is not to get rid of them—it’s to remove them from your daily space.

Set Up a System Before You Start

Before you tackle the mess, it helps to have a few boxes or bags ready, each marked with a purpose:

• Keep: Things you use regularly or truly love.

• Donate: Items in good condition that someone else could use.

• Recycle: For items that can be repurposed or broken down.

• Store: Seasonal, sentimental, or useful items that don’t need to live in your main space.

Having a system keeps the process from becoming overwhelming—and helps you make clear decisions as you go.

Try Temporary Storage Solutions

If you’ve got too much to fit comfortably at home, but you’re not ready to let things go, it might be time to look into temporary storage solutions. These are especially handy if you’re:

• Renovating or reorganising a room

• Between homes or downsizing

• Living in a small apartment or shared house

• Keeping furniture or keepsakes for future use

Short-term storage gives you breathing room to figure things out without the pressure of immediate decisions.

Make Use of Hidden Spaces

Not every solution involves sending things away. A little creativity at home can go a long way:

• Use vacuum storage bags for bulky clothing and bedding

• Store seasonal items in suitcases or under beds

• Invest in furniture with built-in storage (like ottomans or coffee tables)

• Hang vertical organisers on the back of doors or inside wardrobes

If you’re in a smaller home, especially in a city where space is tight, these tricks can be game-changers.

Keep It Going Year-Round

Spring is a great time to refresh your home, but a clean-out doesn’t have to be a once-a-year event. Many people find it easier to do a small monthly check-in to keep clutter from building up again.

Make it simple:

• Set a reminder on your phone

• Choose one drawer or one shelf to sort each month

• Do a 15-minute tidy-up each week

This kind of routine makes your space easier to manage—and keeps the spring-cleaning panic to a minimum next year.