The month of May is a great time to get your home in the spring mood! Here are 30 easy things to declutter in May for a lighter, fresher home and to make your home feel easier to look after and enjoy spending time in.
DECLUTTERING IN MAY FOR A LIGHTER, FRESHER HOME
May is the perfect month to refresh your home and simplify your life. With longer days and warmer weather, many of us feel a natural urge to clear out the old and make space for the new.
Whether you’re tackling your clutter for the first time or doing a little maintenance declutter for a simpler home, this list of 30 easy things to declutter in May will help you make steady progress—one manageable step at a time.
In this post, we’ll take a practical, realistic and mindful approach to decluttering, with seasonal projects that reflect the energy of spring and early summer. Each task includes a little guidance to help you make confident decisions, without feeling overwhelmed. So, grab your favourite drink, take a deep breath, and let’s dive in!
30 THINGS TO DECLUTTER THIS MAY
Here’s a straightforward list of 30 things to declutter this May. You can either power through them all in one (very long!) weekend, or take one project a day if that’s more realistic for the time and energy you have.
If you want a printable version of this list to tick off as you go, pop your details in the box at the end of this article to get a free May Declutter Checklist straight into your inbox.
1. Winter Coats and Boots
As the weather warms up, it’s a great time to store away heavy outerwear. Use this moment to assess which coats and boots you actually wore—and which you didn’t touch all winter. Donate what no longer fits, feels good or serves your lifestyle.
2. Scarves, Hats and Gloves
These small items can take up more space than you realise. Discard any that are damaged, scratchy or never worn. A small basket or box makes great storage for favourites.
3. Old Sunscreen and Skincare Products
Before summer hits, check expiration dates on sun protection and seasonal beauty products. Toss anything expired or separated and make a note of what you need to replace.
4. The Front Hallway or Entryway
This space often becomes a dumping ground. Clear out coats, shoes, and bags that don’t belong or aren’t in season. Make it a space that welcomes you home.
5. Garden Tools and Supplies
Spring gardening is in full swing. Check your tools, gloves and pots. Let go of broken items or things you never use. Clean and sharpen what you’re keeping so they’re ready for action.
6. Plant Pots and Planters
Sort through your stash of plant pots—keep only those you genuinely use. Recycle cracked or mismatched ones, or donate extras to local gardening groups.
7. Reusable Water Bottles and Travel Mugs
Open that crowded kitchen cupboard. Discard lids with no bottles and bottles with no lids. Keep just a few that are easy to clean and get regular use.
8. Cleaning Supplies
Check under the kitchen sink or in your cleaning cupboard. Dispose of empty or dried-up products and consolidate duplicates. Store what’s left where you’ll actually use it. Not only will this help declutter your cupboards but it will make cleaning easier and quicker too!
9. Vases and Decorative Glassware
Do you have spring flowers in your home? Tulips are my favourite and they bring a smile to my face every time I treat myself to a bunch for the kitchen. As you bring in spring blooms, it’s a great time to edit your collection of vases. Keep a few favourites and donate the rest.
10. Table Linens and Tea Towels
Sort through tablecloths, napkins, and tea towels. If they’re stained or torn, let them go. You only need enough to get you through the week, or for when guests arrive.
11. Dining Table Surface
Clear away paperwork, stray items and clutter from your dining table. Make space to sit down and enjoy meals again.
12. Tupperware and Food Storage
Match containers with their lids. Recycle stained, warped or lidless pieces. Only keep what you actually use.
13. Fridge and Freezer Clear-Out
Toss out expired condiments and freezer-burnt items. Wipe down shelves and take note of what you already have before you shop.
14. Spice Rack or Spice Cupboard
Old spices lose their flavour. Give them a sniff test and bin any that have lost their aroma. Clean the shelf and neatly organise what’s left.
15. Cookbooks and Recipes
Go through your cookbook shelf or recipe stash. Keep only the ones you reach for regularly and donate the rest.
16. Unused Kitchen Gadgets
Be honest here! Let go of anything that’s gathering dust and you don’t use. Just because you bought it, or were gifted it, doesn’t mean you have to keep it!
17. The Junk Drawer
Every home has one. Set a timer for 15 minutes and sort through it. Bin the rubbish, keep the useful bits, and rehome what doesn’t belong there.
