4 Things Experts Always Declutter in March

Are you getting into the spring cleaning spirit now that it’s March? This is the time of year when many of us start opening windows, swapping out seasonal gear, and craving a reset at home. While you don’t have to tackle a full top-to-bottom overhaul, a few strategic decluttering sessions can set the tone for a lighter, more organized season ahead. I asked professional cleaners and organizers what they always recommend tackling this month. Here are the areas they suggest getting to first.

March is the perfect time to empty junk drawers out completely and reassess what’s actually worth keeping, says Mona Murahwa, owner of Cleaning Mama, a boutique cleaning company that also sells small-batch cleaning products. “You don’t need those old phone chargers or the dried-out pens that have been sitting in there for years,” she says. “Get rid of them. Give yourself some space back.”

Murahwa also recommends going through your pantry. Over the winter expired and stale foods tend to pile up, as many people stock up on comfort foods and shelf-stable staples.

“Any unopened, non-perishable items you won’t use can be donated to local food banks,” Murahwa says. “In the process of deep cleaning these areas, take note of items you might be buying too frequently or in quantities you can’t realistically use. Remember, a spring reset is more than just tidying up; it’s about finding ways to save money and simplify your life.”

Elena Navarro, a cleaning expert and professional organizer at Sparkly Maid Austin, agrees, adding that you should go through your fridge, too. Once everything is cleared out and wiped down, you’ll have a much better sense of what you actually need.

March is also the unofficial kickoff to the spring sports season. Meghan Cocchiaro, a professional organizer and founder of Organized by Meg, says now’s the time to rotate seasonal gear. Bring out umbrellas, rain boots, cleats, and shin guards, and store (or donate) winter sports equipment you no longer need. “Winter sports such as hockey and ice skating have items that can be purged before being stored away, making the prime real estate area available for the next season’s sports and activities,” Cocchiaro says. 

With the cold and flu season winding down, Jessica Moskal, owner of professional organizing company Organized by JM, says March is ideal for clearing out your medicine cabinet. “Medicines and supplements expire faster than you realize,” Moskal says. “Medicine typically has a one- to two-year shelf life, so if you have capsules lying around it’s best to get rid of them now. Grabbing them next cold season and realizing they’re expired will only add to you not feeling good!” Be sure to properly dispose of medications according to local guidelines, rather than tossing them straight in the trash. 

Moskal and Cocchiaro also suggest checking your sunscreen and bug sprays. “If last summer’s bottle is sitting around waiting to be used on that first sunny day, you may be disappointed to find it expired and not giving you the protection you counted on,” Moskal says.