Decluttering at the end of the year is a fantastic way to welcome the new year with a fresh start. From a winter deep cleaning effort to conquering clutter stashed away before holiday hosting, there are many ways we can prepare to start the new year with a cleaner home. We’ve gathered seven ways to tackle decluttering, as well as five ways to approach the task, plus some tips to keep your momentum strong. In total, there are 17 tips to help end the year with a less cluttered, more organized life.
7 Ways to Tackle Decluttering and Maximize Your Results:
- Set realistic goals and expectations. Don’t try to complete your entire house in one weekend. Start with small, manageable areas, like a closet or drawer, and build momentum from there.
- Focus on the “one touch” rule. When you pick up an item, decide immediately whether to keep it, toss it, donate it, or sell it. Don’t put it down to deal with later, as that’s a recipe for procrastination.
- Ask yourself the tough questions. Have I used it in the past year? Would I buy this again if I didn’t already own it? Be honest with yourself and let go of things that no longer serve you.
- Clean as you go. When you clear a surface of clutter, take a moment to wipe it down with a gentle but effective cleaner like The All-Purpose Cleaner. You will be less likely to allow clutter to collect on fresh, clean surfaces.
- Get creative with storage. Use baskets, bins, and dividers to keep your belongings organized and easily accessible. This will make it easier to maintain your space in the new year.
- Get the whole family involved. Make decluttering a fun family activity. Play tidy-ing games, listen to upbeat music, and reward yourselves for progress. If the kids are too young to help with organizing, give them a job close by like cleaning windows or counter tops with kid-safe All-Purpose Cleaner.
- Celebrate your successes! Take the time to appreciate how much lighter and clearer your space feels after decluttering. This will motivate you to keep going and maintain your newfound organization.
5 Ways to Approach Decluttering:
The decluttering process can be overwhelming. Here are five fresh ways to approach the task to make it easier:
- Room-by-Room Approach: Tackle decluttering one room at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Start with smaller spaces like closets or bathrooms before moving on to larger areas like the living room or bedroom.
- The Three-Box Method: Label three boxes as “Keep,” “Donate/Sell,” and “Discard.” As you go through items, place them in the appropriate box. This method helps you make quicker decisions about what to keep and what to part with.
- Digital Decluttering: Extend the decluttering process to your digital life. Organize files on your computer, delete unused apps on your devices, and unsubscribe from email lists. A streamlined digital space contributes to a clearer mental space.
- Seasonal Evaluation: Assess your belongings in the context of the current season. If you haven’t used or worn something in the past season, consider letting it go. This helps prevent unnecessary accumulation and keeps your space relevant to your current needs.
- Minimalist Mindset: Embrace a minimalist mindset by questioning the necessity and value of each item. Strive to surround yourself with things that serve a purpose or bring you joy, letting go of excess possessions that only contribute to clutter.
5 Bonus Tips for Clearing the Clutter:
Keep your momentum strong with these five bonus tips:
- Take before-and-after photos to see how much progress you’ve made.
- Use donation bins or apps to make it easy to give away unwanted items.
- Have a garage sale or online listing to sell items that are in good condition.
- Invest in quality storage solutions to keep your decluttered space organized.
- Remember, decluttering is a journey, not a destination. Be patient with yourself and enjoy the process!
By following these tips, you can declutter your home and start the new year feeling refreshed, organized, and ready for new beginnings. Remember, a clutter-free space can lead to a clutter-free mind, so enjoy the process and embrace the fresh start!