If you’re anything like me, September feels like the real start of a new year because that is when summer is over and your kids are back to school. However, when we roll into a new calendar year it’s the real start of a new year—a clean slate, a fresh calendar, and the perfect opportunity to give our homes a refresh.
I know some of us don’t want to think about decluttering, but January brings the chance and opportunity to do so. Yes, I am talking about clearing out old items, organizing, and refreshing your space to feel good waking up to. If you’re ready to dive into some decluttering, here are my year-end decluttering tips to help you start January with a space that feels light, organized, and ready to support your dreams.
1. Start with a Vision
How do you want your home to feel? This is such an important question because decluttering starts with a vision of how you want to live in your space and how you want this space to feel. It might seem like a strange question but keeping a vision in mind will help you to create a clutter-free space with an intention. This will also help you to know what you are aiming for and keep you focused on the goal ahead.
Quick Tip: Grab a journal or open a notes app and jot down a few words that describe how you want your home to feel. Refer back to this list whenever you feel overwhelmed!
2. Tackle One Space at a Time
You might feel like tackling your entire home all at once but you really don’t need to. People who aim to tackle the entire home may have more time to spare than a busy mom would. So instead I want you to tackle one space at a time. There is no shame in doing that, in fact, you feel less stress when you have one space to focus your mind on. So go by room (such as the kitchen, bedroom, or bathroom) or by category (such as clothes, books, or kitchenware) and feel more accomplished in your progress.
Pro Tip: If you’re feeling stuck, start with the area you spend the most time in, or an area that’s causing you stress.
3. Sort with Purpose: Keep, Donate, Discard, Recycle
You don’t need to reinvent the way you declutter, a simple “keep, donate, discard, recycle” method does the trick. Don’t forget to ask yourself some questions such as “Is this serving me?” or “Am I using this in my life now or at least yearly?“.
The goal is to remove items that you don’t use at all so you can free up space for items that you actually use. Make those your priority! Because you know when you love something and want to use it all the time and things that you don’t and watch collect dust. If it’s in good condition but you no longer need it, consider donating it. For items that are broken, damaged, or no longer useful, it’s time to let them go.
Bonus Tip: Have bags (extra reusable shopping bags work too) or boxes ready for your donations and discard items. This will make it easier to move them out as soon as you’re done.
4. Give “Home” to Everything You Keep
Ever wonder what the key is to maintaining a clutter-free space? I’ll let you in on a little secret! It ensures that everything you keep is in a designated place. It really helps to put things back because it reduces the chance of clutter piling up. Now I am not saying that it’s a perfect system because we will have days when life gets too busy but it sure helps when everyone in the home sticks to putting items back!
What about things that don’t fit in anywhere? Well, this could be a signal that it might not belong in that particular part of your home or that you need to create a storage solution for it. Think about getting baskets for frequently used items or clear bins for seasonal items. Oh and don’t be afraid to get creative with vertical storage, under-bed storage, or over-the-door organizers too. It has been a lifesaver in my multigenerational home!
5. Address the Sentimental Items Last
Don’t touch the sentimental items until last. Believe me, this can stop your progress while you are decluttering which is why it’s best to save it for last. Sentimental items can be the hardest to declutter because it is usually connected to a memory in your life. You will want to start with practical or functional items, where decision-making feels like a breeze. Once you’ve built momentum, you’ll have a clearer perspective when tackling sentimental things.
When you do get to these items, try to focus on the memories, not the items themselves. Take photos of mementos that you want to remember but no longer need, or consider passing them on to someone else who might cherish them. It’s all about keeping the memory while letting go of unnecessary clutter.
6. Reevaluate Storage Solutions
I know this entire blog post about decluttering but know that there is more to it than getting rid of items. It is about setting up systems that will support the person you are today. As you and your kids grow of even change lifestyles, your systems will need to adjust to it. Therefore I encourage you to evaluate your current storage solutions and see what is working with you and what isn’t. If you find yourself stacking items or cramming things into drawers, it might be time to rethink how you’re organizing.
Final Thoughts
I love decluttering before the new year! It is such a rewarding process that really does make your home feel refreshed and helps you wake up to a clutter-free home. Not to mention, there is something empowering about letting go of things that no longer serve you and welcoming in a new, fresh energy for the year ahead. So, here’s to starting 2025 with a clear mind and a clutter-free space! You’ve got this.
Related:
- Easy 28-Day Declutter Challenge + FREE Printable Checklist
- 30 Things in your Life you Need to Declutter & Organize By Age 30
- Declutter your Entryway Closet: How to Keep It From Disasters
- How to Declutter Your Apartment in 3 Easy Steps
