Decluttering for the New Year: Simplifying Your Home for a Fresh Start

January is a fresh start and a clean slate, so wouldn’t it feel good to kick off the new year with a less cluttered home?

Keep reading to learn why January is the ideal time to declutter your home, plus get eight decluttering tips for the new year.

Why Focus on Decluttering in January?

• Homes are often extra cluttered in January with gifts, decorations and other extra stuff the holiday season brings. Now’s the time to make room for the new, put things away where they belong, and get rid of items that won’t serve you well in the new year.
• Decluttering not only gives you a clean slate physically, but mentally as well. Starting the year off in a good, clear headspace sets the tone for the year, reduces your stress, and supports your mental health.
• If it’s cold where you live, now’s a great time for tackling indoor projects like cleaning out junk drawers or organizing closets.
• Decluttering provides an opportunity to prepare for important tasks coming up in the year, such as tax season, home and vehicle maintenance, and budgeting.
• Decluttering can help give you motivation to follow through on your New Year’s resolutions and other goals.

8 Decluttering Tips for January

1. Dedicate at Least 15 Minutes Each Day to Decluttering

Between work and the hustle of daily life, finding time to focus on decluttering may seem impossible. But we bet you have 15 minutes each day to tackle some decluttering! Set a timer and get to it. You’ll be surprised how much you can get done in a short period of time.

2. Focus on One Small Area Every Day

If you try to tackle too big of an area in a day, you’ll quickly become frustrated and overwhelmed, so instead focus on a small area. For example, rather than attempting to declutter your whole kitchen at once, instead focus on one small area at a time, such as your pantry, food storage container drawer, or your cup collection.

3. Get Rid of at Least 10 Items Per Day

Aim to select at least 10 items each day to get rid of, but feel free to eliminate as much as you like. Clearing out the extra clutter that’s clogging up your home will feel so good!

4. Keep a Donation Bin, a Trash Bag, and a Relocation Bin Nearby

As you select items to get rid of, immediately put them into either a donation bin or a trash bag. When you come across items that belong somewhere else in your home, place them in the relocation bin and put them where they belong.

5. Clean as You Declutter

As you declutter each small area, take a few minutes to give it a quick clean as well. Dust shelves, wipe out drawers and sanitize surfaces for a truly fresh start.

6. Get Unwanted Items Out of Your Home ASAP

Once you have a collection of things you want to get rid of, remove them from your space as soon as possible. Don’t let the pile of unwanted items take up space in your home—or your car—longer than they need to. Donate usable items to charities or thrift stores and throw away the rest.

7. Make it Fun

Turn on some music or your favorite familiar show for some background noise and grab a fun drink. Invite a friend over to keep you company. Don’t take it too seriously!

8. Remember Progress is Progress

Don’t let thoughts of perfection hold you back from making progress. Don’t overthink it…just do it!

Want more? Check out our blog, 7 Ways to Declutter Your Finances: A New Year’s Resolution Guide.

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