Declutter & Refresh: 5 Things to Get Rid of This Spring

A practical guide to help you lighten your space and mind this season.

Author

Stella Seong
April 01, 2025

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Spring brings with it the feeling of new beginnings—and there’s no better way to embrace that than by clearing out what no longer serves you. Whether you’re preparing for a full seasonal reset or just want a lighter, more breathable space, these five simple decluttering moves can make a big impact.

Here’s your gentle nudge to let go.

Expired Kitchen & Pantry Items

Take 15 minutes to scan your spice rack, pantry, and fridge. Toss anything past its expiration date or that you haven’t touched in months (yes, even that mystery sauce you swore you’d try). Not only will this free up space, but it also makes room for fresh, nourishing ingredients as we move into the season of lighter meals.

Clearing out expired items is the quickest way to refresh your kitchen. Say goodbye to forgotten sauces and stale spices—and hello to space for what you actually use.

Unused or Mismatched Food Containers

We all have a drawer (or two) full of lids with no bottoms and bottoms with no lids. Take a few minutes to match what you can, recycle what you can’t, and keep only the most functional, stackable options. Your future self will thank you every time you open that drawer.

Tired of digging through a mess of mismatched lids? Keep only the containers that work, and let go of the rest. A clutter-free drawer starts here.

Beauty Products Past Their Prime

Makeup, skincare, and hair products have shelf lives too. Check the labels and ditch anything that’s expired, smells off, or hasn’t been used in the last 6 months. This is also a great time to wipe down your bathroom drawers and shelves for a fresh start.

It’s easy to forget makeup has an expiration date—but holding onto old beauty products can lead to skin irritation. Clearing them out not only declutters your space but helps protect your skin too.

Clothes That Don’t Feel Like You Anymore

Instead of forcing yourself to love pieces that don’t fit your style or lifestyle anymore, consider donating them to someone who will. If it’s been unworn for over a year, it’s probably time to say goodbye. Focus on keeping pieces you love, wear often, and feel good in.

Studies show that most clothes not worn in the past 3 years are unlikely to be worn again. Let go of what no longer fits your style or life, and make space for pieces you truly love.

Paper Clutter That’s Hiding in Drawers

From old receipts and warranties to takeout menus and expired coupons, paper clutter adds up fast. Set a timer for 20 minutes and go through one drawer or pile. Recycle what you don’t need, and file or digitize what’s worth keeping.

Paper clutter piles up fast—old receipts, coupons, and even your child’s artwork. Try digitizing keepsakes and documents with apps like Tiny Scanner or Artkive. Less mess, more memories preserved.

Spring cleaning doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start small, and focus on one category or space at a time. As you let go of clutter, you create space not just in your home, but in your mind, too.

Let this season be a reset—in the calmest, simplest way.

Stella

Founder and owner of Twinkle Moment

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