4 min readA few bursts of warm weather and already, we’re starting to think about summer. Want to make your home feel bigger ahead of the new season? Well, decluttering might be the answer.
Sometimes, the best way to make your home feel bigger isn’t an expensive renovation or complete layout overhaul. The quickest and easiest way to clear up space is simply cutting down on a few key items in your home. That’s why we’ve asked declutterers and experts alike for the best items to get rid of to make your home feel big ahead of summer.
“If you want your home to feel bigger this summer, focus less on perfection and more on breathing space,” Siân Pelleschi, president of the Association of Professional Declutterers and Organizers and Sorted! owner, tells us. “You don't necessarily need to get rid of everything, just be intentional about what is visible.”
It’s also important to keep sustainability top of mind when you’re getting rid of things you don’t need anymore. Sustainably decluttering means taking a beat and thinking responsibly about how you choose to cut down on clutter. “Decluttering shouldn’t be about creating more landfill—it should be about making better use of what we already have,” Pelleschi says.
“The most eco-friendly decluttering is about slowing down, not throwing away,” says Kelly Moore, founder of Cleaning With Meaning. “Think in this order: reduce, reuse, recycle. Donate what you can, repurpose where possible, and only bin as a last resort. Often, the greenest choice is simply owning less and using what you already have well,” she says.
This exercise is as much about reducing visual clutter as it is about having a pre-summer clear-out. With that in mind, here’s what the experts had to say.
Duplicate Kitchenware
Want your kitchen to feel just that bit roomier this summer? Moore recommends decluttering your duplicates this May.
“Many homes have multiples of the same thing, like measuring jugs, plastic lunch containers and excessive numbers of coffee mugs. Keep your best and let the rest go. Donate usable items locally or offer them on social media–based community groups so they stay in use,” she says.
Tupperware With Missing Lids
While you're in the kitchen, you might want to turn your attention to the Tupperware that's in there. “Tupperware containers without matching lids are one of the most common sources of kitchen clutter,” says Cher Casey, Ph.D., professional organizer and decluttering expert at The Mindful Organizer and adviser to Jackson Woodtuners.
“If a container can no longer be properly sealed or used for storage, it’s often better to recycle, repurpose or bin it rather than letting it take up valuable cupboard space,” says Casey.
Bulky Coats and Throws
Is your wardrobe feeling clogged up with oversized winter coats? Is your sofa overwhelmed by bulky throws? According to Pelleschi, now is the time to put these items in storage.
“Winter usually brings heavier and extra layers and often a need to hold these items in our spaces. So pack away bulky throws and winter coats and anything you come across that you no longer need to instantly make a room feel lighter and brighter,” says Pelleschi.
Leftover Winter Items
According to Ellie Brown, interior designer at Oak&More, people tend to leave out portable heaters and seasonal decor far longer than needed. “Removing winter-specific items from everyday sight helps rooms feel fresher and less visually busy heading into summer,” she says.
Packing away these seasonal items will help reduce the visual clutter in your home. Storing them away until the weather changes can open up a space, making it feel bigger as a result.
Broken Items
We all have things in our homes that we've been meaning to fix. Now is the month to make that decision: do we fix it or recycle it?
“Whether it's a pair of shoes with a broken heel or a small kitchen appliance that doesn't function, spring is the time to let go. If it hasn't been repaired yet, be realistic. Either do it this week or recycle it properly. Letting go creates both physical and mental space,” says Moore.
Expired Food
Something that takes up more space than we realize is food that's passed its sell-by date. “Expired food items are one of the easiest places to start when decluttering because they're no longer useful and require little to no decision making,” says Casey. “Clearing them out instantly creates space, improves organization, and helps make kitchens feel cleaner and more manageable.”
Paper Clutter
For all the latest advancements in technology, it's still easy to accumulate a lot of paper at home. May is the perfect month to sort through your piles.
“Go digital where you can, and recycle responsibly. It instantly frees up visual space, which makes a room feel lighter for summer,” says Moore.
Cleaning Products
Sometimes, you don't realise how much space products are taking up until they're gone from your kitchen. “Once those cleaners are used up, take it as an opportunity to buy eco-friendly cleaning products or search out recipes online to make your own,” Moore says.
“Invest in a few reusable spray bottles, and you’ll save time and money in the long run, not to mention space.”
Cardboard Boxes and Other Packaging
Do you have any empty boxes you keep telling yourself you're going to use? Casey says it might be time to reassess their value. “Storage boxes and packaging are surprisingly difficult for many people to let go of, but they're often one of the lowest-risk categories to declutter.”
“People often keep boxes from parcel deliveries ‘just in case’, yet most can easily and cheaply be replaced if ever needed again,” she says. Now is the time to assess the boxes you actually need and recycle leftovers where you can.
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