Spring Cleaning Checklist: What to Keep, What to Toss & What to Put in Storage

Spring has a way of making everything feel fresh—until you open a closet or garage and remember just how much stuff you’ve been holding onto. Spring cleaning is your chance to hit reset: clear out the clutter, give your space a deep clean, and make room for the things you actually use and love.

That’s where a little organization (and a smart storage plan) comes in. Storing seasonal or seldom-used items helps protect them while freeing up valuable space in your home, without forcing you to part with things you still need.

Not sure where to start? This room-by-room spring cleaning checklist makes it easy. Use it to decide what to keep, what to toss, and what to move into storage so your home feels lighter, cleaner, and ready for the season ahead.

Deep Cleaning 101

Spring cleaning isn’t just about scrubbing—it’s about hitting the reset button on your home. Clearing out the extra stuff that’s taking up space, reorganizing what you want to keep, and giving your rooms a thorough clean can make your space feel bigger, brighter, and more inviting.

But before you roll up your sleeves, a quick shopping trip (or a walk around your home) can make sure you’re fully prepared.

Materials & Tools You’ll Need

To make decluttering and deep cleaning easier, gather all the supplies you’ll need. Think of it as your spring cleaning toolkit!

For decluttering and organizing:

• Cardboard boxes or storage bins

• Labels and markers

• Packing tape (if using cardboard boxes)

• Dollies and straps (to move heavy items safely)

• Moving blankets

• Furniture sliders

For cleaning your refreshed space:

• Gloves

• Microfiber cloths or paper towels

• Sponges

• Trash bags

• Vacuum

• Mop and bucket

• Your favorite cleaning products (whether you’re team vinegar & baking soda or team bleach & foam cleaner—we won’t judge!)

Room-by-Room Spring Cleaning Checklist

Spring cleaning doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Think of it as a fun way to refresh your home, reclaim space, and decide what to keep, toss, or store. Use this walkthrough guide and room-by-room checklist below to tackle your house efficiently and stress-free.

1. Entryway

Your entryway is the first impression of your home—make it welcoming and clutter-free.

Steps to clean your entryway:

• Sweep and mop floors

• Sanitize door handles

• Wipe walls, doors, and baseboards

• Dust light fixtures and consoles

• Organize jackets, shoes, and outdoor accessories

Quick Tip: Rotate out winter coats, hats, and scarves for the season.

Foyer Keep / Toss / Store:

• Keep: Everyday essentials (shoes, light jackets, etc.)

• Toss/Donate: Old shoes, outgrown or unused coats

• Store: Seasonal coats or holiday apparel and decorations

2. Kitchen

A clean kitchen sets the tone for your home. Spring is the perfect time to refresh both appliances and countertops.

Deep-clean steps:

• Clean oven, stovetop, microwave (inside and out)

• Dust refrigerator coils and wipe the interior

• Wipe cabinets, countertops, and backsplash

• Declutter the pantry and discard expired food

• Clean small appliances

• Degrease and disinfect all surfaces

Quick Tip: Create a weekly or biweekly kitchen cleaning schedule to stay on top of food expiry dates in the future.

Kitchen Keep / Toss / Store:

• Keep: Everyday cookware and frequently used appliances

• Toss/Donate: Duplicate utensils, expired food

• Store: Seasonal bakeware, rarely used gadgets

3. Dining Room

Reset your dining space for meals, gatherings, and everyday life.

Steps to refresh:

• Dust and polish furniture

• Wash or replace table linens and napkins

• Clean windows, blinds, and window sills

Quick Tip: Put all of the holiday decorations, utensils, and dinnerware in the same storage box for easy access next year.

Dining Room Keep / Toss / Store:

• Keep: Daily dining items

• Toss/Donate: Chipped dishware, unused decor

• Store: Holiday dinnerware, special linens

4. Bathroom

Bathrooms get heavy use—regular cleaning keeps them sanitary and organized.

Steps to deep-clean:

• Clean shower, bathtub, sinks, mirrors, and grout

• Discard expired cosmetics, toiletries, and medications

• Replace the shower liner

• Wash bath mats and towels

• Remove and wash the shower curtain

Quick Tip: Antibacterial products help kill germs effectively.

Bathroom Keep / Toss / Store:

• Keep: Daily essentials

• Toss: Old & expired products

• Store: Seasonal decorations 

Quick Tip: Use drawer organizers, Lazy Susans, and multi-tiered shelves underneath sinks and in your pull-out drawers to keep cosmetics and hygiene products organized.

5. Bedrooms

A refreshed bedroom promotes better sleep and reduces allergens.

Steps to clean:

• Wash bedding and linens

• Flip or rotate mattresses

• Organize closets and drawers

• Dust furniture and window treatments

• Clean windows

Pro tip: Vacuum mattresses before flipping to remove debris.

Bedroom Keep / Toss / Store:

• Keep: Everyday clothing and bedding

• Toss/Donate: Clothes not worn in 12+ months

• Store: Off-season clothing, extra bedding

6. Living Room

The hub of your home—make it welcoming and organized.

Steps to clean:

• Dust and polish furniture

• Dust decor and electronics

• Wash throw pillows, blankets, and slipcovers

• Vacuum floors, rugs, and carpets

Living Room Keep / Toss / Store:

• Keep: Items used regularly

• Toss/Donate: Outdated decor

• Store: Seasonal decor, extra furniture

7. Home Office

A clean workspace boosts focus and productivity.

Steps to clean:

• Organize files

• Shred unneeded paperwork

• Dust furniture and electronics

• Sanitize keyboard and mouse

Office Keep / Toss / Store:

• Keep: Essential office supplies

• Toss/Donate: Old paperwork, broken equipment

• Store: Rarely used reference materials, archived files

Quick Tip: Make sure you shred or otherwise destroy all unused sensitive files.

