Items You May Be Forgetting to Part with As You Spring Clean

by Kelly Masgul

Springtime and organization projects go hand in hand, but there are some areas of the home that you may be forgetting to tackle as you take on this year’s tasks. Below, pro organizers located throughout the DMV highlight six types of crucial items that they recommend sorting through this season to get your space into tip-top shape.

Winter Clothes

“As you switch out your closet from fall/winter to spring/summer, it’s a great time to evaluate and let go of any winter clothes that are stained, torn or ripped, don’t fit, or are no longer your style. If you didn’t wear it this winter season, it’s also a great candidate for letting go and donating! Why keep and store something that no longer serves you?” — Blake Jones, The Organizing Boss

Kids’ Winter Clothes

“Relatedly, children’s winter clothing is another great item to declutter. Unless you have a younger child who will eventually need that size, what fits your child now won’t fit them next winter. Take this opportunity to donate those items to a friend or family member, or a local nonprofit.” — Blake Jones

Reusable Tote Bags

“Over the year, we tend to collect a lot of reusable tote bags, and they end up piling up in a kitchen cabinet or closet. Take an opportunity to sort through the bags and get rid of the ones that are ripped or badly stained. And then be sure to wash the ones you want to keep; they get incredibly dirty and germ-ridden when used for groceries, shoes, and everything else we stuff into them.” — Blake Jones

Old Linens

“Many of us hold onto mismatched sheets, worn-out towels, and extra bedding ‘just in case,’ but these items take up valuable space and rarely get used. A quick project is to sort through your linens and keep only the best sets for each bed in your home. Donate or repurpose any extras—animal shelters often appreciate old towels and blankets!” — Angela Nguyen, Bring it Home Style

Spices

“Take a moment to check the expiration dates on your spices. While you likely use staples like cinnamon, garlic powder, and oregano regularly, when’s the last time you used marjoram, cardamom, or coriander? These spices often take up space without being used. Old spices can lose their flavor and potency, making your dishes less flavorful. Tossing out expired or rarely-used spices refreshes your kitchen and improves the taste of your cooking. Replacing them is inexpensive, and a more organized space will make your kitchen feel more functional and enjoyable to cook in.” — Kelly Tait, Bee Organized Northern Virginia

Shed Items

“Donate old bikes, and throw away that old cooler that you never use and those cracked pots. Clearing out helps you reclaim valuable space. Also knowing exactly where everything is makes vacations and weekends more stress-free.” — Amy Smucker, Amy Smucker Home Organization

Sarah Lyon is a New York City-based freelance writer, originally from Bethesda, MD. She contributes to a number of national design and lifestyle publications like Architectural Digest, Apartment Therapy, MyDomaine, the Washington Post, and more. Sarah also works with designers to help them style spaces for photo shoots. Find more shelfies on her Instagram page, @sarahlyon9