NAVIGATION
Declutter Summer
Is Summer Different
Things To Declutter
Tips For Decluttering
Cleaning ChecklistOne of the most gratifying ways to welcome summertime is to prepare your home with a productive summer decluttering project. This is how I get started and keep the flow going all season long so I can enjoy my living space and the gorgeous summer weather.
Hi, I’m Ryan
As a minimalist for over 10 years, summer decluttering is a vital activity for me. When the weather starts to warm up, I take advantage of the long days to organize my home and love that I get to donate to others at the same time.
Why Declutter For Summer?
Even though I’ve become a master at decluttering over the past decade, I still need a little push to get started when the warm weather lures me outdoors. Sometimes, just creating a simple summer home cleaning checklist can help me get into the right mindset. Creating a plan helps me turn an overwhelming job into something perfectly doable.
Why Is Summer A Great Time To Declutter?
Summer is the perfect time to declutter — the weather is warm and we’re outside more often, looking at our garages, yards, and homes with fresh or refreshed eyes. This makes it easier to choose what to keep and what to throw away or donate.
I generally have more time in the summer to devote to an afternoon or weekend summer decluttering plan. My schedule isn’t as rushed, and I am able to make room for personal time outside of work. That means I can finally tackle my seasonal to-do lists around the house of tasks I’ve been putting off.
When school is out for the summer, some of my friends with children take advantage of the extra time and help. Decluttering and organizing can be a great family activity and provides the perfect solution to dreaded summer break boredom.
Decluttering or organizing during any season gives kids a sense of ownership over their corner of the world.
How Is Summer Decluttering Different From Other Seasons?
For many people, summer is a time for rest. Some look forward to vacations and camping. More than any other season, you want a tranquil environment during the summer. That’s why a summer clean-out is so vital — it transforms your cluttered home into a tidy living space where you can relax and recharge your batteries.
Five Things To Declutter This Summer
While it never hurts to give every space in your home a good summer sweep, some areas tend to collect clutter more than others. Here are five categories to concentrate on when you start decluttering in the summertime.
Papers, Magazines, And School Supplies
Longer, lazier days often feel like the perfect time to get my office space in order and clear the reading materials that become useless as I spend more time outdoors.
Take this opportunity to go through your office and filing cabinets. Shred documents you no longer need, update any paperwork that requires it, and organize everything on your desk into their proper place or files. You’ll work more efficiently at a clean desk with fewer distractions.
When school is out for a few months, parents can take advantage of free time to declutter notebooks, papers, and handouts their kids have collected all year. That includes old tests, research papers, and writing assignments tucked into desk drawers or thrown underneath beds. Create a recycling pile and throw in magazines, fliers, PTA announcements, and junk mail you don’t need.
Don’t stop there. What about dried-up pens, broken pencils, and highlighters that no longer highlight? Toss them! Clean out crumpled post-it notes, used-up notepads, and other items you’ll never need again. This is also a great time to organize packets of paper that were never opened, folders never used, and pens you forgot you had. Make sure they’re all in one spot so you have less to buy when back-to-school shopping rolls around again.
Arts And Crafts
Throw away used markers, paints, and any artwork you don’t have a place for. Organize the scraps and tools you still use. You’ll save money when heading out to purchase supplies for your next project.
Sunscreen And Bug Spray
Go around the house and collect sunscreen and bug spray bottles. Look under the bathroom and kitchen sinks, search through linen closets, and even the kitchen pantry. Gather all the bottles and cans together in one place to see what you have, what you need, and what you can discard.
If you have several bottles of the same brand of sunblock or sunscreen that isn’t expired, combine them. Recycle the empty bottles when you’re done. Then, make a note of what you need ahead of summer’s sunny days. That includes extras for beach bags or cars, when you’re running late and forget to apply at home.
While you can’t combine aerosol cans of bug repellants, see what’s expired or too old to be useful. Add some waterproof bug repellant to your shopping list if needed, so you’ll be better protected from mosquitos and other disease-carrying pests.
