Organizing your home to keep it clutter-free doesn’t have to happen only during life changes, such as a move, divorce, or the arrival of a new bundle of joy. The decluttering tasks can also be completed a little at a time. Seasonal decluttering tasks can be broken down into Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. But why should you declutter seasonally? Below are the benefits of decluttering seasonally.
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The Benefits of Doing Seasonal Decluttering Tasks
The obvious benefit is that the clutter will stay under control because you will revisit these areas more frequently throughout the year.
It will result in peace in the home. Studies have shown that clutter can create anxiety and stress in people who live in the house. Reducing clutter will make you feel more at home.
It will help you clear the cobwebs in unvisited areas, allowing you to clean areas you don't usually clean on a regular basis every few months.
Doing seasonal decluttering will allow you to work around each room in a shorter time.
You have three months to review the spaces for that season. If you only have three tasks to review that season, you can do them once a month, giving you time to review and decide what to keep.
Focus on deep cleaning each room, not just surface decluttering. You can open drawers, take everything out, and clear the shelves (Affiliate Link).
Tips for decluttering seasonally in your home
Are you ready to try Seasonal Decluttering? Let’s talk about some tips before you start.
Make decluttering a regular Saturday morning routine (Affiliate Link). Pick one room for that season, go to town, and eliminate the clutter.
Have the entire family take part. Reminding them to do their part is not nagging. Helpful hands make short work of the project.
By decluttering seasonally, you will know precisely what is in your home, and there will be less time to forget your belongings.
Does this method of decluttering your home make you want to try it? If so, read on for more specifics on the process.
Use All Four Seasons to Declutter Your Home
The specific decluttering tasks are listed below, depending on the season and when they are optimal to perform. Feel free to click on the links in each section to access additional tips and help with the decluttering tasks. Note: these are just examples; you can add more projects to your customized decluttering functions than the ones I mentioned below.
Winter Decluttering Tasks
Attic bins because it will not be hot in the attic during the winter months.
Basement areas because it will be cold outside, and you can visit them without wearing a coat.
Spring and summer clothing - Going through these items when you are not using them gives you a fresh look at your clothing.
Food on pantry (Affiliate Link) shelves (Affiliate Link) - We stock up around the holidays, so this time of year would be great for pantry (Affiliate Link) decluttering.
Home Office Closet - You may have items you do not look at in your office at the beginning of the year. It's helpful to revisit these before the tax year begins.
Paper decluttering in the home office - It is a great time to get your tax papers together, so why not declutter other papers as well?
Now that the weather is getting warmer, we can focus on the outside and other areas of the home.
Springtime is ideal for cleaning out areas that haven’t been inspected all winter. It also helps you get ready for the warm summer months.
Spring Decluttering Tasks
Shed and grill cleaning and decluttering tools (Affiliate Link)
Bathroom and linen closet decluttering
Living room and family areas
Clear out the car and trunk before vacation.
Decluttering your devices before the new ones come out.
Get rid of old and torn sheets and blankets.
Now, onto the summer tasks. Summer decluttering tasks are perfect for doing on days when it is a little hot outside, and you want to stay in the cool air.
Summer Decluttering Tasks
Garage tools (Affiliate Link) and supplies
Toys in the various parts of the house and the playroom
Going through your winter coats in the closet is great this time of year.
Save School Papers from the kids’ school year.
Decluttering your planting supplies.
Entryway, mudroom, and laundry room areas.
Review and purge unused, unwanted makeup.
Go through the boots and winter shoes (Affiliate Link) you haven't worn.
Feel free to read our 5 Areas to Organize when it is hot outside.
It's getting cooler again, and now it is time to get the home ready for the holidays.
Autumn Decluttering Tasks
The autumn decluttering tasks will help you eliminate things before the company arrives and you receive new gifts.
Kitchen Cabinets
Dining Room Cabinets
Outdoor Winterizing of the Home
Beach and summer pool supplies
Declutter spices and herbs cabinets
Party Supplies you use around the holidays
While going through these decluttering tasks by season, remember this rule of thumb: if you haven’t used it the last season, it is clutter. I hope this decluttering task post gives you direction on decluttering your home's different areas.
Please leave a comment below on how often you declutter and has it been working for you? I would love to hear your thoughts about this different way of decluttering.
Below are some articles I found online to give you more information.
11 Decluttering Tasks Perfect for Fall
Feel free to check out our other Organizing Challenges!
Phaedra Studt says
I had already naturally decluttered my wardrobe by season. Each time I switch out warmer clothing for cooler clothing, I'm reviewing what I didn't wear that past season, and what no longer fits for the clothing I'm rotating in.
Decluttering by season really helps to put some structure into decluttering efforts!
Janet Schiesl says
I like how you separated the decluttering into seasons. I think is a great idea for kids, since they grow out of clothes and lose interest in toys so quickly. Things can change quite a bit in 3 months.
Julie Bestry says
What a nifty post. I love that you made these so easy to approach. Breaking the tasks down like, seasonally, this makes everything so much less onerous. Plus, personally, I live in an (not-huge) apartment, so I have far fewer of these spaces, so it makes me realize that it really will be easy to tackle things by quarter!
Lisa M says
This is a great way to break down organizing tasks. Though I do agree that some of these will change depending on where in the country you live 🙂 Here in Texas I am not doing any garages in Summer or Fall, I will melt away!
Diane N Quintana says
You are speaking to the choir, Sabrina! I love this idea of decluttering seasonally. Your info-graphics are terrific. I really like the way you separated the tasks. Fabulous!
Julie Stobbe says
I really like your seasonal lists. This process gets all the areas of your home decluttered once a year. It is a seamless way to keep your home mess-free. The other important tip I like is to get everyone involved. It is an important skill to teach to young children or learn as an adult.
Seana Turner says
I love the idea of thinking about decluttering as a seasonal activity. In my house, the attic is too cold during the winter (I'm a summer gal!), so I might shift that to spring or fall. Garage is definitely spring or summer. Lots of spaces in the home are sort of "every season" LOL. By assigning certain spaces to be tackled at specific times of year, you are right that you get into the cobwebs of the whole house every 12 months. Great!
Sabrina Quairoli says
Thanks for stopping by, Seana! I found in my state; the attic was better to organize in the winter or fall than in the spring or summer. It was just too hot during those times and was difficult for me to breathe up there.
Linda Samuels says
Living in the northeast, I've always felt deeply connected to the distinct change of seasons. And that connection extends to organizing. I love this wonderful example of how you can use the seasons to inspire decluttering, cleaning, and organizing. I like to think of seasons' change as the cue to reset and move some energy around by editing, letting go, and rethinking spaces and systems.
Sabrina Quairoli says
I totally agree, Linda! The change in season is a great reminder to take action to declutter, clean, and organize.