As the weather warms and the world comes alive, many of us feel inspired and energized to tackle long-overdue projects around the house. Spring, with its promise of renewal, is the perfect time to refresh your home—and your mindset.
While everyone else is focused on deep cleaning, I want to encourage you to organize first. Why? Because once you’re organized, cleaning becomes easier. You’ll have less stuff to clean around, and you’ll eliminate unnecessary clutter that can weigh you down. In fact, the National Soap & Detergent Association found that getting rid of clutter could eliminate 40% of housework in the average home. Sign me up!
Here’s a guide to help you transform your closet and declutter your home this spring.
Why Seasonal Closet Swapping Matters
Living in a place with four distinct seasons, like Minnesota, comes with unique challenges. With drastically different wardrobes for summer and winter, our closets can easily become overcrowded.
No matter how large your closet is, keeping only the clothes you love and wear now makes life easier. Swapping out seasonal clothes helps you:
- Find outfits you enjoy wearing.
- Eliminate unnecessary items.
- Feel less overwhelmed by visual clutter.
Practical Benefits of Seasonal Swapping
- Rediscover & Return Items
- Find items borrowed from friends or family and return them.
- Spot clothing with tags still on that could be returned to the store (if you didn’t wear it, you probably didn’t love it).
- Trim Down Your Wardrobe
- Naturally evaluate what you own and remove what you no longer wear.
- Reducing inventory makes it easier to find your favorites (and say goodbye to mediocre items).
- Discard or Repair Damaged Clothing
- Throw away items that are beyond repair or mend those worth keeping.
- Donate to Those in Need
- Pass on clothes that are still in good condition but no longer fit your style or size. Someone else can enjoy them.
- Reduce Visual Clutter
- Keeping out-of-season clothes in your closet year-round forces your brain to work harder to find what you need. Store them away, and when you pull them out in the right season, it’s like reuniting with old friends.
- Freshen Up Your Wardrobe
- When you pull out clothes for a new season, take them to the laundry or dry cleaners right away. Starting the season with clean, ready-to-wear clothes feels great.
Closet Organization Tips
- Manage Your Hangers
- Gather all unused hangers and store them in one designated spot. Avoid letting empty hangers take up valuable closet space.
- Ditch wire hangers—they’re flimsy and can stretch your clothes.
- Set Limits for “Hopeful” Clothes
- Keep only one bin of clothes that don’t fit right now.
- If, after a year, those clothes are still “more hopeful than realistic,” donate them. Let someone else enjoy them while they’re in style.
- Let Go of Sentimental Items
- If you still have a wedding gown, bridesmaid dresses, or prom dresses, consider donating them. A photo of you in them is all you need to remember those special moments.
- Keep a Donation Bin Handy
- Place a bag or container in your closet or bedroom for items you no longer love. The moment you try something on and think, “blech,” it can go straight into the bin.
- Schedule Donations Regularly
- Many organizations will pick up your items directly from your doorstep. Each time you get an email from a donation service, schedule a pickup. This keeps the decluttering process ongoing and effortless.
A Fresh Start
Spring is a time of growth, hope, and renewal. By decluttering and organizing your space, you’ll create room for the things that truly matter in your life. When your home feels lighter and more manageable, you’ll feel energized and ready to tackle other challenges.
Ready. Set. Go! Let’s embrace the season of renewal and make space for the life we want to live.
