"With spring right around the corner, it’s natural to want to tidy up your space for the season ahead. But the prospect of spring cleaning seems a lot more daunting when you feel like your stuff is closing in on you. I always find it challenging to do a really thorough clean when there is too much stuff cluttering surfaces, drawers, and closets. So before I kick off my annual spring clean, I realized it’s time for a solid decluttering session.
While it’s been almost 10 years since I read The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo, the concepts from the beloved tidying manual stuck with me and made a huge impact on how I declutter to this day. So, to really step up my spring cleaning game this year, I spoke with Mabel Heitmeier, a certified master KonMari consultant at Spark Joy in MI, about how to properly declutter before you dive into spring cleaning.
“Spring symbolizes new beginnings, growth, and hope,” Heitmeier said. “It’s the perfect season to reassess what we keep in our homes and why.” She explained that decluttering in the spring sets the stage for transformation. “The milder weather makes it easier to tackle projects in the garage or outdoor storage, and a decluttered home means you’re ready to embrace summer activities and gatherings with ease,” she added.
Mabel Heitmeier, Certified Master KonMari Consultant
Mabel Heitmeier is a professional organizer and certified master organizing consultant trained by tidying expert Marie Kondo. She helps families throughout Michigan organize their homes using the KonMari Method™.
Here’s exactly how to tackle your own spring decluttering session for a fresh start to the season.
1. Declutter first to save time later
Decluttering before spring cleaning makes the entire process smoother and more effective. “Your house can’t be truly clean if it’s filled with unnecessary items,” Heitmeier said. “So, make sure everything is put away in its designated spot, and clear those cluttered surfaces before you even think about grabbing the mop.”
She went on to explain that without clutter, you can clean more thoroughly and efficiently since you won’t waste time moving objects around. “You’ll only spend time caring for items that truly spark joy,” she added. Plus, if you kick off the process early—say, during the last few weeks of winter—you won’t be stuck inside catching up on housework when the sun is shining and flowers are blooming.
2. Organize by category, not location
If it’s been a while since you last decluttered, it’s understandable if you’re at a loss for where to start. Heitmeier noted that the thought of decluttering an entire home can feel overwhelming. “That’s where the magic of the KonMari method comes in,” she said. “The KonMari method guides you to review your belongings one category at a time, starting from the easiest decisions and moving to the more challenging ones.” By going category by category, you’ll always know what to declutter next, which helps make the process feel more manageable.
The KonMari Method suggests a particular order of categories (clothes, books, papers, miscellaneous items, and sentimental items), but feel free to tailor this list to your own needs. Maybe you start with the pantry, then move on to your closet before tackling the stash of old high school memorabilia under your bed. However you break it up, starting somewhere easy will keep motivation high and help you avoid hitting a roadblock early on.
3. Set a time limit
Big decluttering sessions often come with decision fatigue, Heitmeier noted. To avoid mental exhaustion, give yourself a set time limit. Commit to a small chunk of time every day, or set aside an hour or two on the weekend, then step away when your time is up. “Staying focused can be tough, especially when you’re dealing with larger categories,” Heitmeier warned. “To combat these challenges, pace yourself, take breaks, and remember that progress, no matter how small, is still progress.”
4. Think of the things you discard as learning lessons
One major tip I took away from Kondo’s book that stuck with me all these years later is to thank the items for the purpose they served as you declutter. This can feel tricky when getting rid of things like clothes with tags still on them. How can I be thankful for something I never wore and simply wasted money on?
Although it might feel like a waste, there is still a learning lesson there. For example, after a major decluttering session a few years ago, I found a couple of knee-length skirts that I never wore because I found them hard to style in a way that flattered my body type. Understandably, I never reached for clothes that didn’t make me feel my best—even if I loved how they looked on the hanger.
My learning lesson? Stop buying skirts I will never wear. I am happy to report I haven’t bought a knee-length skirt since, saving me money and closet space. As you declutter this spring, spend some time thinking critically about why you no longer want, need, or use those items. That way, you can make savvier purchasing decisions in the future.
5. Approach decluttering with intention and gratitude
One of the major reasons people struggle to get rid of belongings that no longer serve them is due to feelings of guilt. Changing your mindset can make it easier to let go of those belongings.
To start your decluttering session on the right foot, Heitmeier recommends starting with a few thoughtful steps.
Express gratitude
“Greet your home by expressing gratitude for the shelter and comfort it provided through winter—this simple gesture can transform cleaning into an act of appreciation,” she shared.
Set the tone
Heitmeier suggested opening your windows to let in fresh air, lighting a favorite candle, and playing uplifting music to energize the process.
Clean room by room
When it comes time to clean, Heitmeier suggests also tackling those tasks with intention. “As you clean, move room by room, working from top to bottom to ensure no dust is left behind,” she suggested.
Heitmeier explained that by approaching spring cleaning with intention and gratitude, “You’ll not only create a tidier space but also set a joyful standard for maintaining your home year-round.”
Jacqueline DeMarco, Contributing Writer
Jacqueline DeMarco is a freelance writer based in Southern California who graduated from the University of California Irvine with a degree in Literary Journalism. She has written on a wide range of topics including finance, travel, and wellness for publications such as Coveteur, Girlboss, and Apartment Therapy. When not whipping up articles, she works with consumer brands like Gorjana, Voluspa, Underclub, The Well, and St. John to help tell their brand stories.