Daylight savings always gives me that “okay… it’s time” feeling. The days get longer, the sun shows up more, and suddenly I want my home to feel lighter too. Not perfect. Not Pinterest-perfect. Just… refreshed.
When I say “spring cleaning,” I don’t mean a quick tidy or swapping pillowcases. I mean the stuff we don’t always get to—cleaning under the couch, washing throws, wiping sticky fridge shelves, tackling the bathroom corners, and finally dealing with the clutter zones that quietly annoy us all year. In keeping things simple, I tend to stick with a handful of products I use again and again. If you’d like to see what I keep on hand, you can read my post on my favorite low-tox cleaning products.
As I’m cleaning, I also like to declutter (and sometimes lightly organize). This isn’t a full-on decluttering or organizing post, but if you’re like me, spring cleaning is the perfect time to let things go as you go. The less you have, the easier it is to stay organized—and the less there is to clean.
This is a room-by-room spring reset guide plus a bonus list of the most common problem areas (because sometimes the junk drawer is the real villain). Do this at your own pace—one room per weekend works beautifully.
Want the printable version? I made a FREE Spring Reset Guide you can have sent straight to your email so you can print it out and check things off.
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The Best Way to Use This Guide
If you’re busy (same), weekend resets are the easiest way to make progress without burning out. Pick one main room per weekend, and if you have extra time, choose one “problem area” to tackle too.
And if you only have 30 minutes? Start anyway. A partial reset still makes a difference—and I know I always feel better when I at least begin.
Quick Reset Rules That Keep You Moving
Keep these in mind as you work through each room:
- Trash bag + donation bag during every room reset
- Relocate basket: anything that belongs elsewhere goes in one basket, then you walk it around once at the end
- One-container rule: if a category doesn’t fit in its bin/shelf, it’s a cue to declutter
- Put it back better: wipe the space, then put items back with a little breathing room
Room-by-Room Spring Cleaning Checklist
1) Entryway / Mudroom
Oh, how I wish we had a designated mudroom. I don’t know what builder decided that we Michiganders don’t need a full-on mudroom for these crazy seasons. If you have one, I envy you. One day, hopefully we will.
The entryway sets the tone for the whole house. If this space is chaotic, everything feels chaotic.
- Pull everything out of the drop zone (shoes, coats, backpacks, random stuff)
- Donate outgrown or unused gear (especially winter accessories)
- Switch out seasonal gear and store what you don’t need right now
- Wipe down doors, handles, hooks, light switches, and walls
- Shake out or wash entry mats/rugs (and clean boot trays if you use them)
- Sweep/vacuum, then mop thoroughly (including corners and baseboards)
- Reset the space: put back only what you actually use weekly; store the rest
2) Living Room
We’re what you’d call a “living room family”—we do most things together around each other. Think: watching TV, reading books on the couch, board games and card games, working on the computer, toys strewn about. So while this room needs a daily reset, a spring deep clean makes it feel so refreshed.
- Clear surfaces and gather anything that doesn’t belong (cups, toys, papers, cords)
- Vacuum under couch cushions and between cushions
- Wash couch cushion covers (if they unzip) and spot clean armrests
- Clean under the couch (yes—move it if you can) and pick up anything hiding underneath
- Wipe down high-touch spots (controllers, light switches, door handles)
- Dust/wipe shelves, TV stand, lamps, decor, and baseboards
- Wash throw blankets and pillow covers (or at least the most-used ones)
- Put away heavy winter blankets and bring out lighter throws
- Vacuum edges, corners, and behind furniture
- Sweep/vacuum, then mop floors and baseboards
- Quick window wipe for fingerprints
3) Kitchen
The kitchen is where spring cleaning matters most because it impacts daily life immediately. A fridge clean-out alone can change your whole week.
Like I said earlier, I love to declutter as I clean—and the kitchen is one of the best places to do it. Take a quick look through your cabinets and pull anything you no longer use or love. It feels so good to see cleaner, more organized cabinets.