18. Garden Shed
Now’s the time to declutter this often-neglected space. Get rid of broken items, old paint tins, or tools you never use.
19. Car
Clear out rubbish, old receipts and winter gear. Keep only the essentials—like jump cables, reusable shopping bags, and emergency supplies.
20. Books and Magazines
Scan your shelves for books you won’t reread. Pass them on to friends, local book swaps or charity shops.
21. Clothes You’re Not Wearing This Spring
Have a peek into your wardrobe. If you find yourself skipping over certain tops or dresses all spring, it might be time to let them go. Here are some tips on how to purge your closet more easily.
22. Pyjamas and Loungewear
We often hang onto old sleepwear out of habit. Keep only the items that are comfortable and in good condition.
23. Bedding and Towels
Declutter mismatched or threadbare sheets and towels. Animal shelters often accept these as donations.
24. Cosmetics and Makeup Bags
Out-of-date makeup can cause irritation. Let go of old, dried-out products and simplify your daily routine.
25. Unused Craft Supplies or Hobbies
If your enthusiasm for a hobby has faded, it’s okay to let go of the supplies. Donate them to someone who’ll make use of them.
26. School Bags and Stationery
If you have kids, check their bags for broken pens, dried-up markers or crumpled papers. Refill essentials and clear the clutter.
27. Board Games and Toys
Choose a few favourites and donate the rest. May is a good time to tidy toys before summer holidays bring more home time.
28. Electronics and Cables
Round up stray chargers, remote controls, and mystery cables. Match them where you can, recycle what you don’t need.
29. Old Phone Cases and Accessories
We often keep these long after they’re useful. If they don’t fit your current phone or tech, it’s time to let them go.
30. Your To Do List
This one’s a bit different. Take a moment to look at what you’ve been putting off. Can anything be crossed off, simplified or scheduled? Mental clutter counts, too.
DECLUTTERING FAQS
I thought it might be helpful to add in a few extra tips in case you find decluttering difficult in any way. Here are some ideas to help you with the most common questions I get asked.
1. What if I feel overwhelmed by decluttering?
Start small. Choose just one area or task from the list and focus on that. Even five or ten minutes a day adds up. This article might help on what to do if you feel overwhelmed by decluttering.
2. How do I know what to let go of?
Ask yourself: Do I use this? Do I love it? Does it support the life I want to live? If the answer is no, consider letting it go. Try these decluttering questions to help you work out what to let go of.
3. Where should I donate my items?
Local charity shops, shelters, and community groups often welcome donations. Try to pass things on while they’re still in good condition. Here are some ideas for eco-friendly and sustainable decluttering.
4. Is it worth decluttering if I’ve tried before and it didn’t stick?
Absolutely. Decluttering is a process, not a one-off task. Each round teaches you more about your habits and what you truly value. And, it helps you practice your decluttering skills and build confidence as you go.
Decluttering in May is a wonderful way to align your home with the fresh energy of the season. If decluttering feels overwhelming, use this list as a gentle guide—not a To Do list to tick off perfectly, but a collection of ideas to help you move forward, one thoughtful step at a time.
If you love following a list and find it helpful to keep you on task, know what’s next and can track your progress, then you’ll love my Clear Your Clutter Workbook. There’s a whole section of room-by-room decluttering checklists to help you declutter your home, with ease and no stress. Click here to learn more.
DECLUTTERING THROUGHOUT THE YEAR
If you enjoyed this May decluttering checklist, you could also catch up with these other articles in my monthly decluttering series:
- 30 Things to Declutter in March for a Fresh Start
- 30 Things to Declutter in April to Simplify Your Home and Life
GRAB YOUR FREE MAY DECLUTTER CHECKLIST
If you do like to tick things off a list, I’ve got you covered! I’ve created a free May Declutter Checklist which you can use to keep you on track and motivated. Pop your details in the box below so I know where to send it.
Antonia Colins is the creator of Balance Through Simplicity, a website helping busy people declutter their home and life and live more intentionally. She has over 20 years of personal and professional experience in juggling work and family life and supporting individuals to remain independent and enjoy their home more. In her spare time, you can find Antonia walking, reading or planning her next travel adventure! She lives in the UK with her husband and teenage kids. Get your free Declutter Starter Kit.