As winter fades and the warmth of spring emerges (at least in some parts of the world), many of us are already planning our annual spring cleaning for 2025. While dust settling on bookshelves and in forgotten corners of the house since Christmas may be reason enough to start tidying up, spring cleaning is about more than just getting rid of clutter. It’s an opportunity to reassess whether you truly use the items you keep accumulating and to declutter both your physical and digital spaces—something that can work wonders for your home and mental wellbeing.

In recent years, with many people embracing hybrid work setups since COVID-19, the way we approach cleaning has changed. Many of us have learned to ‘clean as we go’ rather than waiting for a specific weekend or month to tackle the entire house. Yet, the classic last-minute cleaning frenzy before guests arrive remains a common habit. And let’s be honest—how many of us have packed up donation boxes with the best intentions, only to find them still sitting in the dining room months later, waiting to be taken to the charity shop?

To help you make the most of this seasonal refresh, here people from different parts of the world share their best tips on tackling spring cleaning efficiently, ensuring it’s time well spent rather than an overwhelming chore.

Time-set clean-ups helps

“As a mom of three small children and small business owner, it’s tough to find time for tackling large cleaning and home organization tasks. That’s why I have systems I use throughout the year to stay on top of these things. My favorite year-round spring cleaning tips include Time-set clean-ups: It’s amazing what I can get done in only 5-10 minutes! I’ll often set a timer and tackle one thing like refrigerator clean-out. I also have a daily mantra in our household: I remind my family that we need to “put things AWAY instead of putting them DOWN.” This mantra is an easy reminder and the directive is so clear. I even hear my kids remind each other of this from time to time!

Rachael Fritz, Parenting Coach, Parenting on Mars

Include digital decluttering in your Spring cleaning

Spring cleaning isn’t just a once-a-year event for me–it’s more of a seasonal refresh. I do a deep clean every few months, usually at the start of each season, to reset my space and get rid of clutter before it piles up. This helps keep things manageable instead of waiting for one massive overhaul in the spring. I also swear by digital decluttering; every few months, I clean up old emails, organize files, and unsubscribe from newsletters I no longer read. A clean space (and inbox!) makes a huge difference in feeling organized and refreshed year-round.

Hamzah Khadim, SEO Expert, Logik Digital

Declutter Regularly for Productivity

“One tip I swear by is tackling one area at a time. I start small–maybe my desk or a single drawer–rather than overwhelming myself with the entire space. I also apply the same principle to my digital files, organizing emails and clearing out old documents. These smaller, focused efforts throughout the year help me stay organized without feeling like I’m constantly “cleaning.” It keeps everything fresh and efficient, and I feel more in control of my environment.”

Nikita Sherbina, Co-Founder & CEO, AIScreen

Spring Cleaning can Boost Creativity

“Spring cleaning is my thing year-round! About once every three months, I take a weekend to refresh my home and workspace. It helps clear my head and boosts my creativity, especially when filming new UGC videos. Decluttering is key-donating unused items and organizing gear into clear bins keeps everything in sight and easy to grab. My top tip is to tackle one room at a time and film short clips while cleaning! Not only will you end up with a spotless space, but you’ll also have fun, authentic content to share. People love relatable before-and-after videos, which makes tidying feel rewarding and motivating. Cleaning becomes a creative session instead of a chore.”

Natalia Lavrenenko, UGC Manager, Rathly

Use the One In, One Out Rule

Instead of treating spring cleaning as a once-a-year chore, I consider it an ongoing process throughout the year. I use the “one in, one out” rule, which means: whenever I acquire something new, I must discard or get rid of something old.

I extend spring cleaning beyond the physical spaces I organize to my finances and mental well-being, which in turn involves reviewing subscriptions, deleting in-box clutter, and setting personal goals. A fresh start does not have to occur in spring, but can happen whenever you feel like, throughout the entire year.

Ollie Smith, CEO, VATcalculators

 Food storage and boxes for donations

“I deep clean my house once or twice a year, at least once during springtime. I start by thoroughly cleaning and organizing our food storage area, removing expired items, and setting deadlines for using up less frequently used ingredients. I also save boxes for donations and aim to fill at least three of them every year. To make cleaning days easier, I plan simple meals like crockpot recipes that I can cook while I prepare our home for the warmer months ahead

Mina Daryoushfar, President & CEO, Rug Source

Regular Cleaning Keeps Home Organized

“I make a habit of doing spring cleaning about four to five times a year to keep my home organized and clutter-free. Each time, I go through my closets, drawers, and shelves, looking for items I haven’t used in the past year. If I haven’t touched something in that long, I usually get rid of it, either by donating or recycling it. This process helps prevent unnecessary clutter from building up and makes my space feel fresher and more manageable. By doing this regularly, I stay on top of things and make sure my home stays clean and organized throughout the year.”

Evan McCarthy, President and CEO, SportingSmiles

Have your own checklist

“One effective tip for staying on top of spring cleaning is to create a checklist tailored to your home and lifestyle needs. This can help ensure no area is overlooked—from dusting off ceiling fans to deep cleaning the carpets. Some also find it helpful to break the task into smaller, more manageable chunks, spreading them out over several weekends instead of cramming everything into a single Spring Cleaning day.”

Alex Cornici, Writer, The Traveler

Break Up Cleaning to Stay Organized

“I don’t wait for spring to do a deep clean–I break it up throughout the year to keep things manageable. Every few weeks, I tackle small decluttering projects, like sorting through one drawer or clearing out old papers, so I’m never overwhelmed by a massive cleanup. When spring does come around, it’s more about refreshing my space with lighter fabrics, open windows, and a shift in energy rather than an exhausting, all-day scrub.”

Claudia Mora, Senior Marketing Co-ordinator, Richards-Wilcox Canada

Include external areas in your Spring cleaning

“A strategy I apply is conducting targeted deep cleans during transitional weather periods. For instance, after the heavy rains in Sacramento, gutter cleaning becomes essential, and a full exterior wash can prevent buildups that might lead to damage or deterioration over time. This allows us to maintain the aesthetic and structural integrity of properties, showcasing a professional touch that clients appreciate. Moreover, handling detailed tasks like washing windows systematically, twice annually, helps in preserving their quality and improves the overall appearance of a home or business.

Integrate decluttering sessions into your routine. While spring is traditionally seen as the prime time, making it an ongoing process minimizes stress later. Even simple tasks like clearing out gutters or cleaning dryer vents not only prevent potential fire hazards but also improve the longevity of your home’s infrastructure.”

Kelly Salas, Owner, Sierra Vista Maintenance