Spring Cleaning Secrets That All Pro Organizers SWEAR By
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Springtime is looming, and while the warmer weather is a welcome reprieve from the super cold weather, this means that it’s almost time to embark on spring cleaning. Often a stressful endeavor, the seasonal cleaning and organizing tasks don’t have to overtake an entire week, or even month. It’s all about a shift in mindset.
“Spring cleaning feels overwhelming for many reasons. Social media has amplified it into a huge event, with influencers sharing extensive deep-cleaning routines that make it seem like a one-time, all-or-nothing task,” says Kenika Williams, professional organizer and owner of Tided by K. “For many, home organization is not a year-round habit, so the idea of tackling everything in one season feels impossible.”
Home organization is a task that requires maintenance to work, but for most of us, one too-busy weekend or an ill-timed cold can derail your entire system. Luckily, we tapped a number of professional organizers to help get you back on track. Below, these experts reveal their ultimate spring cleaning checklist and mistakes to avoid.
Break It Down
The primary spring cleaning challenge Williams sees is clients not knowing where to start, “whether it’s decluttering, deep cleaning, or reorganizing. Many people feel paralyzed by the transparent magnitude of the task and avoid it altogether.” Her recommendation? Take it slow and break it down. “Focus on small, manageable areas or categories at a time. Start with decluttering first—removing the excess makes cleaning and organizing much easier. Set a realistic schedule, such as tackling one room per week, and don’t pressure yourself to complete everything in one go,” Williams says.
Try Before You Buy
Ashley Murphy, CEO and cofounder of NEAT Method and author of The NEAT Method Organizing Recipe Book, often notices that people think they’re being proactive by buying bins, baskets, and canisters before spring cleaning begins.
“This is in hopes that they will solve all your organizing problems,” she says. “The reality is, that for these solutions to work effectively, everything needs to be categorized, edited and placed in a thoughtfully planned system first.” Items like everyday hangers, however, are an easy swap that you can buy at any time knowing you'll need them. “Switching to a set of matching hangers can give your closet an instant facelift. Plus, these hangers’ slim profile allows you to store even more.”
Focus on High-Traffic Areas
“I recommend starting spring cleaning with your clutter,” says Carylanne Brown, the Senior Grove Guide at Grove Collaborative. “A house that is free of items you do not use or want is much easier to clean. Go through storage, closets, and drawers and donate any unwanted items before you dive into actual cleaning. Prioritize your most-used or highest-trafficked spaces (such as the kitchen and living room) in terms of the order in which you tackle each space,” she says. This allows the cleaning process to have an immediate impact, rather than starting with an unused room where you’ll rarely feel the effects of your hard efforts.
Declutter Before You Clean
Cori McDougald of Meat & Potatoes Organizing always recommends that clients start with a thorough decluttering before they begin deep cleaning. “A clutter-free space makes the actual cleaning process much easier. A common mistake is cleaning before decluttering...It’s much more efficient to purge first.”
Set a Timer
Professional organizer Regina Lark’s tried and true organizing tip is to set a timer. “Put your small project on the calendar, and set a timer! Even 20 minutes of focused effort creates momentum and builds confidence. I always tell clients: before you start scrubbing and dusting, start editing. Open every closet, drawer, and cabinet, and ask yourself: Do I still need this? Do I still use this? Do I even like this? Does it serve me in any way, shape, or form? Trust me on this: clearing out the excess, or, that which doesn’t serve, makes the actual cleaning process easier and more satisfying.”
Save the Basement for Last
A lot of spring cleaning motivation goes to spaces you rarely see or never use. Murphy recommends starting with something small, like a junk drawer. “It’s frequently accessed, so it will make a big impact and small enough to finish in a short time. A large overwhelming space like the garage should be left until the end of your spring cleaning task list when you feel more confident in your abilities. This ensures you’re less likely to get overwhelmed and give up halfway through the project,” she says.
Make a System That Works
“A common mistake is not having a clear system for putting things away after decluttering or cleaning. Without a functional organization system, it’s easy for clutter to pile up again,” says Jenna Haefelin of SPIFF. “I always suggest creating storage solutions that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also highly functional—this helps maintain the clean space long after the spring cleaning is done.”
Work From the Top Down
When it’s finally time to clean, Brown recommends starting at the top. “Dusting ceiling fans and washing windows first is important as gravity can work against you if you do it the other way around.” Leaving the floors for last ensures that you won’t need to vacuum or sweep every single time you wipe down a different surface.
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