Spring Refresh for Forgotten Spaces: Closet, Pantry and More

Spring is the perfect time to tackle those forgotten spaces around your home that have been neglected far too long. A fresh spring cleaning is just what you need to declutter, organize, and refresh closets, pantries, and other often overlooked areas. Follow this guide to get forgotten home spaces sparkling clean and clutter-free for the warmer weather ahead.

Take Stock of Closets and Determine Your Goals

Closets easily become disorganized catchalls over time. Before diving into a closet refresh, take stock of what’s inside each closet and determine your goals.

• What do you want to accomplish? Decluttering, reorganizing, installing new storage solutions? Clearly define your aims so your efforts stay focused.

• Do an inventory. Note which areas need decluttering or reorganizing and which closets should get deeper cleaning.

• Assess storage needs. Look for wasted space and opportunities for improved storage solutions. Measure shelves and walls to find the right organizers.

With clear goals set, you can tackle closets methodically and efficiently.

Declutter Closets Ruthlessly

Decluttering is the critical first step to a successful closet refresh. Be ruthless about eliminating what you no longer wear, need, or want. Ask yourself:

• When was the last time I wore this? If you can’t remember, it’s probably time to let it go.

• Does this still fit? Ill-fitting clothes take up space better used for items you actually wear.

• Do I have multiples I don’t need? Keep favorites and donate the rest.

• Am I holding onto this for sentimental reasons? Take photos of special items then pass them on.

Hold each item and if you have hesitation, put it in a donation box. Clothes not worn in a over a year, damaged goods, mismatched singles – toss them all. Your pared down closet will feel instantly more spacious and organized.

Deep Clean Closet Surfaces and Empty Spaces

With clutter cleared out, now you can do a deep clean.

• Wipe down shelves with a mild cleaner and dry completely.

• Vacuum floors to remove dust bunnies and dirt.

• Clean walls, doors, trim with appropriate cleaners.

• Wash closet curtains or switch them out for fresh ones.

• Launder clothing storage. Wash or dry clean clothing storage like sweater boxes.

• Clean out drawers and empties. Don’t forget to clean newly emptied drawers, cubbies, and shelves.

A thorough deep clean eradicates dust and grime so everything looks fresh.

Install Closet Storage and Organizers

Maximize your cleaned out closet space with new storage and organizers tailored to your needs. Consider:

Shelving

• Sturdy shelving units for shoes, folded clothes, accessories. Measure first!

• Custom closets with adjustable shelving and rods if remodeling.

Hanging Storage

• Additional rods and shelves for hanging clothes. Double hang space!

• Cedar hangers or hangers with clips to hang multiple items.

• Tie and belt racks for accessories.

Drawers

• Drawer organizers for sorting folded clothes, undergarments, and accessories.

• Clear plastic bins for see-through storage.

• Small organizers for jewelry, makeup, and more.

Bonus tip: Install lighting so you can see everything in back corners! Proper closet storage makes it easier to maintain organization long term.

Organize and Categorize Closet Contents

Now it’s time to put everything back in an organized fashion.

By Category

Group like items together:

• Short sleeve shirts
• Long sleeve shirts
• Dresses
• Pants
• Jackets and coats

By Color

Rainbow organize clothing and accessories. It looks pretty and makes finding things easy.

By Frequency of Use

Most used items at eye level and lesser worn things up higher or lower.

By Season

Store off-season clothes away from current season fashions.

Whatever method you choose, be consistent in categorizing clothes, shoes, and accessories for intuitive retrieval.

Maintain Closet Organization

A few habits keep freshly organized closets from regressing back into disarray:

• Put things back promptly – don’t let clutter accumulate again

• Do occasional “sweeps” to clear out newfound clutter and donation items

• Reassess before seasons change and rotate clothing

• Adjust storage if needed as closet contents evolve

• Declutter again at least annually to clear excess

With consistent maintenance and decluttering, closets stay clean, clutter-free, and a pleasure to use all year long.

Pantry Purge and Restock

An overstuffed, disorganized pantry leads to food expiring unused. Follow these steps to refresh your pantry for maximum efficiency.

Toss Expired Foods

• Check expiration dates and discard anything past its prime.

• Donate unopened non-perishables to a local food bank.

• Compost expired foods you can’t donate.

Assess What You Actually Use

• Take note of staples your household regularly eats.

• Ditch one-off ingredients bought for a single recipe. If you don’t cook with quinoa or figs, toss them!

• Evaluate duplicates. Keep one jar of your favorite pasta sauce and donate the rest.

Clean Shelves and Storage

• Remove everything from shelves and fully wipe down.

• Check for freeloaders like crumbs and spills. Vacuum or sweep floors.

• Consider new storage options like clear canisters or shelf risers.

Shop for Essentials

• Restock staples DO: my family loves brown rice and peanut butter.

• Avoid temptation buys DONT: we never eat artichoke hearts.

• Buy only what fits the space after decluttering.

Categorize and Label

• Group like items together: pastas, canned goods, snacks.

• Use clear storage so you can easily see inside.

• Label shelves or containers for what goes where.

An organized pantry makes it far easier to locate foods when cooking and meal prepping. No more buying duplicates either!

Refresh Forgotten Zones Room by Room

Target often neglected spaces beyond closets and kitchens for a whole home refresh.

Entryway

• Clear out cluttered coats closets and install storage hooks.
• Organize shoes by type on shelves or a rack.
• Declutter junk drawers and use small organizers.

Office

• Purge and reorganize desk and file drawers.
• Store supplies neatly in coordinated baskets, bins, and trays.
• File paperwork and shred unneeded documents.

Garage

• Discard or donate unused tools and sports gear.
• Use pegboards, shelves, and storage bins to organize essentials.
• Sweep and hose down floors to clean.

Bedrooms

• Declutter nightstands, dressers, and shelves of excess accessories.
• Fold and categorize clothes in drawers using dividers.
• Store out of season clothing under beds in sealed bins.

Every forgotten zone deserves your renewal attention! Open shelves and furniture make contents visible at a glance.

Enlist Help from Professional Organizers

If your clutter and disorganization feels completely overwhelming, don’t despair. Professional organizers can help you declutter, clean, and reorganize home spaces for optimal function.

• Get objective guidance from those unhindered by your emotional attachments.

• Take advantage of specialized expertise like crafting custom storage solutions.

• Receive ongoing support with habits to maintain the system.

Though hiring pros costs money, their services often save time and frustration in the long run. They also prevent clutter from creeping back in. Consider investing in a professional organizer if you’ve struggled to tackle clutter on your own.

Conclusion

Refreshing long neglected home spaces like closets, pantries, and whole rooms delivers huge satisfaction along with functional order. Follow the guidance in this article to declutter, deep clean, install organizers, categorize belongings, and form habits to maintain your efforts long term. A seasonally tidy home provides peace of mind and makes your daily life run more smoothly. Just don’t let clutter creep back in over the next year!