- Clear counters completely, wipe down, then only put back what belongs
- Deep clean microwave (inside and outside)
- Clean stovetop, knobs, backsplash, and the front of the oven
- Clean inside of the oven (even if it’s just a quick reset)
- Wipe cabinet fronts and handles (especially near the stove)
- Fridge reset: toss expired food, wipe shelves/drawers, wipe door seals, regroup items
- Freezer reset: toss old items, wipe crumbs, regroup by category
- Wipe down outside of appliances
- Deep clean dishwasher and run a cleaning cycle
- Wipe pantry shelves (even one or two sections helps!)
- Clean sink + faucet
- Wipe down dining table and chairs
- Shake out and spot clean/wash rugs or mats
- Sweep thoroughly and mop, focusing on edges and under the table
4) Bathrooms
With two boys (and a husband), our bathrooms definitely need a deep clean every once in a while. If I don’t stay on it, they get stinky fast. Bathrooms collect grime in the corners and behind things—this reset is about getting it truly clean, not just “looks okay.”
- Declutter counters and drawers (toss empties, old products, duplicates)
- Clean mirror and wipe sink/faucet area
- Deep clean toothbrush holders and counter items
- Deep clean toilet (including base and behind it)
- Scrub tub/shower (walls + floor + the gross corners)
- Change out and wash bath mats, rugs, shower curtains/liners, and hand towels
- Wipe down door handles, light switches, and cabinet fronts
- Under-sink reset: wipe the cabinet and group items before putting back
- Sweep and mop thoroughly
- Restock toilet paper and toiletries
5) Linen Closet Reset
We don’t have huge bathrooms, so our linen closet gets used constantly. We store daily towels, beach towels, sheets, hair tools, backup toiletries, medicines and supplements, first aid, essential oils, and travel items (and I’m sure I’m missing something). So it needs to be maintained.
- Pull everything out (or do one shelf at a time if it’s packed)
- Match sets (sheets + pillowcases) and fold towels neatly
- Donate items you never reach for or anything mismatched/stained
- Trash expired medications, vitamins, and toiletries
- Wipe shelves down
- Put everyday items at eye level
- Create a simple backstock spot (or limit it to one bin)
- Optional: rotate seasonal bedding (put heavy winter blankets away)
6) Bedrooms
Bedrooms are one of those spaces that can quietly affect everything—sleep, mood, and stress levels. When the room feels cluttered or dusty, it’s harder to truly rest. A spring clean here doesn’t have to be complicated, but it is worth going a little deeper than the usual tidy.
- Clear surfaces and put away anything that doesn’t belong
- Wash sheets and pillowcases and comforters
- Clean under the bed (dust bunnies, missing socks, clutter)
- Dust furniture, lamps, baseboards, ceiling fans
- Vacuum or sweep and mop thoroughly
- Quick closet reset: donate 10 items or fill one small bag
7) Kids’ Rooms / Playroom
Even though I’m pretty good at decluttering toys… they STILL have so much. This is one of the quickest ways to make your home feel calmer.
- Choose one toy category or bin at a time (don’t do it all at once)
- Donate 10 toys/books (or fill one small bag)
- Trash broken toys or toys with missing parts
- Wipe shelves and bins
- Gather “random pieces” into one catch-all container (LEGO pieces, doll shoes, etc.)
- Rotate toys if you use toy rotation
- Vacuum or sweep and mop under beds and in corners
- Optional: deep clean some toys (wash stuffies, wipe wooden toys, run dishwasher-safe plastic toys)
8) Laundry Area
The laundry area is one of those spots that can start to feel chaotic fast—especially when it becomes a landing zone for random baskets, stray socks, and half-used products. A spring reset here is less about making it “pretty” and more about making it functional again.
- Clear the top of washer/dryer and toss empty containers
- Wipe detergent drips and clean lint-y areas
- Wipe any shelves and clear out any random baskets
- Restock any needed laundry items
- Do a cleaning cycle in the washer
- Vacuum behind/around machines if you can
- Reset baskets so laundry has a clear “flow”
- Create a “needs attention” bin (stains, missing socks, repairs)
- Do one load start-to-finish to get momentum back
9) Basement / Garage / Closet Storage
I know this one can be a doozy. Storage areas—whether it’s a basement, garage, or large closet—get overwhelming fast because they become the default holding zone for everything.