Water Bottles
If you’re anything like me, you’ve got a mishmash of bottles, tops, and straws in several cabinets, maybe even in the back seat of the car or other forgotten places.
Gather them together. Match tops with bottoms. Are some banged up from too many dishwasher cycles? Donate what you can and discard the rest. Throw away any leftover tops or bottoms without a match.
Summer Wear
Do the same with sandals, beach shoes, and flip-flops. Try on bathing and wet suits, and discard what doesn’t fit or is too worn to wear in public anymore.
What about dresses, tank tops, and shorts? What do you feel excited to wear again, thrilled that it still fits? That’s something to keep.
Tips For Summer Decluttering
Don’t let the process of summer cleaning or decluttering overwhelm you. Getting your space decluttered and organized can honestly feel fun and fulfilling! Here are summer decluttering tips you can use to get this done in time to enjoy the season.
Summer Decluttering Tips
Make A Plan
Your summer clean-up checklist should detail what you want to accomplish. List the areas in your home you want to declutter so you don’t forget any area. This includes the back porch, garage, shed, attic, basement, and yard. Don’t forget every closet, nook, cranny, and cupboard. Feel free to add to the list as you go.
Set A Reasonable Goal
You know yourself better than anyone. Think about what you want to accomplish and when you want to get it done.
Has it been a while since you’ve decluttered, so you have a lot to go through? Maybe you should consider setting a goal to get rid of half your stuff. If you’re already fairly well organized, then maybe you can accomplish a little bit more. Be reasonable and set yourself up for success.
Create A System
Grab some big plastic bins or designate areas in each room where you can sort items into different categories: keep, trash, and donate. Consider each item carefully. Have you used it in the last six months? Then keep it. If you don’t use it, and it’s in bad shape, then trash it. If you don’t use it, and it’s in good shape, donate it to someone who will get good use out of it.
Start Small
Begin your summer cleaning list with the smallest rooms or areas. Start with hallway closets, the pantry, or your back porch. You’ll feel a measure of success with this approach. It gives you the confidence you need to tackle bigger jobs as you go.
Consider the amount of time you want to devote to this project. In the beginning, take only half an hour at a time and see how that feels. You can always do more if you feel up to it.
Set A Deadline
Do you have a vacation coming up? Maybe the kids will head out to camp, or you’ll welcome in some guests. Set a deadline you feel good about. You’ll enjoy what’s coming up so much more if you’re finished decluttering beforehand.
Is Summer Deep-Cleaning On Your Checklist?
Now that you’re done decluttering, it’s time to deep clean your home. You’ll feel such a sense of accomplishment when everything is tidy and clean.
Polish furniture and remove dust buildup from shelves, frames, and artwork. Scrub away any food stains in cupboards, pantries, and refrigerators. Don’t forget to thoroughly mop and vacuum afterward.
Summer Cleaning Checklist
Before you start your summer cleaning spree, it’s usually most helpful to make a formal plan with a summer cleaning checklist. Include some of the summer cleaning tips we discussed above and put them in writing, so you stay organized. Creating a summer cleaning checklist is the perfect way to keep yourself on track and accountable.
Summer Cleaning Checklist
- Ceiling fans and light fixtures
- Refrigerator, oven and stove
- All other appliances
- Pantry and cupboards
- Closets
- Furniture
- Toilets
- Shower
- Bathtubs
- Windows
- Countertops and sinks
- Carpet and hardwood floors
Conquer Your Summer Decluttering
Get started whenever you’re ready and finish in time to enjoy easy breezy days and relaxing summer nights with less to pick up around the house.
Your Turn!
- What room will you declutter first this summer?
- What does summer cleaning success look like for you?
Thank you very much, very helpfull..
Ryan, your summer decluttering guide is a breath of fresh air! It’s liberating to reclaim my space. Your tip about setting a deadline was a game-changer for me – nothing like a bit of healthy pressure to get things moving. Thanks for the nudge to make my summer space as serene as the season!