Spring is the season of renewal—and if you're an outdoor enthusiast, it’s also the perfect time to take stock of your gear closet and make space for new adventures. From piles of puffy jackets and snowboards to paddleboards, and camping gear, it adds up quickly when you've got gear for every season. But this year, as we transition to warmer-weather adventures, consider a fresh approach to your spring cleaning ritual during Earth Month that helps the planet as much as it helps you.
Earth Day Decluttering Tips: How To Decide What To Keep, Donate, Or Repurpose
Sorting through your stuff doesn't have to be overwhelming if you use the three-step approach—Keep. Donate. Repurpose. Decluttering for spring, moving, or downsizing, are all ideal times to reassess your belongings while cleaning your home. Here's how to break it down:
KEEP: Hold on to the gear and items you use often or truly love—whether it's your go-to hiking boots, a favorite fleece, or a well-worn camp mug that brings back great memories. Sentimental items are okay to keep if they still have a home in your life.
DONATE: If you haven't used or worn something in over a year, it's probably time to pass it on. Quality outdoor clothing, backpacks, books, and household items are always in demand at local thrift stores, shelters, and community charities.
REPURPOSE: Before tossing something out, ask: Can this be transformed? The possibilities are endless with a little creativity. Repurposing reduces waste and adds character and functionality to your space.
Creative Ways To Repurpose & Upcycle Old Items
Before starting your spring cleaning project, begin by decluttering closets and drawers to find items that are perfect for eco-friendly dusting and scrubbing—like stained T-shirts, mismatched socks, dish towels, washcloths, and hand towels. Mark the latter items with a permanent marker to stay organized with your cleaning supplies.
While cleaning and organizing this spring, don’t forget about other household items that can be given a second life—like those old pickle jars collecting dust in the cupboard. If you’ve moved on from the trend of replacing all your glassware with pint and half-pint decorative jars, these sturdy containers can still serve as versatile storage. Use them to hold DIY natural cleaners and as pantry organizers.
Upcycling and repurposing are cost-effective, Earth Day–friendly ways to reduce landfill waste while keeping your cleaning routine budget-conscious and creative.
Clean With Nontoxic Natural Cleaners
If you’re decluttering in celebration of spring and Earth Day, make it count by detoxifying your space with eco-friendly choices. Choosing cleaning products without harsh chemicals supports green initiatives and keeps your home's indoor air quality healthier. You can purchase eco-friendly cleaning products at your local natural food store or an online store.
You can also make DIY cleaners using a few basic ingredients such as white vinegar, borax, castile soap, essential oils, and lemon juice. Regular dusting with a damp cloth and vacuuming with a HEPA filter can help clean up your home’s indoor air quality (IAQ) significantly if you or anyone in your family has allergies or asthma. A clean home isn’t just clutter-free—it’s healthier too. Spring is also the ideal time to introduce new houseplants like a spider plant, peace lily, and snake plant, which can significantly enhance IAQ.
This Earth Day, let your decluttering do more than clear your space—let it reflect your values. As you sort through your stuff, look for ways to repurpose items or donate them to local shelters or thrift stores, and be sure to recycle old electronics responsibly at an e-waste collection site. Small steps like these make a big impact—on your home, your well-being, and the planet.
Spring into Action with Earth Day in Mind
Whether you are decluttering your home or gearing up for a move, spring is the perfect time to embrace eco-friendly habits. At StorQuest, we're here to help you make space for what truly matters. From storing seasonal gear to clearing out with intention, we're the perfect partner for all your temporary and long-term storage needs. So, keep living big all year long—find a StorQuest location near you and start your journey today.