Getting your home deep cleaned can be an incredibly refreshing experience. However, in order for deep cleaning to be most effective, it helps to declutter first. Decluttering removes excess items and clears out space, allowing your cleaning service better access to thoroughly clean your home.
As I prepare for a deep clean of my home, decluttering beforehand makes the process much smoother. Here are my top tips for cutting through the clutter before a deep clean.
Sort Through Each Room and Categorize Items
I start by going room by room and sorting items into “keep”, “donate”, “trash”, and “relocate” piles. This process helps me clearly see how much clutter has accumulated over time.
For each room, I ask myself these questions about each item:
- Do I use this often?
- Do I really need this?
- Does this spark joy?
- Would I buy this again today?
Any items I’m uncertain about keeping go into a “maybe” pile that I revisit later.
Declutter in Phases
Trying to declutter my whole home in one shot feels overwhelming. Instead, I focus on one room, closet, or zone at a time.
For example, I might spend day one decluttering my bedroom. On day two, I’ll tackle the kitchen. Taking it step-by-step makes the process much more manageable.
Donate, Sell, or Trash Items
Once I’ve sorted items to keep and declutter, I further divide my declutter piles into donate, sell, and trash.
Donate: I donate gently used clothes, shoes, accessories, books, toys, and household items to local charities. This clears out space while benefitting others.
Sell: For any valuable items I’m ready to part with, I sell them through online platforms. This allows me to make a little extra cash in the process.
Trash: Broken, worn out, or unwanted items get thrown away or recycled. Tossing the clutter feels great!
Deep Clean Drawers, Cabinets, and Closets
In addition to decluttering main living spaces, I also tackle drawers, cabinets, and closets. These storge zones easily become jam-packed with stuff we don’t need.
As I edit down my closets, I box up out-of-season clothes like heavy winter coats in summer. I only keep items I’ve worn in the past year. Anything else gets donated.
For kitchen cabinets, I take out all the food packages, dishes, and cookware. I wipe down the empty cabinets before restocking only what I use regularly. Under the sink gets cleaned out too. Same for bathroom cabinets and vanities.
By fully decluttering concealed storage spaces, I free up room and prevent forgotten clutter buildup.
Schedule Pickups for Large Items
When I have larger furniture, appliances, or other bulky items to remove, I schedule pickups through charities, recycling centers, or trash collection services.
Many charities even offer free pickups when they can collect donated furniture or household goods to resell. This saves me time and hassle trying to transport large items on my own.
Create Home for Everything
The final step I take in my decluttering process is giving every remaining item a proper home. I don’t want my organizing efforts to be undone by new clutter piling up.
To prevent this, I add storage furniture like shelves, bins, drawers, and baskets to keep items neatly organized. Proper storage helps me maintain an orderly, clutter-free home.
Enjoy a Rejuvenated Space
What a difference decluttering makes! I feel lighter and refreshed seeing tidy, open spaces. The decluttering process requires dedication, but the results are well worth it.
With less clutter in the way, my home is so much easier for my cleaning professionals to access and thoroughly clean. My deep cleaning sessions are faster, more effective, and affordable without excess belongings and knickknacks getting in the way.
The renewed cleanliness and organization continue fueling my motivation to keep clutter from creeping back in. Maintaining the decluttered spaces becomes a regular routine, so I can enjoy restful, tidy rooms.
Decluttering before a deep clean takes effort, but the rewards are plentiful. Give it a try and experience the benefits yourself! Let the clutter-cutting begin.
