7 things to declutter in May 2025 – set your space up for summer success with simple, localized clear-outs

Many of us are now deep into our spring cleaning, and it's the perfect time to turbocharge your efforts with these seven things to declutter in May 2025.

From tackling the last of your winter clothing to clearing out old school supplies, May is a pivotal time for setting up our spaces for an enjoyable, streamlined summer ahead.

Here, professional organizers share their best decluttering tips to help you clear out the clutter and freshen up your home for springtime.

Things to declutter in May

This simple decluttering checklist is short and sweet, tackling only the absolute essential things to declutter before summer starts without making you feel overwhelmed.

1. Clear out the last of your winter wardrobe

It wouldn't be a seasonal decluttering checklist without your monthly reminder to declutter your closet. May marks the official end of winter weather in many places, meaning you can tackle the last dregs of your winter wardrobe.

Audra George, professional organizer and owner at Pretty Neat: An Organizational Solution says, 'declutter anything you didn’t wear in the last six months, anything you no longer like, or anything you have worn out.'

You can donate or sell these decluttered items to make space and avoid storage items you won't wear come winter.

Dana Reder, founder, CEO, and lead organizer at Winnow & Bloom, adds, ‘Warmer weather means you’re no longer reaching for heavy layers, so it’s the perfect time to donate what you didn’t wear. If it sat untouched all winter, chances are you won’t miss it next year.'

Vacuum seal storage bags, available in packs of 20 from Walmart, offer the perfect space-saving solution if there are some winter items you are not ready to get rid of. Pop them in wheeled under-bed storage bags, also from Walmart, so they remain out of the way until the weather cools down again.

It isn't just your spaces that need some TLC. Meghan Cocchiaro, owner and professional home organizer at Organized by Meg, adds, ‘Don't neglect your kids' bedrooms. It's time to switch seasonal clothes and check the sizes of clothing and shoes to see what new attire needs to be purchased, especially as the school year draws to a close.'

Punteha van Terheyden, head of Solved has a May decluttering tip. She says, 'Any recently bought warmer clothing for my daughter goes in her winter box under her bed. Anything that's going to be too small come winter gets donated to friends that are much smaller than her, or donated to charity.'

2. School projects and papers

Dana continues, ‘As the school year is coming to an end around the country, the last thing you need is another avalanche of art projects and worksheets overwhelming you on the last day.

'Work with your kiddos to declutter and clear out what has accumulated over the year so you have room for end-of-year keepsakes – and so you’re not stuck with a giant pile in June.

'Keep a few meaningful pieces, labelled with the child’s name and date, and store in a safe box such as the IRIS clear project case from Walmart, snap photos of the rest, and recycle guilt-free.'

Wiedeman Kids Art frames from Wayfair have a hinge-open front and snap bands to keep artwork in place. These are a smart way of not only displaying, but preserving dozens of pieces from your children or grandchildren without having to find space in a cabinet to keep them safe.

Meghan also reminds us, ‘Kids backpacks are a key decluttering spot as the school year comes to an end. Don't forget their sports bags as the spring sports come to an end as well.'

3. Deal with outdoor spaces

We might already be spending some time in our outdoor spaces come May, but if the weather is only just improving where you live, you might be yet to organize and declutter your backyard after a biting winter.

Audra suggests going back through any of your yard activities and outdoor sporting essentials to make sure you still need everything, or if any worn-out items need replacing. The same goes for any pool supplies or outdoor kitchen tools and equipment, she adds. ‘Get rid of anything that is not serving you and tidy up.’

As you work outdoors, check over your outdoor furniture for wear and tear. Any old furniture that has seen better days should be on your list to declutter and replace. These larger items can often be collected by disposal companies for a small fee if you cannot fit them in your own car.

A lockable waterproof storage bin from Walmart can then be used to house any cushions and soft outdoor furnishings and prtect them from pests and spring showers.

