Summer Declutter: Tips to Clean Up, Reorganize, and Maybe Make a Little Extra Money

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Summer is here, and I’m in full cleaning mode. To be honest, I stay in some kind of cleaning mode year-round, but once the school year ends, I shift into declutter-and-refresh mode.

Back when my kids were little and we homeschooled full-time, I’d deep clean and reorganize the schoolroom at the start of every summer. It helped me get ready for the new school year with a fresh space and clear mind. Even though those days are behind us now, I still use this season to reset our home—physically and mentally.

If you’re homeschooling or still have younger kids at home, this is the perfect time to go through your shelves and closets. You might have books your kids have outgrown, clothes that don’t fit, or toys collecting dust. These kinds of items sell well on eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or in local buy-sell groups. Not into online selling? No problem—host a yard sale, or consider renting a booth at a local flea market.

The point is, what’s clutter to you might be exactly what someone else is looking for. And the bonus? You clear space and make a little extra money.

Here Are Some Simple Tips to Declutter Your Home This Summer

1. Start Small

It’s tempting to tackle the biggest, messiest room first—but that’s usually a fast track to burnout. When it comes to decluttering, momentum matters.

Start with a single drawer, one closet shelf, or even a nightstand. Once you see progress in a small space, you’ll build confidence (and motivation) to move on to bigger projects.

2. Gather Your Supplies

Set yourself up for success before you begin. For me, that means:

  • Trash bags

  • A couple of cardboard boxes

  • Cleaning wipes or spray

  • A Sharpie and labels

Use labeled boxes or bins like “Trash,” “Donate,” “Sell,” and “Keep.” Having a system helps prevent piles from getting out of control and keeps you focused as you sort.

3. Make Time (Even Just a Little)

Decluttering doesn’t have to take hours. Even 10–15 minutes at a time can make a difference.

If your family is on board, schedule a block of time where everyone works together—each person on a specific space or room. But if you're solo, just tackle one spot a day. Consistency matters more than intensity.

4. Set Rules and Ask Yourself Questions

One of my favorite rules is: If I haven’t used it in the past year, it goes.

Sometimes we hold onto things because we might use them one day—but that day rarely comes. Use these questions to help you decide what stays and what goes:

  • Do I use this regularly?

  • When was the last time I used it?

  • Would I buy this again today?

  • Is it worth the space it’s taking up?

  • Do I truly love or need it?

Being honest with yourself is the key to a clutter-free space.

5. Don’t Feel Guilty About Letting Go

We’ve all done it—bought something we never used or held onto something out of guilt. Maybe it was a gift you felt obligated to keep, or something you used to love but haven’t touched in years.

It’s okay to let it go. Releasing clutter is not wasteful—it’s freeing. You're not “throwing away” value; you’re reclaiming peace and space.

Bonus: What to Do With Items You Plan to Sell

If you’re keeping things to sell, be intentional about it. Set a deadline for yourself. For example:

  • If it doesn’t sell online in 2–3 weeks, donate it.

  • If it doesn’t sell at the yard sale, load it up and drop it off the same day.

Clutter that sits in your garage for months is still clutter. Don’t let it linger and undo all your hard work.

Final Thoughts

Summer is the perfect season for a fresh start—not just outside, but inside your home too. A clean, clutter-free space has a way of lifting your mood, clearing your mind, and making your whole house feel lighter.

Whether you're trying to prep for the next school year, simplify your home, or just make things easier to manage, decluttering can be a powerful reset. Start small, take your time, and celebrate every little win along the way.

You’ve got this!

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