6 High-Impact Areas to Start With

Maybe it’s just my Virgo tendencies, but the thought of spring cleaning always makes me nervous. The clean, uncluttered space and the vibrancy of wide open windows and sunlight are second to none. However, that impatience and anticipation may not last long, especially when you get down to the actual work of cleaning and organizing. Before you start your spring cleaning, you need to prepare for it. But the question of what to tidy up in the spring can be overwhelming.

What should I clean up first? Do you need a spring tidying checklist before you dive into spring cleaning? Before you know it, you might just throw up your hands and abandon the entire project. That’s exactly why I asked the pros for their spring tidying tips.

What to get done this spring: Start with 6 high-impact areas

A cleaning and organization expert will consider which items should be put away first. For maximum effect this spring, address these spaces before you reach for the mop.

drop zone

First of all, it helps to check the spaces you or your loved ones keep things on a daily basis. Nick Friedman, Co-Founder and CEO Hanks, a college student who transports junk and movesthese spaces are called drop zones. “The quickest win in any home is clearing drop zones like the entryway, kitchen counter, and coffee table,” he says. “These spaces collect mail, bags, random gadgets, and everyday clutter. When these surfaces are cleared, your entire home instantly feels more organized. It’s a small project that makes a big visual impact.”

To deal with clutter efficiently, keep a recycling bag nearby for paper scraps to use, and a garbage bag for discarded items.

kids’ belongings

If you have children, you already know how much money they can save. Vanessa Garcia, cleaning and organization expert and taskmaster task rabbitencourages parents to start putting their kids’ belongings aside before diving into spring cleaning. “One of the biggest things I think spring cleaning is sorting through the kids’ belongings: old markers, broken crayons, old toys that can be donated,” she says. “This is the perfect time to start pulling kids up or putting them aside, because most of the time they don’t even notice.”

Garcia recommends getting kids involved in the tidying up process. “For kids, doing something good with what they have can be a great learning opportunity,” continues Garcia.

refrigerator and pantry

As they say, the kitchen is the heart of the home. Just as your wardrobe brightens up for spring, so too does your food, especially when fresh fruits and vegetables are in season. But before you spring clean your kitchen, co-founder Kathy Orr says, organized lifewe recommend cleaning out your refrigerator and pantry.

“It’s time to throw away expired food, deep clean your refrigerator and freezer shelves, remove any food you haven’t eaten over the winter from the freezer, and sweep and clean your countertops,” she instructs. Once you have space on your shelves, you can wipe everything down, but the initial cleaning is essential.

closet

As we move from winter to spring, we also need to change our closets according to the season. While you’re at it, it might be a good idea to tidy up and reap the benefits of a refreshed space. “Closets are one of the most effective decluttering projects,” Friedman says. “We recommend skimming rather than thinking about it. If you didn’t wear it last season or it no longer fits your lifestyle, donate now. Most people are surprised at how much space they can free up with just 20 minutes of editing.”

hidden clutter

It’s easy to throw clutter behind closed doors. It’s out of sight, out of mind, right? But when you’re getting ready for a big clean, you’ll want to make sure you have space for the things you need. actually I want to keep it. “Clear out hidden clutter zones like the garage, junk drawers, and storage closets where clutter accumulates,” Friedman recommends. “These spaces may be invisible, but they’re often the most stressful because they make it harder to find what you actually need. Reducing these spaces makes it much easier to keep the rest of your home organized.”

I personally love organizing my junk drawer. Drawers are small spaces that only take a few minutes to organize. You can’t wipe the drawers until they are clean anyway.

Duplication

When looking for spring cleaning supplies, keep an eye out for duplicates. “One of the most common things we see when helping clients declutter is excessive duplication,” says Friedman. He said customers often have duplicate cleaning supplies or boxes of extra kitchen tools and labeled items. Just in case. He recommends discarding or donating these items. “Leaving in excess often just creates clutter. Simplifying these categories can free up an incredible amount of space,” he explains.

As you begin the process of decluttering, Friedman recommends embracing the excitement of starting something new. “My biggest advice is to focus on momentum over perfection,” he says. “Start with the areas that will immediately make your home feel better. Clearing out the high-impact zones first will help your spring cleaning feel less like a huge project and more refreshed.”