Ultimate Spring Cleaning Guide: Declutter, Organize, Refresh

A lot is going on this spring, no matter who you are: watching Severance, getting ready for Coachella or the Masters, pulling out the grill, and finally, wrapping up the semester. Let's be honest - spring cleaning probably isn't at the top of your to-do list. (It's not at the top of mine!)

But a clean and organized space can boost productivity, reduce stress, and make your home feel like a sanctuary. Whether it's a dorm room, apartment, or single-family home, our spring cleaning guide will help refresh your space with minimal stress. Hey, you might even have some fun.

Step 1: Make a Plan

Before diving into a pile of cleaning supplies, take a moment to strategize:

• Decide if you're cleaning your entire space or doing it all, room by room
• Set a realistic schedule - whether you're dedicating a weekend or breaking it up into smaller sessions. You want this to be as stress-free as possible, so pick the perfect time for you.
• Write down your plan. We all forget things, so add it to your phone calendar and set alarms and reminders.

Step 2: Create a Spring Cleaning Checklist

A checklist keeps you on track and ensures you don't forget anything important. Here are some of our top tasks for each room in your home:

Bedroom:

• Wash all bedding, comforters, duvet inserts, and pillows. Check your washing instructions first, too.
• Flip or rotate your mattress and use a steam cleaner on any stains.
• Vacuum under the bed and declutter under-bed storage.
• Sort through closets and dresser drawers - donate, sell, or store seasonal or old clothing.

Kitchen:

• Deep cleaning your fridge & freezer - toss expired food and wipe everything down.
• Run a cleaning cycle on your stove and dishwasher.
• Scrub the stovetop, backsplash, and sink. Make sure to use stainless-specific cleaner on any stainless appliances.
• Sanitize your knife block and any wood cutting boards or butcher blocks.
• Move the refrigerator and vacuum underneath it.
• Deodorize your garbage disposal (lemons work well as a natural alternative).
• Change out your filters for water and ice dispensers.

Photo Credit: Sarah Crowley | Apartment Therapy

Bathroom:

• Scrub the shower, tub, and sink (including faucets and handles!).
• Wash or replace shower curtains, shower liners, and bath mats.
• Toss expired skincare, makeup, medications, and toiletries. Sort through any travel-sized products you have, too.
• Sanitize your toothbrush holder, soap dispenser, and makeup brushes.

Photo Credit: Grace Cary | Getty Images

Other Spaces & General Cleaning:

• Wipe down light switches, doorknobs, and baseboards. For baseboard scuffs, use a magic eraser or hit the spots with a bit of fresh paint.Declutter your home office space, organize cords and chargers, and clean your computer mouse and keyboard.
• Swap out air filters.
• Replace lightbulbs and remote batteries.
• Reseal and fix any grout (tiles, thresholds between rooms) and caulking (trim).
• Spot treat or shampoo carpets.
• Power wash the exterior of your home, as well as your deck and/or patio.
• Deep cleaning your washing machine.
• Wipe down walls and handrails. 
• Fill in any nicks or dents in hardwood floors (we love kits, like this one from FloorFix, where you can mix a color for a closer match). For small scratches, use Old English stain filler.

Cleaning For Your Furry Friends:

Spring clean for your pets, too. After all, they're family. Wash their beds, blankets, and soft toys. Since many pets are prone to itchy skin, opt for scent-free detergent. It will also help their sensitive noses. When cleaning any pet crates, toys, or living spaces, ensure you're using products that will not harm them.

Photo Credit: @MrsMeyersCleanDay

Do your carpets or area rugs smell of animal urine? Now is the time to eliminate it. PetMD recommends using a towel soaked with hydrogen peroxide-based cleaner followed by an enzymatic cleaner. Follow their entire tutorial for simple removal.

Step 3: Stock Up on the Right Cleaning Supplies

You can't accomplish your goals without the right tools. Here's what you may need:

• Multi-Surface Cleaner - Works for countertops, tables, and more (try eco-friendly options like Method or Mrs. Meyer's).
• Glass Cleaner - Streak-free shine because smudges aren't aesthetic. Perfect for cleaning windows, glass tabletops, and mirrors.
• Microfiber Clothes - Reusable and better than paper towels.
• Magic Erasers - Say goodbye to scuff marks and stubborn stains. We recommend first cleaning a small test spot when using magic erasers on paint or furniture. You don't want to ruin your finish accidentally.
• Scrub Daddy Sponges are fun and durable. They are dishwasher-safe, so they can be used much longer than traditional sponges (plus, they don't carry the same odor as other sponges).
• Storage Bins & Organizers - Aesthetic and practical (for more effortless organization, get clear bins or use labels).
• Baking Soda - Common household baking soda can help with deodorizing, unclogging, freshening, and more. You might not be a cleaning expert, so check out 20 ways MarthaStewart.com recommends using baking soda in your home.

Photo Credit: Dougal Waters | Getty Images

Step 4: Make Spring Cleaning Fun!

Cleaning doesn't have to be boring. You can keep it fun...

• Create Before & After TikToks or IG Reels - The transformation will be so satisfying. Plus, your followers can help keep you accountable.
• Blast a Cleaning Playlist - Curate your own or find one on Spotify.
• Reward Yourself - Set milestones and treat yourself (coffee, snacks, or new dector!).
• Take Breaks - Make sure you're setting aside at least 15 minutes throughout your day to recharge.

Step 5: Need More Space? Rent a Self-Storage Unit!

Spring cleaning often means decluttering, but that doesn't mean you have to eliminate everything. You can get plenty of space with self-storage. A self-storage unit can help free up space without saying goodbye to sentimental or seasonal items. So, what should you store?

• Seasonal Items - Holiday decorations, summer camping gear, or winter coats.
• Sports Equipment - Snowboards, skis, bikes, and other bulky gear.
• Sentimental Items - Childhood toys, photo albums (remember to rent climate-controlled storage!) or keepsakes.
• Extra Furniture - If you're transitioning between places, renovating, or redecorating.

A 5x5 or 10x10 household storage space works like an extra walk-in closet or bedroom for small-scale decluttering. Storage Star has locations nationwide, making it easy to find a secure, affordable unit near you. Visit Storage Star online to reserve your space and kick off spring cleaning.

Final Thoughts: Refresh, Reset, and Relax!

Spring cleaning doesn't have to be a dreaded chore. With a plan, the right supplies, and some fun incentives, you'll have a tidy space in no time. Just follow our simple steps to refresh your surroundings and feel more at peace. We're here to help you along the way! 

Find a Storage Star location near you now and start your cleaning journey ASAP.