Summer Sort Out Tips for a Major Home Clean-out Before Summer Ends

Summer, with its long bright days and outdoor adventures, is undoubtedly one of the best times of the year. But as the season starts to wind down and we prepare for the cosy days of Autumn, it's the perfect moment to give your home a thorough refresh. Welcome to the Summer Sort Out, where I'll share tips and tricks to help you declutter, organise, and rejuvenate your living space before the summer officially bids adieu.

At this point, you might be wondering how to begin your summer cleaning extravaganza. Well, let's kick things off by reminding you that it's not just about clearing out the cobwebs but also optimising your space for a more comfortable, organised, and enjoyable living environment. And, if you find yourself with items you can't part with but don't need year round, don't fret! Self-storage in Cardiff, self-storage in Manchester, or many of our other locations, can come to the rescue for those belongings you want to keep but don't use daily.

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Step 1: Assessing the Clutter

Start your summer cleanout by assessing the clutter. It's crucial to take a good look at your home, room by room, to identify areas that need your attention. Is your wardrobe bursting at the seams with summer clothing? Is the garage a maze of forgotten sports equipment and tools? Identifying these spaces is the first step to decluttering success.

Step 2: Setting Clear Goals

Once you've identified clutter hotspots, set clear goals for your cleanout. Creating a checklist of tasks and objectives will help keep you focused and motivated. Decide what needs to be done in each area and establish a timeline for completion. Having a plan in place ensures you stay on track. Scroll to the bottom of this blog for an example checklist to get you started (simply copy and paste into your own document and print it out).

Step 3: Decluttering Strategies

Now, let's talk about decluttering strategies. There are several approaches you can take, depending on your preferences and the scale of your project. You might want to try the KonMari method, made famous by Marie Kondo, which involves keeping only items that ‘spark joy.’ Alternatively, the 4 Box method (keep, donate, recycle, toss) is a practical way to sort through your belongings. Some prefer to tackle one room at a time, preventing overwhelm and providing a sense of accomplishment with each completed space.

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Step 4: Organising and Storage Solutions

Once you've decided what to keep, it's time to organise your space effectively. Consider investing in shelving units, storage bins, and closet organisers to maximise storage potential. These tools not only help keep things tidy but also make it easier to find items when you need them. And remember, for items you don't need on a daily basis, self storage can provide a secure and convenient solution.

Step 5: Cleaning and Refreshing

After decluttering and organising, it’s time to clean and refresh your space. It’s not the most glamorous job, but you’ll feel great after it. Deep clean floors, windows, and appliances to get rid of built up grime. Adding indoor plants can also breathe life into your home, improving air quality and creating a welcoming atmosphere.

Step 6: Donating and Recycling

Consider donating items in good condition to local charities or shelters. It's a great way to give back to the community while clearing out your space. For items that can't be donated, be sure to recycle responsibly, reducing your environmental footprint.

Step 7: Preparing for the Next Season

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As we prepare to bid farewell to summer, it's also an excellent time to start thinking about storing seasonal items like summer clothing and outdoor furniture. Properly packing and storing these items will make transitioning to fall and winter smoother. We have plenty of self storage tips for your valuable items.

Step 8: Staying Organised

To maintain the newfound order in your home and smoothly transition between seasons, consider various ways to stay organised. As the Summer season gives way to Autumn and Winter, you might find yourself with a surplus of seasonal items like patio furniture, beach gear, or your collection of summer clothes. The key here is simplicity — not everything needs to be out all at once.

One effective solution is self-storage, where you can securely store seasonal items that you won't need for the upcoming months. It's a practical way to free up precious space in your home and keep your living areas clutter-free. Alternatively, you can implement a rotational system for your belongings, keeping only the items you need for the current season readily accessible in your closets and storage spaces. Under-bed storage containers and multi-functional furniture pieces can also help maximise your space while maintaining a streamlined and organised living environment. By adopting these organisational strategies, you can simplify your spaces, making it easier to find what you need and maintain an organised and clutter-free home throughout the changing seasons.

In conclusion, your summer sortout isn't just about decluttering; it's about creating a living space that enhances your quality of life. So, seize the remaining sunny days, channel your inner organiser, and get ready to welcome the colder and darker days with a rejuvenated home.

Example Cleaning Checklist

Image source: Canva

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Living Room:

Clear and declutter shelves and entertainment centre.

Recycle old magazines, newspapers and any letters hanging about.

Vacuum and deep clean carpets or rugs.

Dust and wipe down all surfaces.

Check inside the sofa.

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Kitchen:

Go through pantry/cupboards and discard expired items.

Organise kitchen cabinets and drawers.

Clean and disinfect the fridge and freezer.

Scrub the oven, hob and microwave.

Make a meal prep list for your next shop.

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Bedroom:

Sort through clothing and accessories, donating items you no longer wear.

Rotate and flip the mattress.

Clean out bedside tables and drawers.

Wash and change the bedding.

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Bathroom:

Purge expired or unused toiletries and medications.

Scrub and disinfect the shower, bathtub, and sink.

Clean mirrors.

Organise cabinets and drawers.

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Study/Office:

Organise paperwork and file important documents.

Clean computer screens and keyboards.

Donate or recycle old electronics and office supplies.

Empty and organise desk drawers.

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Children's Bedroom / Nursery:

Sort through toys and games, donating or storing items that are no longer used or have been outgrown.

Organise clothing by size and season, packing away clothes that no longer fit.

Disinfect toys and surfaces that children frequently touch.

Create a designated reading corner with age-appropriate books and cosy seating.

Evaluate the layout of the room to ensure it's safe and functional for child's age and needs.

Decorate or redecorate to match child's evolving tastes and interests.

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Garden / Outdoor Spaces:

Clean and store patio furniture.

Sweep and hose down outdoor decks or patios.

Prune overgrown plants and bushes.

Organise gardening tools and equipment.

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General:

Check fire extinguishers and smoke detectors.

Dust and clean light fixtures and ceiling fans.

Vacuum and mop floors throughout the house.

Take before and after photos to track your progress and celebrate your achievements

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Feel free to adapt this checklist to suit your specific needs and the size of your home. The key is to break down your cleanout into manageable tasks, making the process less daunting and more achievable.

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