25+ Things you can Declutter in May

Spring is a time of opening up the house and letting out some of the stuffiness that winter can bring. To air things out and let the sunshine in. And if you are struggling with clutter then a simple checklist might be all you need to get a hard start on cleaning things out. It’s true that clutter can take over a room sometimes without us even noticing it is happening, by doing a bit of decluttering every day you will stay on top of the excess and keep what you love – put away.

The number one tip I love to give to folks that are struggling with clutter is to do a bit every day. Just like you make your bed each morning you want to incorporate decluttering as part of your daily routine. Then you can more easily keep things from piling up and getting out of control.

Another simple way to keep on top of the clutter is to have a monthly checklist. Something you can just follow along with and put this sometimes annoying task on autopilot.

Consider this your autopilot checklist for May.

Things to Declutter in May

Declutter Your Closet

If you are living in a wintering area then May might just get you in the mood to clean out the closets in your home.

There is nothing I love more than to get the sweaters all packed away and the tank tops and shorts moved in. A great mood booster if there ever was one.

Anything that feels uncomfortable when you put it on. Seriously, if you hate the feel of it, it is time to let it go.

Socks with holes or missing mates.

Sweaters that are stretched out or are not comfortable to wear.

Stained clothes or torn clothes. Keep a few to use as rags and toss the rest.

D/M PRO TIP: Please do not donate anything that is torn, stained, or stretched out. Only give away clothes there are still good to wear. This is a great way to be helpful to those volunteers that will be going through your things at the donation centers.

Shoes that have seen better days

Declutter The Kitchen

This is an area that can quickly get out of hand. Let’s face it, there are quite a few tools that we need in the kitchen, it’s the duplicates and triplicates that we can sometimes get a bit carried away with. By keeping only multiples of items we use daily we will keep this space from getting overrun by things.

Triplicates of items that we use only sporadically

Chipped or cracked mugs

Chipped or cracked dishes

Stained plastic or partially melted food storage containers. Begin replacing your plastic with glass. It’s true that glass food storage containers are a cost investment upfront but they last so much longer.

Cookware with peeling Teflon. It is always a good idea to replace any pots or pans where the Teflon coating is peeling for safety reasons.

Bent silverware

Declutter The Family Room

This is one of my favorite spots in the home because it is where we chill out altogether. By setting up a space that everyone loves to be in you will keep those kids out with you instead of locked up inside their bedroom. Well, unless that is where you want them to be!

Cracked or scratched DVDs. If you see only a few surface scratches, you can try to repair them with eyeglass cleaner and a good buffing with a soft rag.

Torn or ratted throw blankets. Store the ones you are keeping in a large basket.

Torn or ratted throw pillows. Toss ore repair.

Any toys that are in this room can be gathered up and either put away or donated. Keep a small toy bin to hold favorite toys for your kids or grandkids in this room.

READ: HOW TO ORGANIZE YOUR ENTIRE HOME USING BASKETS

Declutter the Front Closet

Since we are stoke for spring and talking about what to declutter in May, we might as well get those winter things sorted out and then packed away. (happy dance!) If you have a place to keep theses off-season items stored and out of the main closet now is a great time to pack them up. A tote in an attic or under a bed will work great for this.

Not sure you will remember where things are next winter? Use our handy Home Index sheet. You can get your FREE copy just by clicking the purple “YES PLEASE!” button below……..

Coats that are torn, stained, or no longer fit anyone in your home.

Goves that are missing their partner (and have been for years now).

Hats that are completely stretched out.

Snowpants that are torn or no longer fit anyone in the house.

Boots that are covered in duct tape because they leak and you have to wear a plastic bag over your sock to keep your feet dry.

Declutter Your Car

Not many people think of their cars when decluttering but it just amazes how even our car can quickly turn into a storage container on wheels. While you are at it, you may want to check fluids in your car to be sure everything is good.

Tissues that seem to find a home in the door panels, center consoles, and seat folds. Set up a trash bag to keep things easier to toss.

Toys – you can keep a few for travel emergencies. Use a car toy organizer to keep things neat.

Books and magazines – well any papers for that matter. Get into the habit of bringing all papers in every time you leave your vehicle.

Snow brushes and ice scrapers (if winter is definitely over in your area).

Clothes, shoes, soccer clothes that would wake the dead just from their odor.

Declutter The Garage

With the weather warming up you might be spending more time outside very soon. So, we will be rounding out our things to declutter in May list in the garage. Go through some of the clutter in your garage and get a head start on cleaning things out just a bit.

Old cleaning supplies and dried up car cleaners. I like to have a car wash bucket set up that holds all the supplies I need to wash my car. This not only keeps things all together so I can just grab and go, but it also helps me to more easily see what we are running low on.

Garden tools can be sorted through to be sure what you have is ready for the spring projects ahead. Replace any that have broken handles or bent ends. You can organize things quite neatly with a gardening system.

Old paint and cleaners. Before you toss anything here, be sure you know what the disposal guidelines are for your area.

When you break down any decluttering project into simple steps like this, you might just find cleaning out your home is a bit easier than you thought it would be. Never underestimate the power of a baby step!

25+ Things you can Declutter in May