Spring-Cleaning Should Start With ‘Chaos Decluttering’ if You’re Serious About Deep Cleaning

It's the first day of spring, which means that deep cleaning before the warmer temperatures set in has become top of mind for most homeowners.

This year, however, you may want to consider a pivot from traditional tidying up to pursue a more trendy and perhaps rewarding method of cleaning: “chaos decluttering.”

“What people refer to as 'chaos decluttering' is really just full exposure. You take everything out of a space so you can see exactly what you have. It’s all out in front of you,” says Michelle Urban, professional organizer and founder at The Organized House in Portland, OR.

Chaos decluttering is about making quick progress to prepare for a deep clean rather than drawing out the process over time. 

If you’re looking for a calmer, less stressful approach to spring-cleaning your home, this method should definitely be on your radar. 

Psychological benefits of seeing the 'blank slate'

Most homes don’t seem cluttered due to volume alone. They seem cluttered because your belongings are hidden, layered, out of place, and scattered across multiple locations. 

“When you empty a space completely through chaos decluttering, you remove the guesswork. You can see duplicates, expired items, and things you forgot you owned,” explains Urban.

It’s the fastest way to get honest about what’s actually in your home—and that’s what makes it such a strong starting point for spring-cleaning. 

You’re not just moving things around. You’re resetting the entire space.

“Seeing a space empty creates clarity because you can finally make decisions without distraction. It also gives you a sense of control, and this is where momentum really starts,” adds Urban. 

How to execute a 'chaos' session

The key to a successful chaos session is containment—not letting the process take over your whole house, no matter how motivated you feel. 

These steps can steer you toward the right direction:

Focus on one particular area of your home

Pick one defined space, such as a cabinet or junk drawer.

“Think in terms of reducing rather than decluttering an entire space,” says Cathy Orr, co-founder of The Uncluttered Life in Arlington, TX. 

Work in short sprints 

“Set a timer and stick to it. Ten minutes may be all you need,” explains Orr. Over time, these tiny bursts will add up to meaningful progress.

Sort efficiently 

Orr recommends the “one-touch rule.” Touch the item you’re decluttering and decide if it stays or goes. Don’t create a “later” or “holding” pile. Be prepared to toss, donate, or recycle any items you don’t want.

Make quick decisions with confidence, and don’t look back.

Urban agrees and suggests you sort by category, not location. For example, all medications go together, and so do all cords. 

Distract yourself 

Listen to music or your favorite podcast. Any type of background noise will do the trick.

“It will keep you from overthinking and stalling,” explains Orr.

Set a designated stopping place and time

There’s no need to overwork yourself.

“If something feels too hard, move on to something else,” says Orr.

Transitioning from the chaos phase to a deep clean

Once everything is out of your home, you’ll find that cleaning becomes much easier. Less stuff means less to work around.

“Start from the top and work your way down, saving floors for last. Wipe shelves, drawers, and surfaces while they’re fully clear,” Urban recommends. 

As you put things back, keep frequently used items easy to access—think about your real daily routines. Also, store back stock separately and use simple containment so things don’t spread. 

These strategies are what will keep the space from reverting right back to chaos. 

Don’t forget to ask yourself what the spring season asks of you. 

“Will you be outside more? If so, bring in beautiful floral arrangements or refresh your garden. Celebrate the excitement of the warmer days ahead,” adds Orr.