March sunshine and milder weather brings a much-needed boost for many, but it's also the perfect time for a serious spring decluttering session. Now's the time to get rid of the clutter that's quietly accumulated during the long winter months spent indoors.
Here, professional organizers reveal the 10 top things you should declutter in March 2025, along with smart decluttering tips to help you manage the load and shake off what has felt like an especially long winter.
10 things to declutter in March 2025
Starting off by decluttering these 10 spots should be at the top of your spring cleaning checklist. Only when you have made some space can you start to work on the things to clean in March.
1. Your entryway or mudroom
Springtime marks the start of busy period for your entryway, with more trips out of the house for fun in the sun.
The number one golden rule for a clutter-free entryway is to reassess your stuff at the start of every season.
Lauren Saltman, professional home organizer and founder of Living. Simplified. urges, ‘Look through your spring jackets and boots, discarding anything you won't be wearing this spring and didn't wear over the last winter. Check to see if your kids have outgrown their outerwear and boots or if anyone in your home may need a new hat or sneakers.
‘Ask yourself if your current entryway storage ideas are currently enough for all of your shoes, coats, hats, and umbrellas. Do you have a convenient spot to place your keys and mail when you come inside? If not, take advantage of this time to get your mudroom or entryway ready for the upcoming rainy and muddy spring season.’
This long, two-tier metal shoe rack is easy to assemble, and can store 18 pairs of shoes for with each tier wide enough to fit six pairs of sneakers.
With space for slotting unread mail and five hooks for keys, this handy mail organizer is the perfect drop zone for common entryway clutter but limits how much paperwork can accumulate before you must deal with it.
These wall-mounted coat hooks can hold up to 20 lbs of weight, and come with all the screws and anchors you need to install them yourself.
2. Winter clothing
Moving winter clothing into your storage spaces will free up much-needed room for spring 2025 fun.
Angelic Ferguson, founder and lead designer at Utopia Home Staging says, 'With spring approaching, it’s time to take a thoughtful look at your winter coats, sweaters, boots, and accessories. If there are items that remained untouched all season, consider donating them to a local charity or consignment store.
'Decluttering clothes now ensures a smoother transition into the next season without unnecessary clutter.'
When organizing a closet without seasonal storage, declutter your winter items down to a capsule selection, then keep them all together at the far end of your closet, so they do not impede on your spring and summer items.
Two sizes
Baskets are perfect for stashing smaller accessories and clothing essentials out of sight, but still in easy reach. You can also use them to stow worn clothing that is not ready to wash yet, but you don't want to hang up.
Keep your bulky out-of-season clothing in vacuum storage bags to minimize their footprint in your home storage ideas. Stash them at the back of your closet, or in under-bed storage ideas to stop them from getting in the way.
You would be hard-pressed to find a pro organizer who doesn't love velvet slimline hangars to organize a closet. They keep clothes in place without taking up too much space.
3. Old vitamins and medicines
Check bathroom cabinets for leftover medication and safely dispose of them. Your local drugstore will be able to help.
Now that the sun is out for longer each day and we are more inspired to spend time outside, we can start to turn away from the vitamin supplements we depend on through winter.
Dawn Falcone, professional declutterer and owner of The Chaos Liberator, recommends going through and decluttering the medicine cabinet to get rid of old or expired vitamins, and checking your stock of in-date spring medications, such as hayfever tablets if you need them, to prepare for allergy season – especially as recent studies show seasonal allergies are getting worse with climate change.
Angelic Ferguson adds, 'With flu season winding down, now is an ideal time to sort through cold medicines and over-the-counter remedies and dispose of any expired items safely.
'Having a well-organized and up-to-date selection of health essentials will keep your home prepared for the months ahead.'
Take a sealed bag of medication to your local pharmacy for safe disposal.
Always keep medication locked in a secure lock box – especially if you have children or pets, to avoid accidental poisoning.
4. Winter tools and equipment
With the last of the severe cold weather behind us, it's a great time to clear away old tools.
