Spring cleaning: 10 things you should absolutely throw away (that everyone forgets)
Spring is finally here — and with it, the perfect opportunity for a proper deep clean. In this article, we start with the essentials: identifying the 10 things to get rid of first to free up space. Then we guide you step by step through the 7 phases of a successful spring clean, room by room, stress-free and without procrastinating. A simple approach to start fresh.
Part 1 — The 10 Things to Get Rid of First This Spring
In Switzerland, a large part of what we store at home is in reality never reused. Cluttered basements, overrun terraces, saturated garages: many useless objects take up space without us really noticing. Spring is therefore the perfect time to start fresh and free up space in a lasting way.
Here are 10 things you should consider getting rid of first:
- Accumulated garden waste (branches, leaves, soil, pots)
- Damaged or unusable outdoor furniture
- Leftover DIY materials (wood, rubble, building materials)
- Cardboard boxes kept "just in case"
- Winter clothes never worn
- Expired products in the basement or garage
- Dead plants and broken pots
- Unused bulky items (bikes, equipment, furniture)
- Objects kept out of habit but with no real use
- Everything you have been putting off all year
Tip: the 12-month rule
Ask yourself one simple question: "Have I used this item in the last 12 months?" If the answer is no, it is probably time to let it go.
Recycling center or simple solution?
In Switzerland, getting rid of bulky waste can quickly become complicated: trips to the recycling center, strict sorting rules, time wasted. A practical and flexible alternative like Big Sack lets you dispose of all your waste easily in one go, with no scheduling constraints or multiple trips.
Part 2 — The 7 Steps to a Successful Spring Clean
Once the sorting is done, it is time for a deep clean. Even with the best intentions, we all tend to procrastinate when faced with the scale of the task. Here is how to go about it methodically, room by room, to see it through without losing motivation.
Step 1 — Plan
Before you start, prepare a clear to-do list. Without a list, you risk forgetting tasks and feeling like you are not making progress. Plan a list for each room, tailored to its specific needs. Ticking off each completed task brings real satisfaction and helps maintain motivation.
Step 2 — Tidy and declutter
For an effective clean, start by making space. Sort through your wardrobes, cupboards and storage areas: clothes not worn in 6 months, broken or damaged objects, things that have become useless. Use storage boxes to optimize space. For all the bulky items you want to get rid of, Big Sack offers bags of 1m³, 2m³ and 3m³ to suit all needs.
Step 3 — Get properly equipped
Before getting started, gather the necessary equipment: microfibre cloths, sponges, a broom, a vacuum cleaner, a mop. For products, keep it natural: black soap, white vinegar and baking soda cover the vast majority of needs and are ecological and biodegradable. Add a glass cleaner and a toilet cleaner to complete your kit. All of this is easily found at Migros or Coop.
Step 4 — The kitchen
As the most used room in the house, the kitchen requires thorough degreasing and disinfecting. Sort through food items and check expiry dates — anything expired goes to the compost. Descale the kettle and coffee maker with white vinegar, clean the inside of the microwave, degrease the oven, and use a toothbrush on the toaster. Wash and disinfect the bin as well as the inside of the fridge. If you have a freezer, this is the ideal time to defrost it.
Step 5 — The bathroom
Focus on descaling: sinks, shower heads, bathtubs and taps all need thorough cleaning. Do not forget the joints, where mould can accumulate. Sort through your cosmetics and beauty products: keep what is useful, throw away the rest. Finish with the mirror using a glass cleaner.
Step 6 — The bedroom
Completely empty wardrobes, chests of drawers and bedside tables to sort through their contents efficiently. Set aside what you no longer use, and throw away what is damaged. Remember to turn your mattress to distribute the padding evenly — and if it is too worn, this is a good time to replace it. For carpets and rugs, a rented steam cleaner allows for a deep clean.
Step 7 — The garden
For those lucky enough to have a garden, spring is a key moment. Mow, prune and trim your hedges to make room for the young shoots that will soon appear. Remove dried stems and branches damaged by frost. Take the opportunity to get rid of broken pots and worn-out tools. For green waste and bulky items, Big Sack lets you remove everything quickly and easily, without having to check the recycling center's opening hours.
An extra helping hand: the home organiser
In recent years, the concept of the home organiser has developed significantly. These professionals assist with sorting, organize storage spaces and maximize every available square metre. Whether reorganizing a wardrobe, optimizing a garage or completely rethinking a living space, they bring method and expertise. In Switzerland, you can find one near you through the website of the Swiss Association of Home Organisers.
A Spring to Start Fresh
An effective spring clean is not just about tidying up or cleaning the surface. It is an opportunity to take back control of your space, let go of what no longer belongs, and create a home that truly reflects what you need today. Every object removed, every room disinfected, every cupboard reorganized contributes to a lighter and more peaceful daily life.
For the removal of your waste and bulky items, let Big Sack take care of it for you. Order your bag, fill it at your own pace, we come and collect it. Simple, flexible, no hassle. Because the most important thing this spring is you — not back-and-forth trips to the recycling center.
Take it easy. Contact us for the removal of your waste.