4. Check over summer essentials

May is also a great time to declutter the bathroom and address your summer-specific toiletries, such as your sun lotions, moisturizers, and bug sprays, Audra reminds us. ‘Declutter and get rid of those that have expired, and buy new ones to be ready to go for the summer.’

May is the perfect time to do an expiration sweep, so don't forget to organize your medicine cabinet and check for inhalers and hay fever medications before the pollen count gets too high.

If you have children, grandkids, or pets in your home, consider investing in a small medication lockbox from Walmart to help keep everyone safe through summer.

5. Bath and beach towels

While you are decluttering a bathroom, Dana suggests, ‘With summer around the corner, you'll be hitting the beach or pool soon. This is a great time to sort through both bath and beach towels – donate threadbare ones to animal shelters, toss stained or smelly ones, and organize what’s left so they’re easy to grab.'

To help you work out how many towels you need, Dana adds, 'Aim for two bath towels per person and one to two beach towels each – more if you host guests often.’

Beach towels can be left in a grab bag, such as this ultra-tough tote bag from Target, by the front door or in your car, ready for spontaneous days out, while towels can be neatly file folded and stored in these stacking mesh bins from The Container Store that work to keep them neat and easily accessible, while allowing hem to breath, preventing musty bathroom smells.

6. Clean out cleaning supplies

With spring cleaning complete, you will be well acquainted with your essential cleaning supplies after tackling all the things to clean in May.

As such, you will know what works, what does not, what you love and hate, and which products you have run out of – making May the perfect time to declutter cleaning supplies and restock, says Barbara Brock, professional organizer and home stager.

Keep products organized in the areas they are needed – for example, in the bathroom, mudroom or garage – to ensure they are ready to grab and go to help you clean a house fast.

7. Sort through spring/summer decor

If you haven't already decorated your home for the spring and summer months, May is the ideal time, especially if you need to take down any lingering easter decor ideas.

Audra recommends decluttering your existing spring decor as you decorate and before you go shopping for any more. This helps to limit clutter and waste, often saving your money too.

For those items you are keeping but stowing away, remember that decor is one of the many seasonal items to clean before storing them to keep them safe until you use them again.

May decluttering essentials

Meet the experts

Dana Reder

Dana has spent over 18 years working with children and families as an educator and psychologist to help them assess their needs and create organizational systems that work for their needs. She uses her experience as a therapist and educator to help clients get to the root of their habits and to shift their mindset to one that is positive, productive, and growth oriented.

Meghan Cocchiaro

Meghan is a professional home organizer bringing peace of mind to busy families in the greater Denver area, specializing specifically in working with busy women who juggle careers, families, and their passions.

Audra George

Audra George has over 12 years of experience working in clients' homes. Her passion is to help others and to organize and help busy families get their spaces in order.

Barbara Brock

Barbara is the founder and CEO of Barbara Brock Inc., a professional organizing and staging company. Barbara was also previously the president of the National Association of Productivity & Organizing Professionals. She has a keen eye for innovative storage ideas.

FAQs

Why is decluttering in May important? 

May is often seen as a month of renewal and growth, making a perfect symbolic time to declutter our home and refresh your decor.

You will have also likely finished your spring cleaning, meaning that your home is tidy and therefore easier to declutter and reassess than when it is dirty or disorganized.

How can I beat overwhelm when decluttering in May? 

If you feel overwhelmed when decluttering your home in May, try to take some time outside in the fresh air and sunny spring weather to help decompress and relax.

Taking frequent breaks in a change of scenery can help you to reset and calm your mind – with the added vitamin D helping to boost your energy and motivation too.

If you can, take a box of items outside into the sun and declutter them there for a fresh perspective.

Even though these items are relatively easy to declutter in May, it doesn't mean you have to declutter your whole house in one day.

These tasks can be grouped together and tackled over a few weeks – or even completed as part of a week-by-week decluttering method – to help you fully refresh your home by the end of the month without any added stress.