When school’s out and summer’s in full swing, it’s the perfect time to refresh your home with a seasonal clean. If you’re looking for summer cleaning tips that not only help you declutter but also give back, we’ve got you covered.
Summer cleaning isn’t just about wiping down windows and organizing closets. It’s also a great opportunity to reduce waste and support a good cause. That’s why this guide combines practical cleaning strategies with an eco-friendly fundraising idea from GotSneakers, a sneaker recycling program that turns your old shoes into cash for schools, camps, and nonprofits.
Why Summer Is the Best Time to Declutter
Unlike spring cleaning, which often feels rushed or tied to holiday cleanup, summer offers a slower pace and more flexibility. Kids are home, schedules are lighter, and the weather encourages open windows and fresh starts.
Whether you’re prepping for summer travel, cleaning out school-year clutter, or just trying to reset your space, summer cleaning is an ideal opportunity to evaluate what you really need and what can be donated.
10 Smart Summer Cleaning Tips to Refresh Your Space
Let’s dive into simple, effective summer cleaning tips that will help you tackle clutter and make room for what matters most.
1. Start With a Plan and a Timeline
Before you start pulling everything out of closets, make a room-by-room checklist. Focus on areas that get overlooked during busier times of year—like the garage, kids’ rooms, or entryway closets.
Pro Tip: Set a weekend goal (e.g., “clean out kids’ closet by Sunday”) so you don’t feel overwhelmed.
2. Declutter by Category, Not Room
Instead of cleaning room by room, try the category method. For example:
- One day for clothing
- One day for sports gear
- One day for shoes
- One day for kitchen tools
This method helps you stay focused and makes it easier to sort for donation or recycling.
3. Use the “One Year” Rule
If you haven’t used or worn it in the past year, it’s time to let it go. This is especially useful for clothing, shoes, and seasonal gear like sports equipment or camping supplies.
4. Involve the Kids
Summer break is a great time to teach kids about organization and giving back. Let them help sort toys, books, and shoes—and talk to them about donating items to help others.
5. Create a Designated Donation Zone
Keep one laundry basket or bin labeled “Donate” in a visible spot. This helps you stay organized as you clean and makes it easy to do one big drop-off at the end.
6. Deep Clean Where It Counts
After decluttering, focus your cleaning energy on high-traffic summer zones:
- Entryways (sand, dirt, flip-flop mess)
- Kitchen (for grilling season)
- Patio or deck spaces
- Mudroom or garage
7. Digitize Paper Clutter
Use summer to reduce physical paperwork. Scan kids’ artwork, report cards, and school memos. Store them in cloud folders and recycle the rest.
8. Clean Out Closets for Fall Prep
Go through school uniforms, sports gear, and sneakers. If it doesn’t fit or is no longer used, add it to your donation pile.
This is also the perfect moment to start a sneaker drive, which leads us to the most impactful summer cleaning tip…
9. Donate Old Sneakers and Fundraise with GotSneakers
Sneakers are one of the most overlooked items during summer cleanouts. They’re often buried in closets or tossed after sports seasons end. But those old sneakers can do more than take up space—they can raise money and reduce waste.
GotSneakers is a sneaker recycling program that pays schools, camps, and nonprofits for collecting gently used sneakers. It’s free to join and makes an amazing summer fundraiser that ties perfectly into your cleaning goals.
10. Track Your Impact
As you declutter, keep a tally of items donated, recycled, or reused. It feels good to clean, but it feels even better knowing your clean-out made a difference.
How GotSneakers Works (And Why It Belongs in Your Summer Clean-Up)
When you’re gathering donations during your summer cleaning spree, setting up a GotSneakers sneaker drive is one of the easiest and most meaningful things you can do.
Here’s how it works:
- Sign up at gotsneakers.com
- Receive your free starter kit with shipping materials and marketing resources
- Collect gently used sneakers from your family, friends, or community
- Ship them using free UPS labels provided
- Get paid for sneakers based on their condition:
- Excellent: up to $7 per pair
- Good: $2 per pair
- Fair: $1 per pair
- Recyclable: $0 (but still kept out of landfills)
Whether you’re fundraising for a summer camp, a PTA project, or a local team, it’s an easy, eco-conscious solution.
Why Sneaker Recycling Matters
Every year, over 300 million pairs of shoes are thrown away in the U.S. and most end up in landfills, taking decades to break down. GotSneakers keeps wearable shoes in circulation and recycles damaged ones responsibly.
Incorporating this into your summer cleaning isn’t just smart, it’s sustainable.
Make It a Community Effort
Summer cleaning doesn’t have to be a solo job. Use your GotSneakers drive to involve:
- Your neighborhood or HOA during block parties
- Your faith group or youth program
- Your child’s summer sports league or camp
- Local gyms or community centers
The more people you invite into your drive, the more impact you can make—financially and environmentally.
Turn Cleaning Into a Summer Fundraiser
If you’re part of an organization that could use a summer fundraising boost, a sneaker drive is the perfect solution. It ties directly into seasonal cleaning behavior and requires zero upfront investment.
Perfect For:
- Summer camps
- Sports teams
- PTAs/PTOs
- Youth groups
- Faith-based organizations
Clean with Purpose This Summer
These summer cleaning tips aren’t just about making your home look good—they’re about doing good. By pairing practical cleaning with a meaningful donation like a sneaker drive, you’re reducing waste, raising funds, and setting an example of responsible giving.
So as you clean out closets, clear out the garage, and organize your family for the season ahead, remember: Your old sneakers can help fund something new.
Ready to Start Your Summer Sneaker Drive?
Turn your summer clean-out into a chance to give back. Whether you want to raise money or just reduce landfill waste, GotSneakers is your go-to partner for eco-friendly, feel-good fundraising.
Sign up for free today and make this summer’s cleaning mission matter.