Seasonal Decluttering - The Summer Edit

Summer is an ideal time to declutter for several reasons. For many, summer means a break from the usual routine, whether it's a bank holiday weekend, school holidays, or a more relaxed schedule. This extra time can be used to focus on organising and decluttering your home. The longer, sunnier days of summer often boost our energy levels and motivation. This increased vitality can make tackling decluttering projects less daunting and more manageable. The warm weather makes it easier to sort through items outside, whether it's a garage or shed, simply spreading items out in the garden or on the driveway makes the job much quicker. You can also keep windows and doors open to let in fresh air, making the process more pleasant.

As we shift from spring to summer, it’s a natural time to review your possessions. You can pack away winter items and assess what you no longer need, creating more space and reducing clutter. Many charity organisations ramp up their activities in the summer, making it a great time to donate unwanted items. You'll be helping others while also clearing out your own space. Decluttering in summer sets a positive tone for the rest of the year. It can help you feel more organised and reduce stress as you head into the busier months of autumn and winter. Summer is also a prime time for car boot sales and flea markets, allowing you to sell items you no longer need. This can also be a fun way to make a little extra money while decluttering. Taking advantage of these summer benefits can make the process of decluttering more effective and enjoyable. Here are the areas of the home we recommend you focus on.

Out Buildings

Garages and sheds often become dumping grounds with no order or system, quickly clogging up valuable space. Clutter is nothing more than postponed decisions, so don’t feel obligated to fill these areas just because they exist. Instead, use the space to store seasonal belongings that you only need to access occasionally. Consider if you need containers, shelves, or a bike rack to improve organisation.

Choose a dry, warm day to start your decluttering process. Group items by category such as;

Gardening tools,

DIY supplies,

Outdoor activities,

Games,

Beach equipment,

Hobbies,

Bikes and scooters,

Barbecue & outdoor entertaining accessories,

Umbrellas,

Chairs,

Seasonal lights,

Paint,

Outdoor cleaning equipment,

Camping gear.

Ensure you plan your storage layout before you begin. Could you use hooks, shelving or containers to store items more efficiently?

The Utility Room

Tackling your utility room when decluttering and organising can be straightforward with a clear plan. Start by clearing and emptying your utility room completely, then give it a thorough clean. Group items together by category, such as laundry supplies, cleaning products and miscellaneous items such as tools or pet supplies. Remove anything that doesn’t belong in the utility room. This process helps you see exactly what you have and identify any duplicates or unnecessary items. Assess each group of items and decide what to keep, donate, or discard. Be honest about what you actually use and remove any items that don’t belong in the utility room. Relocate the misplaced items to their appropriate places in your home. Use labels and containers to keep everything organised and easy to find. This will help maintain a good system for organisation over time.

Additional Tips

Use racking, over-the-door organisers or wall-mounted hooks for additional storage. Opt for clear containers to easily see the contents. If you buy in bulk, place newer items behind older ones to ensure nothing goes to waste.

By following these steps, you can transform the  area you’re working on into an organised and efficient space.