🧺 Declutter First, Then Clean: The Best Way to Maintain a Tidy Home in Raleigh

🧠 Why You Should Declutter Before You Clean

You know the drill—you go to clean your home, and five minutes in, you’re buried under piles of random stuff. Cleaning without decluttering is like mopping around dirty laundry: frustrating, inefficient, and temporary.

The smartest way to keep your Raleigh-area home tidy all week long?
Declutter first. Clean second.

Here’s why it matters:

• You clean faster (no moving items over and over)

• You clean more effectively (no crumbs hiding under piles)

• You reduce visual stress (clear spaces = calm brain)

• Your home feels cleaner even when it isn’t spotless

🗂️ Step 1: Start With a Clutter-Quick-Scan

Before grabbing your vacuum or spray bottle, do a “quick-scan” of each room.

✔ Pick up items that don’t belong
✔ Return misplaced items to their homes
✔ Toss anything obviously trash or broken
✔ Put dirty laundry in a hamper
✔ Stack mail or paperwork neatly to sort later

🧺 Use a laundry basket or bin to collect stray items as you go.

🧴 Step 2: Clean Once the Surfaces Are Clear

Now that your floors, counters, and tables are clear—it’s time to clean.

Here’s your pro sequence from Val’s Cleaning Maids:

1. Dust high to low (start with ceiling fans, end with baseboards)

2. Wipe surfaces with a microfiber towel and all-purpose spray

3. Disinfect touch points like doorknobs, handles, and switches

4. Vacuum or sweep thoroughly

5. Mop hard floors last (after vacuuming)

✨ Bonus tip: Clean mirrors and windows with a vinegar-water mix for streak-free shine.

🧼 Decluttering by Zone: Room-by-Room Breakdown

You don’t have to do it all at once. Focus on one room at a time and you’ll make steady progress.

Kitchen

• Remove unused appliances from countertops

• Recycle empty containers or expired pantry items

• Designate a “drop zone” for mail, keys, and papers

• Use drawer organizers for utensils and tools

Living Room

• Fold or donate throw blankets you don’t use

• Limit decorative clutter to 3–5 favorite pieces

• Store remotes and cords in a small basket

• Keep only the books you love on display

Bathrooms

• Toss old or unused products

• Use drawer trays for toothbrushes, hair tools, etc.

• Hang only one towel per person

• Store backups (TP, soap) in bins or under-sink baskets

Bedrooms

• Donate clothes that don’t fit or feel good

• Use under-bed storage for off-season items

• Keep nightstands clutter-free (limit to lamp + 1–2 personal items)

• Fold and store laundry ASAP

🧠 Mental Clutter = Physical Clutter

A cluttered space often reflects a cluttered mind. Decluttering helps reduce decision fatigue, increase focus, and lower anxiety.

✔ Fewer items = fewer decisions
✔ Clearer spaces = calmer mindset
✔ Tidier home = less emotional overwhelm

Even five minutes a day makes a difference.

📦 What to Toss, Keep, or Donate

Still unsure what stays and what goes? Use the 3-pile method:

🟥 Toss – broken items, expired goods, unmatched socks, old magazines
🟩 Donate – anything usable that no longer fits your lifestyle
🟨 Keep – items that are useful, loved, or used regularly

If it hasn’t been touched in 6+ months and holds no emotional value—it’s probably time to let it go.

📍 Raleigh & Wake County-Specific Decluttering Tips

Living in NC has its quirks. Here’s how to tailor your approach:

• Humidity: Store seasonal decor and papers in sealed bins to prevent mildew

• Pollen: Declutter entryways to keep outdoor allergens from spreading

• Small spaces: Use vertical storage (shelves, over-door racks) to reduce floor clutter

• Kids’ stuff: Rotate toys seasonally to keep things fresh and organized

🧹 Want a clean slate? Our Neat Freak Service is perfect for post-declutter deep cleaning.

🔄 Make Decluttering a Habit, Not a Chore

Decluttering isn’t a once-a-year event—it’s a lifestyle habit.

Try these small practices:

• 5-minute pick-up before bed

• “One in, one out” rule for clothes or toys

• Declutter one drawer every Sunday

• Keep a donation bin in a closet—when it’s full, drop it off!

Little by little, your home will feel lighter, fresher, and more livable.

🤝 Need a Fresh Start?

Once the clutter’s gone, the real clean can begin—and that’s where we shine.

Whether you’re prepping for guests, moving, or just need a boost, Val’s Cleaning Maids is here to help your Raleigh-area home feel cleaner, calmer, and more cared for.

👉 Contact us today to pair your decluttering wins with a spotless finish.