8. Laundry/Utility Room

Laundry rooms get heavy use. They’re also the place where you clean your everyday wear. Here’s how you can keep them clean and organized.

Steps to clean:

• Clean washing machine and dryer, including vents and lint traps

• Wipe walls and mop floors

• Organize cleaning supplies

Laundry Room Keep / Toss / Store:

• Keep: Everyday laundry essentials

• Toss/Donate: Empty bottles, old sponges, broken tools

• Store: Seasonal cleaning items, bulk supplies

9. Garage

Don’t neglect the garage when spring cleaning time comes. Having a clean garage that’s free of clutter can give you more room to use it for storage or projects. 

Steps to clean:

• Sweep and air out space

• Wash windows and sills

• Declutter tools, sporting equipment, and seasonal gear

• Organize with labeled bins

Garage Keep / Toss / Store:

• Keep: Everyday tools, frequently used outdoor gear

• Toss: Broken tools, expired chemicals

• Store: Seasonal items, lawn/garden equipment not in use

10. Outdoor Spaces

Your outdoor patio and yard spaces deserve some spring cleaning, too. Keeping your outdoor spaces clean can prevent allergen buildup and make your home feel more inviting.

Steps to clean:

• Sweep or blow away pollen, dirt, and debris

• Power wash cement, brick, or wood

• Scrub and rinse outdoor furniture

• Clean gutters

Outdoor Keep / Toss / Store:

• Keep: Functional patio furniture, working lawn equipment, usable tools, and outdoor items in good condition

• Toss: Broken, rusted, moldy, expired, or unusable outdoor items like damaged cushions, cracked planters, or nonworking tools

• Donate: Furniture, tools, toys, decor, and equipment you no longer need

• Store: Family heirlooms, seasonal decor, or collectibles you don’t need around the house, but don’t want to toss or donate

Check out these tips for decluttering closets, basements, and sheds!

How to use:

• Check the Decluttered box once you’ve sorted items to keep, toss, or store.

• Check the Cleaned box once you’ve finished cleaning the room.

Ready to find a suitable storage solution near you? Use our directory to find your local Storage Star!

Tips for Downsizing & Deciding What to Store

Downsizing doesn’t have to be stressful—it’s really just about taking a good, honest look at what you actually use. Ask yourself: How often do I reach for this? Is it something I truly need, or just something I’ve been holding onto out of habit?

Once you’ve decided what to keep, the next step is figuring out how and where to store it. Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:

Tips for maximizing storage:

• Use clear bins and labels to find items quickly

• Group by season, holiday, or category for easy access

• Once everything is organized and labeled, plan your placement – whether garage, attic, or storage unit, you’ll need a dedicated space that’s out of the way, yet still easily accessible to keep your boxes organized

• If you decide to rent a storage unit, measure everything to help you pick the right storage size

By keeping what you use, storing what you want, and donating or discarding the rest, you can reclaim your space without losing anything important.

Benefits of Off-Site Storage for Home Organization

Off-site storage can be a game-changer when organizing your home, giving you the flexibility to declutter while keeping your items safe. Here are some key benefits:

1. Free Up Space at Home

• Store seasonal clothing, holiday decorations, or sports gear.

• Keep your living areas tidy and uncluttered.

• Create extra room for new furniture or hobbies.

2. Protect Valuable or Sentimental Items

• Climate-controlled units prevent damage from heat, cold, or humidity.

• Secure storage keeps your items safe from theft or accidental damage.

• Ideal for furniture, family heirlooms, collectibles, or electronics.

3. Simplify Seasonal Swaps

• Rotate items in and out as the seasons change (like winter coats or summer gear).

• Keep your home ready for each season without cramming closets or garages.

4. Reduce Stress During Home Projects

• Declutter before renovations, remodeling, or hosting guests.

• Store bulky furniture temporarily to create more workspace.

5. Flexible Storage Options

• Short-term or long-term rentals fit your schedule.

• Units come in different sizes to suit small, medium, or large items.

• Access your storage whenever you need it.

6. Better Organization Overall

• Group items by category, season, or household member.

• Use bins, labels, and shelving to make retrieval easy.

• Maintain a clean, functional home year-round without sacrificing important belongings.

Storage Unit Size Q&A

How Big of a Storage Unit Do I Need for Seasonal Items or Furniture?

Start by measuring your furniture and other large items. Then think about how many things you need to store. Storage Star has a variety of unit sizes, so you can find one that fits your needs—big or small. Find the Storage Star closest to you to see what units are available to rent. 

Does Storage Star Offer Short-Term Rentals?

Yes! We offer month-to-month leases, so you can rent for as long (or as short) as you need. Plus, managing your rental online is simple and convenient.

Can I Store Large Furniture or Appliances?

Absolutely! Storage Star is perfect for bulky items like couches, mattresses, or appliances. Depending on the size, you might need one of our larger units, but we’ll help you find the right fit.

What Items Are Best Stored During Spring Cleaning?

Think seasonal or holiday décor, sentimental items, rotated toys, and books—anything you love but don’t need every day. If you want to store bulky furniture while you do your deep clean, we can help there, too!

How Do I Choose the Right Storage Unit Size?

You’ve got options: our friendly team can help over the phone, or you can use our website to find the right size based on your belongings.

Check out our Storage Unit Size Guide for detailed sizing help.

Get Fresh, Clean, and Organized With Storage Star

A tidy space makes life feel lighter—and a clear home makes for a clear mind!

Off-site storage is a simple way to keep your home organized and clutter-free while keeping your belongings safe. Whether you need a unit for a few months or longer, spring is the perfect time to transform your home.

Make your spring cleaning stress-free: find a Storage Star near you and give your home the extra space it deserves.