Now the last of the snow has passed, winter-specific tools and equipment can enter hibernation. Angelic Ferguson suggests taking some time to declutter any tools that didn't work correctly, broke, or you didn't use over the last winter period.
She says, 'Winter sports equipment and outdoor gear can quickly become cumbersome if not properly stored. If items such as snow shovels, sleds, or ski gear were unused this year, consider whether they are still needed. For those that will be used again, ensure they are cleaned and stored properly so they are in top condition for next winter.'
For long-handled tools you are keeping hold of, such as snow shovels, scrapers, or brooms, consider installing a wall-mounted tool organizer, available at The Home Depot in your garage or shed to make use of verticle storage and keep them out of the way over spring and summer.
5. Your yard
March is also a great time to clear out outdoor kitchens and seating areas ready for warm weather hosting.
Whether you love to garden or simply want to spend time out in the sun this spring, decluttering a backyard and organizing a shed can help make relaxing on sunnier days easier.
Lauren Saltman, professional organizer says, ‘Knowing that you'll want to start getting your garden ready for spring and you're probably planning on enjoying outdoor BBQs, now is the perfect time to look through your garden tools and your outdoor seating.
'For your garden tools, take an inventory of what you have, tossing anything that isn't working properly and creating a shopping list so that you have all your tools and garden supplies in the home when the weather warms up.'
Similarly, this is a great time to look at your outdoor furniture and check it over for damage, bring it outside, and make sure the cushions are in good condition.
It is never too late to spruce up a backyard and get rid of yard shame. This beginner's gardening tool set holds all you need to plant your first few bulbs and tidy up weeds.
A heavy-duty dustpan and broom is invaluable when cleaning the last of the dead leaves and winter dust from your patios and decks ready for spring.
These extra thick outdoor furniture cushions are perfect for adding a little extra comfort to your outdoor dining set up, ready for Easter feasts in nature.
6. Luggage and travel items
Keeping essential bags out and ready to go makes leaving the house for trips a little less stressful.
Spring break is just around the corner, so prepare by decluttering your old luggage and travel items ready for relaxing getaways urges Andrea Brame, home organizer and founder of Nolensville Home Organizing.
She says, 'Take some time in advance of your trips, or while packing, to weed out any broken luggage, expired travel toiletries, and items you bought because they were the latest travel hack must-have that turned out to be a dud for you.’
While you have it out in the open, now is a great time to clean luggage ready for packing, too. Then pop the pieces you are keeping into the best places to store suitcases so they are not in the way for the rest of the year.
The beauty of this set is that each suitcase can be stored inside the next size up, a bonus when storage space is limited. They are lightweight and durable so even if on top of the closet is the only option they won't be heavy to lift. Available in 15 colors.
7. Winter and spring decor
Adding spring decor to your home in March will help to blow away the last of your SAD.
Katy Wells, founder of Clutter Cure Club and host of The Maximized Minimalist podcast says, 'March is a great time to start transitioning your home from winter decor to springtime themes. As you move decor around and alter your home's color palette, consider decluttering decor pieces you don’t click with to save space around your home and in storage.
'Storing away these items frees up space and makes it easier to deep clean and organize your home as you transition into the new season,' Katy continues. 'Plus, it brings a sense of lightness and renewal to your living space, setting the tone for a successful spring cleaning spree.'
66 quart
Large plastic totes are great for storing off-season decor. Opting for clear plastic makes it easy to see the contents in a glance, especially when organizing an attic or basement with lots of stuff.
Walking around with a microfiber cloth when decluttering and swapping seasonal decor will help tackle dust and dirt as you go, cutting down on chore time.
A great spring cleaning tip is using a fragranced cleaning spray, such as this spring-time lavender multi-purpose cleaner, to make a home smell good for spring as you tackle dust.
8. Your pool area
Cleaning around your pool area will help make you feel that little more excited for spring and summer.
