But this month is perfect for preventing that springtime chaos.
Three pro organizers, Samantha Brown, Kenika Williams, and Liz Jenkins, shared with Southern Living the key items to toss ASAP so your spring cleaning flows smoother, faster, and with less stress.
Expired and Unneeded Pantry Staples
The pantry is often the spot we keep putting off organizing and cleaning “until next time.” But late February or early March is actually a great moment to take a good look.
Samantha Brown recommends tossing: expired canned goods, flours, spices, leftover holiday ingredients (like gingerbread spice or decorative sugar), and single-use party plates and napkins you’ve been hoarding.
Think about those leftover baking ingredients from Christmas or the “might come in handy” items after New Year’s parties. If you realistically won’t use them by Easter, it’s probably time to let them go.
Old Magazines and Paper Piles
December and January are prime planning and vision board months. Kenika Williams notes that many buy magazines for inspiration, but later those stacks just collect dust.
If this sounds familiar or you have a backlog of old magazines, ask yourself:
- Will I really flip through this again?
- Have I already clipped what interested me?
- Am I just keeping it out of habit?
Old women’s magazines, home decor issues, and flyers can quickly create visual clutter. Snap photos or tear out valuable articles, then recycle the rest selectively.
Packed but Unclaimed Donation Bags
Sound familiar? You eagerly sorted clothes and toys in January, but the bags are still waiting in the entryway or car trunk. Williams says as long as they’re there, they mentally “take up space.”
Set a clear deadline:
- Who will you give the outgrown kids’ clothes to?
- When will you drop them off at the donation center?
Clearing physical space brings mental relief—and that’s especially welcome before spring.
Holiday Decor You No Longer Love
If you rushed taking down holiday decorations or just tossed them in a box, now’s the time to sort. This quieter season means less rush, so you can decide calmly and let go of items like:
- broken ornaments,
- burnt-out or tangled string lights,
- unused wrapping paper,
- decor you no longer vibe with.
Storage space is pure gold. Don’t let items that belong in the “used to love” category take it up.
Bring Out Spring-Summer Gear — and Toss Worn-Out Pieces
It might still be chilly, but spring is coming fast. Liz Jenkins suggests checking your gear for the upcoming season now:
- outgrown spring coats for the kids,
- torn bath towels,
- broken outdoor toys,
- and worn-out suitcases that just take up space.
Sorting now means you won’t scramble for a new swimsuit or travel bag on the first warm weekend. This mindful prep is key to a stress-free spring.
Toys and Games Nobody Touches
A rainy weekend indoors is perfect for sorting through toys. Jenkins calls this a “joyful declutter” because it quickly shows what the family loves and what’s been untouched for years.
Questions to help decide:
- Is the puzzle complete?
- Do we actually play this game?
- Is it still age-appropriate for the kids?
Leave the freed-up space empty for a while. No need to fill it right away.
Why Now? The Psychology of February/Early March Organizing
The end of winter is a natural transition. We crave freshness but haven’t yet plunged into spring’s hustle. It’s the perfect moment to:
- reduce visual clutter,
- reflect on what we truly need,
- and avoid the classic spring cleaning stress.
If you tackle just one area each week, by the end of March your home will feel noticeably lighter and more organized.
The goal isn’t perfection but mindful space-making. Let go of what no longer serves you and make room for what brings joy, function, and calm to your life.
