Why Decluttering Before the New Year Matters
We are nearing year’s end, and along with it many of us start to feel the magnetic pull of fresh starts and new beginnings. When it comes to decluttering your home before the New Year, this isn’t just about tidying, it’s about getting your mind clear and creating physical and emotional space for what’s to come. Refreshing your space is the perfect way to reset, set intentions and enter the new year on an organized note.
Getting Started: The Mindset for Decluttering
Embrace Progress Over Perfection
If you’ve let them pile up over the year, decluttering can be overwhelming. Don’t ever try and go for a magazine perfect home, concentrate on meaningful progress. All little steps matter and even least changes can be big changes.
Set a Purpose for Your Space
Before you actually start, consider how you want your home to feel. Cozy? Organized? Inviting? Having a purpose will help you figure out which types of decisions to make and keep you motivated.
The Room-by-Room Decluttering Method
Living Room: The Heart of Your Home
It’s usually the living room that sets the tone for the rest of the house. Start here to build momentum.
- Step 1: Clear Flat Surfaces
It gathers on your coffee tables, on shelves, and side tables. Get rid of everything and only replace things that have a purpose or that cause joy. - Step 2: Purge Unnecessary Decor
I can never end up throwing away holiday decorations before their time. Neatly pack them away and think about donating decor you do not love anymore. - Step 3: Refresh Your Space
Bring newness to your living room by adding a new throw blanket or set of cushions. You don’t need to invest big—small change leads to big change.
Kitchen: The Command Center
It’s easy for the kitchen area to get really chaotic. Having a well organized kitchen not only makes your house look great, but it also makes your life more easy.
- Step 1: Tackle the Pantry
Dump expired things and give away remaindered food you don’t need. Keep related things together, i.e. grains, canned goods or snacks etc. - Step 2: Edit Your Utensil Drawer
When did you need three bottle openers or six spatulas? Throw away whatever you don’t use regularly. - Step 3: Declutter Countertops
Store appliances you don’t use much in cabinets or storage. It makes the space look cleaner than you think plus it’s the first thing my guests see when they walk into the backyard.
Bedrooms: Your Personal Sanctuary
It should be a restful retreat in your bedroom. Better sleep and relaxation are fostered in clutter free environment.
- Step 1: Sort Through Your Closet
Use the “one-year rule”: If you haven’t worn it in a year, go ahead and let it go. Seasonal storage is also an option for out of season items. - Step 2: Organize Nightstands
I kept things like a lamp, book, or water bottle. Get rid of everything else to avoid distraction. - Step 3: Refresh Bedding
A clean bed and fresh sheets can also easily turn the room around.
Bathrooms: A Spa-Like Escape
Making small changes in the bathroom can make a big difference.
- Step 1: Toss Expired Products
Look at expiration dates on makeup and skincare, as well as medicines. Get rid of anything that you no longer need. - Step 2: Simplify Counter Space
Along with toothbrushes, razors and makeup, store items in cabinets and organizers so that surfaces remain empty. - Step 3: Add a Special Touch
Making the space more inviting, of course, goes a long way: Fresh towels, a new shower curtain, or even a candle.
Strategies to Stay Focused
The 15-Minute Rule
Set a timer for 15 minutes and start on the smallest, perhaps one relatively small area. More than you think you can get done in such a short period. Not to mention it’s far less daunting than pledging to spend hours working.
The One-In, One-Out Rule
For every item you introduce to your home, rid yourself of an old one. You’re not adding things randomly, this helps you to avoid clutter and be mindful of what you’re adding to your space.
Enlist Help
You don’t have to do decluttering alone. Involve your family or roommates. Make it more fun by adding in some music, even a little competition.
Beyond the Physical: Decluttering: The Emotional Side
Letting Go of Sentimental Items
The hardest stuff to get rid of is sentimental clutter. The memories attached to a thing, however, live separately from the actual thing. Take a photo of the item and do not let go if it helps.
Feeling the Benefits of a Lighter Space
A decluttered mind, follows a decluttered home. When your space is clean and organized, you may be less stressed, more productive and perhaps even sleep better.
Sustainable Decluttering: What to Do with the Stuff
Donate or Sell
Good condition items can be donated to donation centers and they can also be sold online. It’s a win-win: It’s you to clear your space for someone else in it.
Recycle Responsibly
Batteries and electronics, and certain types of plastics, must be recycled in a different way. Proper disposal depends on local recycling programs so look them up.
Avoid the Landfill
You should try and not end up with a lot of trash. Repurposing and upcycling things are great fun and a way of doing it sustainably.
Maintaining Your Decluttered Space
Daily Habits
Putting things back where they belong and taking care of what you have helps so much prevent clutter from building up again.
Seasonal Declutters
Decluttering should become a seasonal ritual — starting once spring kicks off, fall hits, and even before the New Year arrives so you have the chance to reset.
Celebrate Your Efforts
Appreciate the space now that it’s decluttered. Take something simple, such as an evening in your refreshed home.
Wrapping Up the Year with a Fresh Start
Making your home tidy is not about a decluttering: it’s an opportunity to reflect on the previous year and welcoming new opportunities with open arms. With these strategies, you’ll not only have a cleaner home but you’ll also mentally feel ready to face whatever 2016 throws your way. So go get a box, fire up a timer, and start your journey to a clutter free life today!
Frotpox 