No matter what the groundhogs have predicted, spring is just around the corner. It’s the perfect time to reassess your home, refresh your space, and make small but meaningful changes that will set you up for an enjoyable and stress-free summer.
A little effort now will make a world of difference. Create a home that feels lighter and functions more smoothly in the coming months with time-saving hacks from this busy mom of two, entrepreneur, and home organizing expert.
The transition between winter and spring often brings a shift in lifestyle — more time outdoors, a change in wardrobe, and a different approach to how we use our spaces. Instead of waiting until the warmer months arrive, start by focusing on these three key areas of the home to set yourself up for an effortless transition into spring and summer.
Outgrown kids’ clothes
As winter winds down, it’s the perfect time to clear out the cold-weather clothing your children have outgrown. Before you simply pack away everything for next year, take a moment to assess what won’t fit next season. Outgrown clothing doesn’t need to take up valuable storage space — this is the ideal time to let it go.
Instead of waiting for the seasonal swap to overwhelm you, start a simple donation system that makes decluttering easy and ongoing. One of the most effective strategies to stay ahead of seasonal transitions is to keep a labelled donation bin in each child’s closet. As you do laundry or sort through clothing, take note of anything that no longer fits and toss these items into the donation bin immediately rather than letting them pile up in drawers or closets. By the end of the season, you’ll have a neatly curated collection ready to donate, pass on, or repurpose — without the stress of sorting everything at once.
If you have younger children, consider setting up a separate bin for hand-me-downs. This will keep your storage spaces organized and make it easier to transition clothes between siblings without cluttering up closets.
The mudroom or entryway
Winter gear has a way of accumulating in the mudroom. Between scattered boots, mismatched gloves, and bulky coats, this space can quickly become a cluttered mess. Before you fully transition into spring, take stock of what you actually use. Are there gloves missing their match? A stack of scarves you never reached for? Boots that have seen better days?
Start by emptying out all baskets, hooks, and shelves. Sort items into three categories:
- Keep — Only hold onto the essentials that fit, are in good condition, and will still be useful next winter.
- Donate — Pass along gently used coats, hats, and accessories your family has outgrown.
- Discard — Toss anything worn out, damaged, or no longer useful.
Fasten hooks or a small coat rack to the back of the closet door at your kids’ eye level so they can hang their coats after school. Purchase a mitt and boot dryer to place wet gear so it airs out overnight using your floor heaters. Ensure you have a nice, large entryway doormat to keep slushy boots from tracking in snow or mud that can be rolled up and stored in summer.
Once you’ve streamlined your winter gear, take a moment to prep the space for spring. Make room for raincoats, umbrellas, splash pants, and lighter jackets so your entryway stays functional and tidy as the seasons change.
A small, manageable space
Spring cleaning doesn’t have to mean an entire home overhaul. In fact, the best approach is to start small. Choose one contained area — whether it’s a single drawer, a bathroom cabinet, or your kitchen pantry — and declutter using the three-bin method:
- Keep — items you use and love.
- Donate — items in good condition that no longer serve you. Great local places to consider donating to are Value Village, Cornerstone, and Diabetes Canada. The latter will even drive to your house and pick up your donated items. Once Upon a Child is an alternative and buys good-condition items including children’s clothes, shoes and toys. It is not a donation centre.
- Discard — anything expired, broken, or unusable.
If you’re not sure where to start, ask yourself: What space do I interact with daily that could use a refresh? Tackling one small area — even one drawer at a time — will build momentum and help you feel accomplished without the overwhelm of a whole-house purge.
Whether you prefer to tackle your organizing projects on your own or could use some expert guidance, taking time now to refresh these key areas will make your transition into spring and summer much smoother. A well-organized home allows you to spend less time searching for things and more time enjoying the season ahead — whether it’s relaxed mornings with the family, spontaneous outdoor adventures, or simply having a calm, clutter-free space to unwind.
Tania Vieira is the founder of The Perfect Square Organizing Company. The certified professional organizer is passionate about helping families and businesses create functional, beautiful spaces. She specializes in organizing homes, downsizing, and rightsizing for families, and offering corporate organizing services to improve workplace efficiency.