While it still might be a little too chilly to be diving into the pool, March is a good time to start decluttering your pool area ideas ready for cleaning and shocking a pool come late-spring, early-summer says Jeremy Yamaguchi, CEO at Cabana Pools
He adds, 'Decluttering helps clear out the space for a fresh start.'
Get rid of any broken pool equipment such as hoses and brushes, and clear out any pool accessories such as floats that you didn't use last summer, or are looking worse for wear after this wet, freeing winter.
Despite leaves having fallen off trees months ago, there will still be a few residual offenders lurking in your pool. This suction vacuum will remove sunken leaves from your pool's floor ready to a spring dip.
9. Your pantry and fridge
Redressing your kitchen for spring can inspire you to try out some new recipes.
It is not just the weather and our homes undergoing a transformation as the seasons change. As Angelic Ferguson points out, warmer weather means lighter meals, and a shift away from indulgent comfort foods and warming dinners.
She says, 'As we shift from winter comfort foods to fresh, seasonal fare, take time to reassess your pantry and refrigerator. Check expiration dates, discard stale ingredients, and reorganize shelves so that nutrient-dense, fresh foods are front and center.
'A well-organized kitchen makes meal prep more efficient and encourages healthier eating habits.'
While clearing out kitchen storage ideas, take some time to wipe down shelves and disinfect surfaces for a fresh kitchen ready for spring hosting.
Perforated, stackable baskets are a great way to organize sealed snacks in a pantry. You can make use of vertical space to save room on high-traffic areas of shelving.
You might want to be spending more time outside in the sun this springtime, so consider investing in some meal prep essentials like these food storage containers to help get you ahead of the game so you can spend more time enjoying yourself.
10. Candles
Fresh flowers and light scented candles instantly make a home feel ready for the warmer months.
March is also a great time to switch out your home's signature scent to something fresher and brighter to match the weather outside.
Dani Gottschalk interior designer and founder of Tinzeltown says, 'Get rid of outdated fashion magazines; last year's Vogue is not the coffee table book that will update your home. Downsize a bit on candles and anything that suggests that the ice age will go on forever.'
Stay clear of any paraffin, those that have severely tunneled, or ones you don't like the scent of (including old winter scents that are nearly burnt out), and switching to some non-toxic ways to make your home smell nice instead.
Create a spring simmer pot, for instance, or opt for non-toxic candles or essential oil diffusers with light spring-suited scents such as florals, or fresh citrus.
The P.F. candles are made from non-toxic soy wax and essential oils, with a range of spring-like scents such as sweet grapefruit, ojai lavender, and sandalwood rose.
This essential oil diffuser is safe for use with any essential oils, allowing your to fully customize your home's scent no matter the season.
With scents ranging from lavender to tea tree, this starter set of essential oils is perfect for those who love to customize their home's scent depending on the current season.
Meet the experts
Lauren is a professional home organizer who specializes in working with busy families and retirees. She empowers her clients to take control of their environments for increased confidence at home.
Angelic has years of experience in luxury real estate, giving her first-hand knowledge of what it takes to make a house look and feel like a home.
Andrea specializes in helping women conquer cluttered homes and busy family lives, helping clients bring a sense of calm to chaotic households.
Katy is the curator of several best-selling decluttering courses, and a globally-recognized top-50 organizing podcast.
FAQs
How do you spring clean a cluttered house?
The best way to approach spring cleaning a cluttered home is to create a schedule, starting with decluttering to help make space and breathing room to work on cleaning later. Always schedule in breaks and days off, and ask for help to help make the task easier.
Remember that spring cleaning is a marathon, not a sprint.
Is spring decluttering better than spring cleaning?
Although it is far better if you spring declutter and clean, if you only have time for one at the start of the season, experts suggest spring organizing and decluttering. Getting your home in order early on will make cleaning easier whenever you do have time, be it at the end of spring or in summer.
Once you have decluttered the March essentials, then you can turn to the things to organize in March to spring clean without getting overwhelmed.
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