Decluttering isn’t just about getting rid of things, it’s about creating a space that works for you all year round. The change of seasons is the perfect time to reassess what you own, tidy up, and refresh your home so it feels light, functional, and ready for whatever’s ahead.
But here’s the challenge: without a plan, seasonal decluttering can quickly feel overwhelming. That’s why we’ve created this comprehensive, room-by-room checklist to help you move through your home efficiently, while making mindful decisions about what to keep, toss, or donate.
Whether you’re welcoming spring sunshine, hunkering down for winter, or simply want to start fresh, this guide will help you reclaim space, improve organisation, and keep your home clutter-free all year long. Think of it as your go-to playbook for building an organised home that supports your lifestyle in every season.
Why Seasonal Decluttering Works
Instead of tackling your whole home in one massive, stressful effort, seasonal decluttering breaks it down into smaller, more manageable projects. Each season is a natural reset point, you’re already switching out clothing, changing decor, or reorganising spaces for different weather. By syncing decluttering with these transitions, you make the process feel less like a chore and more like part of your routine.
Benefits include:
- Less Overwhelm: Smaller projects mean you’re less likely to give up halfway.
- Better Maintenance: Decluttering regularly prevents items from piling up.
- Improved Storage Flow: Seasonal swaps make storage more logical and easy to access.
- A Fresher Feel: Your home looks and feels renewed every few months.
This approach isn’t just about tidying, it’s about creating a rhythm that works with your life, not against it.
Season-by-Season Decluttering Guide
Spring – Fresh Starts and Deep Cleans
Spring is the season of renewal. Open the windows, let the fresh air in, and clear out the remnants of winter. With longer days and more energy, this is a great time to do a deep reset.
Decluttering priorities:
- Wardrobe: Pack away heavy winter coats and boots. Donate anything you didn’t wear last season.
- Pantry: Clear out expired baking ingredients and canned goods.
- Garage/Shed: Remove broken tools, old paint tins, and anything rusty or unsafe.
- Decor: Swap out dark, heavy decor for lighter, brighter accents.
Pro Tip: When swapping out seasonal clothes, store them in clear, labelled containers so you can easily see what’s inside next season.
Summer: Lighten the Load
Summer brings heat, holidays, and more time outdoors, perfect for tackling quick, high-impact decluttering projects that don’t take up your entire weekend.
Decluttering priorities:
- Beach & Picnic Gear: Donate old towels, broken umbrellas, or unused picnic baskets.
- Kids’ Toys: Clear out items they’ve outgrown, especially bulky indoor toys.
- Entertainment Area: Organise outdoor dining settings, BBQ tools, and esky storage.
- Linen Cupboard: Thin out excess sheets and towels, keeping only what you actually use.
Pro Tip: Use breathable storage bags for off-season bedding and textiles to keep them fresh and dust-free.
Autumn: Preparing for the Cozy Season
Autumn is about making your home warm and inviting before the cooler months set in. This is also the perfect time to prepare your home for the “hibernation” season.
Decluttering priorities:
- Kitchen: Clear out chipped mugs, mismatched containers, and unused appliances.
- Wardrobe: Bring warmer clothes forward and store summer wear.
- Craft or Hobby Supplies: Donate items from projects you’ve abandoned.
- Books & Media: Pass on books you’ve read and DVDs you no longer watch.
Pro Tip: If you’re bringing out bulky winter items, store them vertically in baskets or on open shelving for easy grab-and-go access.
Winter: Comfort and Efficiency
Winter is the season where you’re indoors the most, so every space should feel functional and cosy. Decluttering now ensures you’re not surrounded by chaos when you’re spending more time at home.
Decluttering priorities:
- Living Room: Remove excess throws, cushions, or decor that makes the space feel crowded.
- Kitchen Pantry: Stock and organise comfort-food staples, removing anything past its prime.
- Office or Study Area: Clear paperwork and outdated documents to start the new financial year fresh.
- Entryway: Keep this zone clutter-free to avoid trip hazards from wet shoes or bulky coats.
Pro Tip: Add hooks for winter coats and baskets for gloves or scarves so they don’t clutter benchtops or couches.
Room-by-Room Seasonal Decluttering Checklist
Breaking it down by room helps you focus your energy and avoid feeling like you have to tackle your entire home in one go. Even doing just one room a week can transform your home in no time.
Kitchen
- Toss expired spices, sauces, and pantry goods.
- Donate duplicate utensils or appliances.
- Organise food storage containers—if they don’t have lids, they go.
- Wipe down all shelves before putting items back.
Tip: Use lazy Susan for oils and condiments to keep them accessible and prevent spills.
Wardrobe & Bedroom
- Sort clothes into keep, donate, and repair piles.
- Swap seasonal clothing and store the off-season pieces in labelled containers.
- Limit “just in case” clothing to one small storage tub.
- Organise accessories, scarves, hats, belts, by using hooks or drawer dividers.
Tip: If you haven’t worn it in a year, it’s time to let it go.
Living Room
Image Source: Temple and Webster
- Remove decor that no longer matches your style or clutters surfaces.
- Limit throw blankets and cushions to a practical number.
- Organise remotes, chargers, and small items into baskets or trays.
- Sort through books, magazines, and games, keep only what’s used.
Tip: Opt for furniture with built-in storage, like coffee tables with drawers.
Bathroom
Image source: Blissfull Little Home
- Toss expired medications, skincare, and makeup.
- Group similar items together in bins or baskets.
- Limit duplicates, keep only the amount you can use before the next season.
- Wipe shelves, drawers, and cabinets before restocking.
Tip: Clear containers work well for bathroom storage so you can see exactly what you have.
Garage / Storage Areas
- Remove broken or unused tools and equipment.
- Donate sporting gear your family has outgrown.
- Store seasonal decorations in clearly labelled tubs.
- Use wall-mounted racks to get items off the floor.
Tip: Keep a “donation box” in the garage all year round to make seasonal purges quicker.
Maintaining Your Seasonal Declutter
Decluttering isn’t a once-a-year project, it’s a habit. Here’s how to make your seasonal resets stick:
- Adopt the One-In-One-Out Rule: For every new item you bring in, let go of something similar.
- Create Donation Habits: Keep a dedicated donation basket and empty it regularly.
- Set Mini-Deadlines: Schedule smaller decluttering sessions between seasonal overhauls.
- Make It Family-Friendly: Involve kids and partners so everyone contributes to the upkeep.
Think of these habits as small investments of time and energy that pay off in a clutter-free, stress-free home year-round.
Seasonal decluttering
Seasonal decluttering is one of the easiest ways to keep your home fresh, organised, and stress-free. By following this checklist and breaking the process down into small, manageable tasks, you’ll avoid the overwhelm that often comes with “big clean-out” projects, and you’ll love how your home feels every time the season changes.
If you feel stuck or don’t know where to start, you don’t have to do it alone.
Book your free consultation with Ducks in a Row Home Organisation and we’ll create a tailored seasonal decluttering plan for you, complete with hands-on help and strategies to keep your home in order year-round.
