Spring cleaning often feels like an enormous task, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By breaking it down into manageable steps and focusing on one room at a time, you can refresh your home and get organized before spring without stress. Here’s a guide to organizing each room in your home so you can welcome the new season with a clean and clutter-free space. I’ve also included some Black-owned organization and cleaning businesses if you need assistance with getting your home in order.
Get Organized Before Spring: Start with a Plan
Before diving into organizing, take a few minutes to create a plan. Make a checklist for each room and set a realistic timeline. Instead of trying to tackle everything in a day or weekend, spread the tasks over a couple of weeks. Prioritize the spaces that need the most attention first.
1. Create a Functional Welcoming Space in the Entryway
Janelle Williams of Organized by JWC believes that creating systems in your home is the best way to get and stay organized. She helps clients transform their homes into an efficient and functional space.
Functionality is the name of the game when it comes to your entryway. It is the first thing you and guests see when walking into your home, so it should be inviting and free of unnecessary clutter. Here are a few ways to get organized before spring arrives for your entryway.
- Remove any winter coats, boots, and accessories you no longer need
- Add a basket or hooks for keys, bags, and other daily essentials
- Consider putting in a bench that houses shoes to keep them organized
2. Refresh and Simplify Living Room Space
The living room is where you relax, so it should feel calm and organized. It’s important to keep on top of common areas like the living room, so aim to straighten up the area at least once per day. For those who want to take it a step further, consider implementing the KonMari Method by keeping only what “sparks joy.” Kristyn Ivey is the only Black certified KonMari Master Consultant, and she helps her clients find joy through her organization business, For the Love of Tidy. Here are some ways to get started in the living room:
- Declutter surfaces by removing excess decor, mail, and random items
- Store blankets in a basket and neatly arrange pillows
- Sort through books, magazines, and entertainment items
- Donate or recycle anything you no longer use
- Rotate seasonal decor to give the room a fresh look.
3. Streamline Your Kitchen for Efficient Cooking
A well-organized kitchen makes cooking and cleaning much easier. The kitchen is often thought of as the main hub of your home, and it can get messy quickly. Keeping it streamlined, decluttered, and organized will help take away the overwhelm.
- Empty cabinets and drawers, wiping them down before reorganizing
- Get rid of expired pantry items and donate non-perishables you won’t use
- Group similar items together, and keep everyday dishes and utensils within reach
- Use bins or dividers to organize pantry staples and keep countertops clutter-free
- Clean out the fridge and freezer, discarding old food and wiping down surfaces
4. Decluttering in the Bathroom Goes a Long Way
Bathrooms can easily become cluttered with unused or expired products. Catie is the founder and lead organizer at Sistamatic Organizing in the Atlanta area. Her passion for organization shows in the work that she and her team do for their clients. Decluttering is part of that work and an important step in the organization process.
- Toss expired medications, makeup, and skincare items.
- Use drawer organizers for toiletries
- Separate daily essentials from occasional-use products.
- Store cleaning supplies in an accessible but hidden location
- Replace worn-out and stained towels
5. Create an Inviting and Serene Bedroom
Your bedroom should be a peaceful retreat, free of unnecessary clutter. Nicki Boyd of At Home With Nicki believes that happiness and fulfillment come with having a beautiful, functional space. Boyd began sharing her organization videos on YouTube and amassed a large following on the platform.
She’s since expanded her service and now runs a successful organization business serving clients in the Charleston, SC, and Charlotte, NC, areas. Boyd also offers an online Professional Organizer Master Course for those looking to learn from her experience and start their own home organization business. In the meantime, here are some tips for creating a serene and inviting bedroom and how to get organized before spring arrives.
- Sort through clothing and donate or store winter items
- Organize your closet using bins, baskets, or dividers
- Keep nightstands minimal; lamp, book, and alarm clock
- Wash bedding, vacuum under the bed, and dust surfaces
- Don’t forget to organize under-bed storage bins if you have them
6. Make Clean-up in Kids Rooms Simple
Children’s rooms can quickly become chaotic, so focus on creating an organization system they can maintain. Kids typically have too many items and toys, making upkeep overwhelming. It can also help to suggest that family and friends give experience gifts over toys for holidays and birthdays to help you cut down on unnecessary clutter. Here are some spring cleaning tips for the kids’ room:
- Sort through toys and donate or store what’s no longer used
- Use labeled bins or baskets so kids can quickly clean
- Organize clothing by season and donate or sell items that don’t fit
- Keep furniture simple and minimalistic
7. Laundry Room: Keep it Functional
A clean and organized laundry room makes the idea of doing laundry a little less overwhelming. Here are some ways to get the area organized before spring and set yourself up for success.
- Dispose of empty detergent bottles
- Use baskets or bins to separate dirty laundry by color or fabric type
- Install hooks for hanging delicates and keep frequently used items within reach.
This was just a small sampling of tips to help you get organized before spring and introduce you to a few Black-owned home organization companies. If you’re looking for additional resources, consider the National Association of Black Professional Organizers to find the right fit for your needs. Decluttering doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By breaking the process into smaller, manageable steps, organizing your home for spring can be stress-free and even enjoyable. Focus on one area at a time, stick to your plan, and you’ll have a clean, refreshed home ready for the season!
