Summer Decluttering Ideas

In this post: Summer is a great time to do some decluttering! Read this post with 8 ideas of what to declutter in the summer.

The curved corner of a pool, with water above and poll accessories sitting on the edge, including four colorful pairs of flip flops.

Summer is a magical time when the days are longer and warmer and the hustle and bustle of the school year winds down. It makes it a great time to get some decluttering done. I’ve created a list of some areas to focus on for your summer decluttering projects.

I know decluttering might not be at the top of your fun list right now (I mean, the pool is calling!), but I promise it’s worth doing. Don’t worry, we’ll keep it manageable and easy!

If you set aside a little time each day to get some summer decluttering done, it can make a big difference in your home….and bonus, you won’t have to store things you don’t use for another year!

What to Declutter in the Summer

1. Your Summer Wardrobe

Take a look at your closet and get rid of anything that is worn out, doesn’t fit, or you know you won’t wear. Sometimes we keep clothing just because it looks summery, but if you don’t love it or it doesn’t fit, it’s not serving you and just taking up space. Don’t forget to go through your swimsuits!

Go through your wardrobe again at the end of the summer. If you have items you haven’t worn at all this summer, you likely won’t wear them next year, so it is a good time to let them go.

A blue summer outfit for a woman laid out on a white background.

2. Summer Decor

Evaluate your summer decorations, including 4th of July decor. Get rid of anything that is worn out or past its prime. Think about summer throw pillows, pictures, or knick-knacks. If you have some decor you don’t love, declutter it now so you don’t have to store it all year until next summer.

3. Kitchen Cleanup

Let’s tackle your pantry and refrigerator and get rid of those expired items that are taking up valuable space. You’ll have room for fresh and delicious summer treats! Check out this list for more kitchen decluttering ideas.

4. Outdoor Living Space

Don’t forget the outside! Declutter your outdoor space by saying goodbye to worn-out garden furniture and anything else that’s seen better days. Let’s create an inviting oasis for you to relax and enjoy the rest of the summer.

Neutral living room with summer decor, including a white basket with seashells in it.

5. Digital Life

Your digital space matters too! Clean up your computer files and inbox, along with apps on your phone. It will make it easier for you to find what you need and reduce digital stress. This is a great project when it’s too hot to spend much time outside.

6. Toys

If you’ve got kids, team up with them to declutter their toys and games. By clearing out their play space, they will be able to see what they actually have and might re-discover something they love. It’s a great way to beat summer boredom! Remember to declutter any outdoor toys that are broken or that they have outgrown. You definitely don’t want to store those another year!

7. The Garage

If you live in a cold-winter climate, the garage is a lot easier to declutter as the temperature warms up in the summer. Spend some time decluttering trash and items you no longer use that are stored in the garage. Categories to declutter in the garage include yard/garden tools, sports equipment, kids’ toys, tools, or even old boxes that you might be storing in the garage. Decluttering items from the garage makes space for the things you do use so it’s easier to find them when they are needed.

8. Craft Supplies

Summer is a great time to go through your craft supplies and remove anything you don’t use, especially if you have kids at home in the summer that want to stay busy crafting. It’s easier to create when you can find your supplies and aren’t overwhelmed by a mess of supplies you don’t even need. Make space for the crafts and activities you and your family want to create!

Declutter Before Summer Ends

It’s a good idea to take inventory of these things both at the beginning of summer and the end of summer. By the time school is starting again, you will have a good idea of what summer items you actually used and what you can get rid of.

Summer decorations in a living room, including a coffee table with candles and a basket of seashells.

Ideas of How to Get Rid of Summer Items

1. Have a Garage Sale

Around here “garage sale season” is typically in the late Spring, but many people also have garage sales around back-to-school time. You can even have two garage sales and see what time of year does best!

2. Donate

The quickest way to get rid of clutter is to donate your items to a single place. Many thrift shops support worthy charities.

3. Buy Nothing Group

Check if you have a local Buy Nothing Group. Many times there are buy nothing groups on Facebook. I love being able to give away items to someone I know will use it.

4. Sell Online

While I think Facebook Marketplace is getting harder for selling because of scams, if you can find local Buy/Sell/Trade groups, your items might reach legit buyers. eBay is another option for selling online.

5. Consignment Shops and Sales

You can try consigning items you no longer use but are in good shape. I love consigning at a local large semi-annual sale that takes kid, adult, and home items. I make a little money, it’s less work than a garage sale, and they donate anything that doesn’t sell for me.

Enjoy Your Summer!

Remember, decluttering isn’t just about getting rid of things. It’s an opportunity to create a more purposeful and enjoyable living space. Take small steps, tackle one area at a time, and celebrate your progress along the way. And enjoy your summer!

Summer Decluttering Ideas