Things to Declutter in Summer
Looking for a list of things to declutter in summer? If so, you are right where you need to be! This is a list of easy things you can get out of your home so you take another step on how to declutter your way to a home you love to be in.
Work your way down the list and come back each summer to do it again ensuring your rooms stay free of excess stuff going forward.
I love summer, it’s a chance to slow down the work and put my feet up (preferably with a book in my lap). To kick back and relax on some of the bigger projects that tend to come up throughout the rest of the year.
And maybe that is why decluttering in the summer is not the easiest thing to do.
Because our motivation tends to take a hiatus when the weather warms up and cleaning out the excess might just be the furthest thing from our minds.
If you are still wanting to declutter your home but you don’t really have the motivation for a full room clean-out, consider this your quick list.
The secret to this summer declutter list becoming a reliable annual tool is to do a little at a time. Be sure to grab the free checklist below and add it to your home binder.
Work on one room each week until you have finished the list. Instead of stressing out over a big decluttering project, you will instead weave decluttering throughout your day.
That is the secret to this all working. Small steps equal big changes in the look of your home.
Things to Declutter in Summer
To make this list easy to work through, it is broken down into rooms. You can focus on one room at a time or dedicate 10 minutes a day.
As you work to fill up a donation bag or box, use this tip to be even more successful. Each time you fill a donation container, close it up and put it directly into your car. The next time you are out running errands, make a stop at the donation center and get that clutter gone for good.
This is a summer list so the items listed are all warm weather related. Be sure to grab the FREE Summer Declutter Checklist below.
If you want a winter decluttering list, you can get it here!
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In the kitchen
No matter what the season is, the kitchen tends to be the heart of the home. Where most of the daily action takes place. That also means this is usually the room that needs the most help!
Summer is the season for cookouts and picnics so that is where we are going to put our focus first.
• Dishes – If you have any dishes that are chipped or cracked, you may want to get rid of them. Bacteria can hide in those areas and that’s a great reason to declutter them.
• Glasses and Cups – The same is true with glasses, tea cups, and coffee mugs. If they are cracked or chipped, toss them.
More things to declutter in the kitchen:
- Mismatched paper plates
- The collection of 10,000 plastic spoons
- Torn/stained tablecloths
- Old coolers
- Grill supplies
- Candles
- Drink koozies
- Excess stuff of any kind that you no longer use or need that many of. (Like 10 spatulas or more potholders than be drawer can possibly hold.)
- Stained or melted food storage containers
In the Family Room
• Movies – I think summer is the best time to clean out your entertainment center. Take some time to go through your movie collection to weed out any flicks you no longer love. While you are at it, list the ones you hope to add to your collection. Start buying a few now to enjoy your new selection this winter when you are back in hibernation mode.
More things to declutter in the family room:
- DVD’s
- VHS’s
- Blankets that are torn or stained
- Pillows that need to be replaced
- Tiny and unexpected treasures hiding below your couch cushions
- Magazines
- Knick-knacks
In the Bedroom
This is a great time to give your bed linens a once-over.
• Bed Linens – Nothing is worse than fitted sheets that won’t stay in place. You work hard every day, which means you deserve a good night’s sleep. No more excuses. Toss those scratchy stretched-out sheet sets and invest in a more comfortable set.
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This is not a waste of money but rather an investment in a good night’s sleep.
More things to declutter in the bedroom:
- Sheets
- Pillow Cases
- Blankets
- Bed pillows
- Books
- Magazines
- Knick knacks
• Magazines – Do you read in bed? If so, take the time to go through your reading materials and catch up. One night this week, go to bed an hour early and snuggle up with a stack of magazines. Once done, remove the address labels and pass them on to someone else to enjoy.
In the Closet
• Seasonal clothes – If you only keep your seasonal clothes in your closet, then summer is a great time to really do a complete clean-out of only the clothes you have currently stored inside.
• Hangers – If you have hangers that are bent, rusty, or old, you may want to replace them with newer ones. Velvet-covered hangers will help your clothes last longer and is an investment worth making.
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More things to declutter in the closet:
- Stretched out swimsuits
- Clothes that no longer fit (And there is no chance they ever will again.)
- Any clothes that are stained, stretched out, or torn
- Old beach towels
- Sandals that are overly worn or no longer fit
- Underwear that is uncomfortable to wear
READ: HOW TO CLEAN OUT YOUR CLOSET (WITHOUT FREAKING OUT)
In the Bathroom
It’s funny how such a small room requires so much stuff to make it run for the entire family. Luckily there are things you can get rid of to free up space in the bathroom.
• Makeup – Makeup can quickly pile up if we aren’t careful. That is why it’s a good idea to go through your supply to remove any items you don’t love and use and update your shopping list of items you are running low on.
- Outdated or dried up makeup
- Worn toothbrushes
- Empty bottles
- Lotions, or hair care items, or makeup you don’t use or love
- Suntan lotions that are outdated
• Toothbrushes – Toothbrushes are something that should be on your decluttering list every month. Updating everyone’s toothbrush at the start of each month will ensure your family is using a clean and healthy brush.
Let’s Head Outside
Did you know weeds are clutter?
Okay, maybe not, but when you lump them in with clutter it can give you a reason to get out there and clean them out a bit. This is a great way to keep flower beds neat and clutter-free.
• Dead plants. I love to have plants on our patio but in July I usually have a few that are not, well…still alive. Take a walk around your house and gather up any dead plants that cannot be saved.
• Take some time to remove any cobwebs from your front door. Go one step further and clean the windows and sweep the porch. Set up a neat and welcoming space so any visitors are greeted with a pleasant area.
• Suntan lotions. Go through your stash and remove any bottles that are expired or empty. Don’t forget to add to your shopping list if you are running low or if you are out altogether.
• Outside toys. I don’t know what it is but it seems that outdoor toys never really last that long. Go through your toys and toss any that are broken or damaged beyond repair. Next, gather up any items your family has outgrown or is no longer interested in.
• Yard tools can quickly add up, especially if you are not storing tools in the same area or container. Go through your supply gathering up all that you have.
Remember that even though having plenty of garden and lawn tools is nice, having too many can be overwhelming. Look at what you have and the chores you routinely do, and make your decisions based on that.
- Weeds
- Dead plants
- Suntan lotions
- Toys
- Tools
- Torn or soiled furniture pads
- Old pillows
- Yard decor that is old, cracked, faded
Having a list of items to declutter in summer is an easy way to jump-start your cleaning-out journey. Lists make things easier, and this list will help you quickly simplify the stuff you have in your home.
I hope you find this quick list a great start as you keep working your way to cleaned out and cleaned up home.
