Experts share their top spring-cleaning tips

Whether you’re looking to make cleaning easier, declutter safely, or support a good cause, these seven tips will get you started.

1. Start small and build momentum

It can be daunting to tackle a whole house in one go. Professional organiser Karen Powell, the Organising Lady, recommends starting with just one drawer or shelf.

“Spring cleaning doesn’t have to mean tackling the whole house in a day,” she says. “Begin with a single drawer or shelf – just one small area.”

Try for small daily habits: “Habits become routine just like cleaning your teeth.” Setting a timer for 15–20 minutes can make the task feel manageable and stopping when the timer goes off ensures you don’t tire yourself.

2. Keep a ‘let it go’ basket

Powell also suggests keeping a “let it go” basket in a hallway or spare room.

“Keep a dedicated basket for items you’re ready to part with. Revisit it weekly,” she says, “This habit helps you gradually declutter without pressure. When full, donate to a charity that aligns with your values, or invite family to ‘shop’ the basket first.”

This gentle approach helps you stay on top of clutter without feeling rushed.

3. Focus on the most-used spaces

Cleaning and organisation expert, Heidi Phillips, recommends prioritising the rooms you use most.

“Spring cleaning takes a lot of time and energy, so focus on the most important rooms first – usually your sitting/living room, kitchen, bathroom and bedroom,” she says.

This way, you’ll quickly notice the benefits of your efforts in the spaces where you spend most time.

4. Consider ways to make tasks accessible

Picking the right tools will help put less stress on your body and improve your comfort while cleaning.

“Investing in a telescopic feather duster will mean you no longer need to climb ladders to reach those unsightly cobwebs, keeping yourself from having to stretch,” says Phillips. “The telescopic duster also comes in handy to dust skirting boards without reaching down and also for cleaning behind and under furniture to prevent having to move and pull heavy items out.”

New gadgets can save you a tremendous amount of effort. Robot vacuums are well known but you can now get automatic helpers to mop your floor. Rotating cleaning tools, almost like a heavy-duty electric toothbrush, will scrub the grime out of nooks and crannies.

But it needn't be all high-tech. A long-handled dustpan and brush will reduce bending, while spin mops can also be helpful, as you won’t have to wring out heavy mop heads, which easier on the wrists and shoulders.

5. Pass on heirlooms early

 “The less you have, the less cleaning is required,” Powell says.

She suggests passing heirlooms on to family members, so you can see the joy they bring.

If you’re someone struggling to declutter, you may find it useful to keep in mind that memories live in you, not just in the items.

6. Donate to charity shops

A spot of decluttering is the perfect opportunity to support your local community, donating items you no longer want or need to charity shops.

As Lauren Hamer, retail communications manager, Age UK explains: “Last year, Age UK charity shops offset 4m kg of waste headed for landfill and saved 40m kg of CO₂. Age UK supports the circular economy by extending the life of items.”

Charity shops are facing challenges in 2025, particularly with a shortage of high-quality donations.

Try to think about what customers wish to buy each season. “This spring, we are looking for ladies’ clothing and accessories that would add spring vibes to any wardrobe,” says Hamer. “We can also accept good quality menswear, children’s items, homeware and accessories.”

Donating is hassle-free, helps reduce landfill and supports vital services such as Age UK’s Telephone Friendship Service and Advice Line. Click here to find your local Age UK shop.

7. Do you have the right level of home insurance?

While you’re refreshing your surroundings, it can be a good idea to review your home insurance too.

Check your current policy and make sure it still meets your needs, especially if you’ve made changes to your home or its contents. If you’ve sold or given away any high-price items, you may be able to reduce your cover and save money.

Summary

If you want to take on a spring clean of your house, there are ways to make the task less daunting. Whether decluttering or sprucing up a few rooms, you might find it helpful to keep these key points in mind:

• Try to make cleaning more approachable by breaking up tasks and tackling your home room by room, rather than all at once.
• Creating a ‘let it go’ basket can be a helpful way to understand what items you no longer want or need while on the go.
• Is there an antique or special item you plan on passing down? Giving away heirlooms early not only frees up space but allows you to witness the joy the gift brings.
• You could also consider giving unwanted items or clothes away to local charity shops. At Age UK, donations help support valuable charitable work with older people in need. Click here to find your local store.
• After your spring clean is done, you may want to review your home insurance policy. If you’ve given away any high value items, this could mean your contents insurance requirements have changed.