MACEDONIA, Ohio – With the weather finally turning warmer across Northeast Ohio, many residents are opening their garage doors and realizing just how much clutter built up over the winter months. From holiday décor and unused tools to bulk items that never made it to the curb, spring cleaning season is officially here.
To get practical advice on spring cleaning and garage cleanouts, I spoke with Kathy from Space Place in Macedonia, who shared helpful tips for getting organized before the chaos begins.
“Before you start pulling everything out of the garage or house make sure you have a clear plan as to where everything is going,” Kathy said. “If there is going to be a bunch of things that need to find new homes, make sure you know where that is going to be.”
Plan Before You Pull Everything Out
One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make during spring cleaning and garage cleanouts is diving in without a plan. Kathy stresses that larger items, especially, require advance planning.
“Larger items will definitely need an advance plan since most garbage collection doesn’t include bulk items pick up without prior notification,” she explained.
That means checking your city’s bulk pickup guidelines before dragging that old couch or broken shelving unit to the curb. Without proper notice, those items may sit longer than expected — or not get picked up at all.
If you’re planning to donate items, Kathy offers another important reminder:
“If you are donating make sure the items you have are accepted by wherever it is you choose to donate.”
Not all donation centers accept furniture, electronics, or certain household goods, so a quick call ahead can save you a wasted trip.
Sort With Purpose — Keep, Donate, Trash
Once you’re ready to begin, Kathy recommends a simple but effective system:
“Once you start, sort into piles of keep, donate and trash. Don’t forget the number one rule — one person’s trash is another person’s treasure.”
She also suggests considering online resale options.
“Some items can be sold on local buy/sell/trade sites through Facebook or Facebook Marketplace. A little extra cash is always a fun way to motivate yourself.”
For many families, that added incentive can make the difference between procrastinating and powering through the project.
Avoiding Keep vs. Toss Regret
One of the toughest parts of spring cleaning is deciding what stays and what goes.
“I try to use a two-year rule. If I haven’t touched it in two years it goes,” Kathy said. “Problem is things I keep are always more than I toss and the ones I do toss I end up buying again because I never should have tossed in the first place.”
She admits even organizing professionals struggle sometimes.
“I will admit I am a hoarder of craft supplies so that doesn’t help.”
The takeaway? Be thoughtful, but realistic. If something has sat untouched for years and serves no purpose, it may be time to let it go.
Make It a Family Effort
For busy families, coordination is key.
“Set a date and make sure everyone is available to help,” Kathy advised. “Not all items belong to one person. Once you start the sorting you don’t want to make an additional pile of items that you need to ask someone else about.”
Scheduling a dedicated day ensures decisions get made on the spot — and prevents clutter from simply shifting from one corner to another.
As Northeast Ohio moves into the heart of spring, a little planning can turn an overwhelming garage cleanout into a productive — and even profitable — weekend project.
For more information about organizing and storage solutions, contact Space Place in Macedonia.
