How to Spring Clean in Summer and Stay Organized Year-Round

Tired of digging through overstuffed drawers and cluttered closets? It might be time for the yearly overhaul to clear out items that are just taking up space in your home. Spring cleaning doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing project. Start small, work smarter, and regain control over your home with these realistic, space-saving tips.

Photo by Josue Michel on Unsplash

Spring Cleaning Tips That Actually Work (Even if You’re Busy)

1. Create a Checklist You’ll Actually Follow

Spring cleaning feels less daunting when it’s broken into bite-size pieces. Start with a simple checklist that targets specific problem areas—like overstuffed closets, garage shelves, or that junk drawer you keep avoiding. Prioritize high-traffic areas first (like entryways and kitchens), so you feel an immediate improvement.

Focus on one space at a time. Setting a timer for 15 to 30 minutes can keep you focused and prevent burnout.

2. Declutter by Category—Not Room

Another strategy, instead of moving room to room, is to sort through by item type.

Clean out all books, all clothes, or all kitchen gadgets in one go. This technique, popularized by Marie Kondo, helps you spot duplicates quickly and make faster decisions about what stays and what goes.

Use four bins or bags labeled: Keep, Donate, Toss, and Store.

Anything you love but rarely use—like seasonal décor or memory boxes—can go straight into a labeled bin for storage, whether that be in your basement or a secondary self storage space.

3. Make Better Use of the Storage You Already Have

You don’t always need more space—you just need to rethink how you’re using it. Try these small adjustments in your space, and see if they can make a big difference:

• Use stackable, clear plastic bins so you can see what’s inside. Along with clear labels, this makes finding specific items later a breeze.
• Install vertical shelving to clear floor space.
• Hang tools, accessories, or seasonal gear using pegboards or door hooks to clear out cabinet space.
• Add labeled baskets or dividers to group like items together.

4. Schedule Cleanouts Like Appointments

Ongoing maintenance is the key to organization. Don’t treat spring cleaning like a one-time-a-year event.

Schedule monthly or seasonal “mini cleans” to prevent clutter from building up again. Set calendar reminders to do a quick sweep of expired products, broken items, or off-season clutter.

In storage spaces, tidy up your piles of boxes or bins, so you can easily navigate through the area during each visit. Over time, it will lose its order, so take a moment to get everything back into shape, so nothing is in your way for future visits.

5. Store Seasonal or Rarely Used Items Offsite

If your home still feels packed after decluttering, consider relocating some items to self storage.

Think: winter coats, holiday decorations, kids’ outgrown clothes, or backup furniture. A temperature-controlled unit at Suncrest Mini Storage keeps these belongings safe from Arizona’s summer heat while giving you extra room to breathe at home.

Keep Spring Cleaning Simple with Self Storage Space in Peoria, AZ

Don’t let clutter steal your peace of mind. With convenient online access and indoor storage unit rentals at our Peoria, AZ, facility, Suncrest Mini Storage makes staying organized easy.

Explore available units today and take the next step toward a cleaner, calmer home.

Katie Mest

About the Author: Katie Mest is a Content Marketing Specialist at Storage Asset Management in York, PA. She specializes in writing about the self storage industry, including storage tips and helpful resources. Outside of work, Katie enjoys spending time exploring the outdoors and snuggling in with a crochet project and her cat, Billie.