8 Things Experts Say You Should Ditch Before Summer
Take some time now and enjoy your summer all season long.
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As the days become longer, you may find yourself with an urge to do some spring cleaning, and you’re not alone. That urge isn’t necessarily due to the cleaning product ads that are likely filling your TV screen, magazines or social media feeds – though they can certainly fuel it – but rather could be due to an increase in your body’s energy that comes with more daylight.
That, and the tradition of spring cleaning, goes back millennia and is thought to be rooted in cultural and religious traditions. Iranians practice khooneh tekouni during the ancient Festival of Nowruz, or Persian New Year, during which the entire home is cleaned and polished. Before Chinese New Year, homes are rid of unwanted and broken items on ninyabaat, and there’s the Jewish custom of thoroughly cleaning the house in preparation for Passover.
Though it can certainly be a chore, we usually do feel better once spring cleaning is done and we have a clean slate… or home.
“As we transition into summer, I always encourage clients to think of decluttering as a seasonal reset – clearing physical and mental space for a lighter, more active time of year,” says Faith Roberson, professional organizer and author of What Stays and What Goes: Organize With Intention and Create Space For Grace.
“Ultimately, the goal isn’t just to ‘get rid of things,’ but to create a home that supports how you actually want to live during the summer months: lighter, simpler and more intentional,” she adds.
Here is a look at 8 things to get rid of before summer, according to the pros like Roberson.
Worn-out or excess linens and towels
Roberson shares that ripped, stained, mismatched or simply overabundant linens tend to quietly accumulate.
“Most households only need two to three sets per bed and a manageable number of towels per person,” she advises. “A helpful rule of thumb: consider how often you realistically do laundry. That rhythm should dictate how many linens you actually need. Letting go of the excess instantly reduces bulk and makes storage more breathable.”
Overrun kitchen plastics and disposable clutter
We live in a small home, just 1,050 square feet, which equates to a small kitchen and extremely limited storage space. Roberson’s notes about kitchen clutter really speaks to me.
“Tupperware without lids, mismatched containers, takeout containers and condiment packets can easily take over drawers and cabinets,” she says. “Streamlining to a cohesive, functional set creates ease in everyday cooking and storage.
“A helpful rule of thumb: consider how long the containers stay in use before you wash and reuse them,” she adds. “Also, how many containers can you realistically use at a time? How many can fit in your refrigerator? That rhythm should dictate how much Tupperware you actually need.”
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Clean out the pantry
While you’re in the kitchen, take some time to go through the items in your pantry. It’s surprising how quickly the expiration dates on canned beans and other vegetables, cooking oils and baking ingredients can come and go without even realizing it. If you have a bit more time, do the same in the fridge.
Seasonal clothing that no longer serves you
A change of seasons and warmer weather means it’s time to put away heavier items… or not.
“As you bring summer clothes forward, take a moment to reflect on what you actually wore last season,” suggests Roberson. “If something didn’t make it into rotation, or no longer fits your lifestyle or body, it may be time to let it go. This is especially helpful with winter wear: as you move it out of the way ask yourself, ‘What didn't you wear this year and why?’ Winter wear tends to be bulky and space-consuming. Let go what no longer serves you.”
And if you’re donating your unwanted clothing, be sure to bag them up and drop them at the donation site so you don’t find yourself with clutter elsewhere in the house.
Expired sunscreen, beauty, and personal care products
When I reached for a tube of sunscreen last month, I was surprised to see it had expired… the year before last. Roberson says now’s the time to check those expiration dates.
“Summer often prompts us to reach for these items again, but many have a shorter shelf life than we realize,” she says. “Expired products can be ineffective or even irritating, so it’s a good moment to refresh your stash.”
Unused outdoor and recreational gear
Items like beach chairs, blow up pool accessories, coolers, sports equipment or picnic supplies often get stored away without reassessment or proper cleaning.
“If you didn’t use them last summer, or they’re moldy, consider letting them go,” advises Roberson.
And if you do decide to shop for replacements, she advises making a list so you can shop with intention.
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A Deep Digital Clean
It’s not only our homes that need spring cleaning, but our digital devices, too. The National Cybersecurity Alliance suggests updating your passwords and using a free password manager to create and track strong passwords; delete smartphone apps you aren’t using; update the software used on your phone, smart TVs, computers, browsers and other electronics; and backup your data, like photos, which should be done often.
Paper clutter and lingering “to-do” piles
Roberson suggests spring into summer is a natural checkpoint to clear out old mail, school papers, receipts and unfinished piles.
“Checking things off of your list before summer will make the season more enjoyable,” she says.
Susan Barnes is a journalist and public relations consultant with over 20 years of experience. She has written for AARP, AFAR, Southern Living, Forbes Vetted, and more.
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