This isn’t about making it perfect. It’s just spring cleaning. It’s about making it better.
- Pick ONE section (a corner, one shelf unit, one wall)—don’t do the whole space
- Set a timer (30–60 minutes) so it stays contained
- Sort into 4 piles: keep / donate / trash / relocate
- Group keep items by category (holiday, tools, keepsakes, paper, etc.)
- Toss obvious trash immediately (broken items, empty boxes, mystery junk)
- Consolidate half-used bins into full bins (fewer containers = easier storage)
- Label bins or shelves so things don’t migrate back into chaos
- Optional: keep a small “outgoing donation bin” down there
10) Outdoor Areas
Once the weather starts breaking, I always want our outdoor spaces to feel fresh too—especially because we end up spending so much more time outside. This section is less about “perfect landscaping” and more about clearing winter buildup, resetting the areas we actually use, and making it easy to enjoy being outdoors again.
- Clear off porch/patio surfaces (chairs, tables, doormats, toys, random winter leftovers)
- Shake out, sweep, and/or hose down porch/patio areas
- Wipe down or wash outdoor furniture (and cushions if needed)
- Clean exterior windows/door glass (even just the fingerprints)
- Replace or clean outdoor doormat
- Quick cobweb sweep (corners, porch ceiling, light fixtures, door frames)
- Clean out porch bins (chalk, bubbles, outdoor toys) and toss broken items
- If you have one: clean the grill and check supplies
- Optional: pull out and set up seasonal items (garden, tiki torches, decor)
Want the printable version? Grab my FREE Spring Reset Guide and I’ll send it straight to your inbox so you can print it out and use it at your own pace.
Bonus: The Most Common Spring Cleaning Problem Areas
If you don’t have time for a full room reset, pick one of these. They’re small zones that make a huge difference.
Junk Drawer Reset
Empty it completely, wipe it out, toss junk and duplicates, and put away what doesn’t belong. Then create simple zones (writing tools, batteries, scissors, tools, misc). Use small containers (I’ve used small cardboard boxes that I’ve collected from miscellaneous packages) to organize. Put back only what fits.
Paper Pile / Mail Zone
Sort into recycle/shred, action, and file. Handle three action items immediately. Create one container for “to do papers” and put everything else away.
Pantry
Pull each section one by one and toss expired food and wipe the shelves. Regroup food items by type- baking, snacks, pasta, canned goods, back stock, etc. You can also take this time to declutter any small appliances or kitchen items you don’t use and then place them in an organized fashion.
Under-Sink Kitchen Cabinet
Pull everything out, toss empties and wipe down the inside of the cabinet thoroughly. Take stock of anything that needs to be refilled. Reorganize items by grouping and then putting back neatly.
Cords & Chargers
Gather them all and toss unknown and damaged. Categorize by charging type (type c, usb, etc.). Use a labeler to label by device. Store in a clear bin or zippered bag. You could also create a daily charging spot if you have a space available.
Bathroom Cabinet & Drawers
Empty one drawer or shelf at a time so it doesn’t feel overwhelming. Toss empties, expired products, and anything you never reach for. Wipe out the drawer, then group what’s left into simple categories (daily use, backups, first aid, travel) so it stays easy to maintain.
Keep It From Undoing Itself
The easiest maintenance plan:
- Daily: 10-minute reset (one zone)
- Weekly: one problem area
- Monthly: one room refresh
Spring cleaning doesn’t have to be perfect to be powerful. Even one room per weekend can completely change how your home feels. And you don’t have to do it all at once—just keep moving forward.
If you’re putting together your own spring cleaning supplies, you may also enjoy my post on my favorite low-tox cleaning products, where I share the simple products I use most often around our home.
Want the printable checklist? Grab my FREE Spring Reset Guide and I’ll send it straight to your inbox so you can print it out and use it at your own pace.
💬 Tell me in the comments: Which area in your home needs a spring reset the most—kitchen, bathrooms, laundry, or the dreaded “paper pile”?
If you want to come back to this later, be sure to save these images on Pinterest.
