Top 10 Items to Get Rid of Before Summer Begins

Declutter for Summer and Start the Season Fresh

As the weather warms up, it’s the perfect time to hit refresh—not just on your calendar, but on your home, too. If you're planning a big cleanout, prepping for summer parties, or just tired of the clutter, now’s the time to declutter for summer. Clearing out unused or unwanted items creates more space, reduces stress, and makes your home feel lighter and more welcoming.

This guide covers the top 10 items to get rid of before summer, with practical junk removal tips for 2025, a helpful summer cleaning checklist, and advice on what to throw away before summer hits.

🧼 Why Decluttering in May Makes Sense

Before diving into the list, here’s why now is the perfect time:

• You're likely opening up garages, patios, and sheds for the first time all year

• School is winding down—meaning more time to organize the home

• Summer events are on the horizon (graduations, BBQs, guests)

• Donation centers are actively accepting warm-weather items

Whether you're in Milwaukee, Waukesha, or Ozaukee County, this guide is for homeowners and renters preparing for a clutter-free summer.

✅ Top 10 Items to Get Rid of Before Summer

1. Old Patio Furniture

If it's rusted, ripped, or unused, it’s time to let it go. Make room for fresh seating and safe outdoor relaxation.

2. Broken or Unused Appliances

That mini fridge in the garage or the broken fan in your basement? Don’t let them take up space. Dispose of them properly with professional help.

3. Outdated or Worn-Out Sporting Equipment

If no one’s touched those deflated basketballs or broken bicycles in years, it’s time to clear them out.

4. Old Clothing & Summer Gear

Dig into closets and drawers for clothing you haven’t worn in the past two seasons. Donate gently-used items and toss what’s beyond saving.

5. Boxes of Random "Stuff" in the Basement

Still holding onto boxes from your last move? Go through them now. If you don’t use it, lose it.

6. Worn Mattresses and Furniture

Summer guests? Don’t let them sleep on sagging mattresses or sit on broken chairs. Replace and remove with ease.

7. Unused Gardening Tools & Supplies

If they’re broken, rusted, or you’ve already replaced them, toss them out to make room in your shed or garage.

8. Old Grills and Outdoor Cooking Gear

Rusty grill? Charcoal from 2018? Replace it with something safe and summer-ready.

9. Toys Your Kids Have Outgrown

Toys, bikes, or trampolines they no longer use can go—especially if they’re taking up yard or storage space.

10. Junk From Past Renovations

Leftover drywall, tiles, or paint cans? Add them to your summer cleaning checklist and get them hauled away professionally.

🛠 Junk Removal Tips 2025: Make the Process Easier

• Sort as You Go: Use labeled bins—Keep, Donate, Toss

• Take Pictures: If you’re using a junk removal service, photos help provide fast quotes

• Book Ahead: Summer is busy—secure your junk removal appointment early

• Think Green: If something is reusable or recyclable, consider donation or eco-disposal options

🧾 Your Summer Cleaning Checklist

✅ Clear out closets and storage areas ✅ Organize your garage or shed ✅ Check and clean outdoor spaces ✅ Dispose of broken appliances and old furniture ✅ Declutter kids’ items and hobby equipment

By checking these boxes, you’ll declutter for summer and enjoy a stress-free, inviting home just in time for the season’s fun.

💡 Final Thoughts: Declutter for Summer Today

Now’s the time to start fresh. Whether you're making room for guests, prepping for summer events, or just want a cleaner home, these are the items to get rid of before summer starts.

Let Smith Brothers Junk Removal help you make space, stress less, and get summer-ready. We offer fast, local junk removal throughout Southeastern Wisconsin—so you can declutter without lifting a finger.

📞 Call us today at (262) 613-7596 or Book Online for same-day or scheduled service.