New Year, New Space: 8 Decluttering Tips for a Fresh Start in Your Home
6 min read.
The start of a new year is the perfect opportunity for a fresh start, and what better place to begin than your living space? Over time, your home can accumulate clutter, making them feel smaller and more chaotic than they should. A clean, decluttered home looks better and can improve your mental well-being by creating a peaceful, organized environment.
If you’re ready to start the year with a more serene and functional space, here are some decluttering tips to help you achieve that.
Start small and set a goal.
Decluttering an entire home can feel overwhelming, so breaking the process down into manageable steps is essential. Start with one area of your home, like a drawer, closet, or bathroom and set a specific goal. For example, you could clear out an entire wardrobe or reorganize your kitchen pantry. Once you’ve progressed in one area, you’ll feel more motivated to tackle others. Setting small, achievable goals will keep you focused and prevent burnout.
Embrace the 80/20 rule.
The 80/20 rule, also known as the Pareto Principle, states that 80% of your results come from 20% of your efforts. Apply this principle to your belongings by identifying which items you use regularly (20%) and which rarely see the light of day (80%). Let go of things that no longer serve a purpose in your life. For example, get rid of clothes you haven’t worn in over a year or kitchen gadgets taking up valuable counter space.
Create declutter categories.
When sorting through your belongings, categorize everything into three groups: keep, donate, and discard. The “keep” pile should contain only what you use and love. Items in the “donate” pile can be given a second life, while the “discard” pile is for broken, expired, or useless things. The key to maintaining a clutter-free space is staying disciplined about your categories and resisting the temptation to keep items that don’t add value to your home or life.
Use the one-in, one-out rule.
This simple rule can help maintain your newly decluttered home throughout the year. For every new item you bring into your home, whether a pair of shoes, furniture, or a kitchen appliance, commit to removing one item. This helps prevent unnecessary accumulation and ensures your space isn’t overcrowded again. It’s a simple but effective way to stay on top of your possessions in the long run.
Maximize storage solutions.
Once you’ve decluttered, consider how to store and organize the items you keep. Install shelves or hanging organizers to maximize the vertical space in your home. Use under-bed storage bins to store seasonal items, extra linens, or shoes. Consider drawer dividers, cabinet organizers, or over-the-door racks to optimize storage space in the kitchen. Keeping your home tidy and clutter-free becomes much easier when everything has a designated place.
Keep surfaces clear.
Clutter accumulates on flat surfaces such as countertops, tables, and desks. Make it a habit to keep these areas as clear as possible. Designate specific spots for keys, mail, and other essentials to prevent them from being scattered throughout the home. The simpler and more organized your surfaces are, the cleaner your home will feel. A clean countertop or table can significantly affect how spacious your home feels.
Commit to regular maintenance.
Decluttering doesn’t have to be a one-time task. Commit to maintaining a clutter-free environment regularly. Set aside time regularly to reassess your belongings and eliminate anything that no longer serves a purpose. This proactive approach will ensure that clutter doesn’t accumulate again and help you stay organized throughout the year.
Consider digital decluttering.
Decluttering isn’t limited to physical items; your digital space deserves attention, too. Start by organizing your files and deleting unnecessary documents, emails, or apps that are taking up space. Decluttering your phone, computer, and cloud storage will reduce digital clutter, improve productivity, and make it easier to find important files when needed.
Starting the new year with a decluttered home can give you a fresh perspective and help create a more peaceful living environment. You can transform your home into a clutter-free sanctuary by taking small steps, staying organized, and implementing practical storage solutions. Remember to maintain the momentum with regular decluttering sessions throughout the year to ensure your space remains tidy and stress-free. Here’s to a new year with a cleaner, more organized home.
References
Larkin, E., & Sabella, M. (2024, November 9). How to declutter your home: 6 best room-by-room methods. The Spruce. https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-declutter-your-home-2648002
LIVE Brighter. (2022, February 10). 7 tips to declutter your apartment Marie Kondo style – blog | live more by Minto. minto. https://www.minto.com/live-more-blog/LIVE-brighter/7-tips-to-declutter-your-apartment-Marie-Kondo-style~539.html
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