If you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the clutter and STUFF in your home, New Year’s is the perfect time to declutter and get rid of it.
If you’re not sure where to START decluttering, I have a LOT of tips to help you below. Bottom line, the key is to take it one step at a time – one SPACE at a time – starting with the areas that cause you the most stress and frustration.
Updated on December 8, 2022
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‘Tis the season for New Year’s Resolutions – what are YOU resolving to do this year?
(grab these free New Year’s Resolution printables if you haven’t made your yet)
For many folks, like ME, one of my main resolutions to finally clear the clutter and STUFF out of my home.
However, just writing “Declutter house” on my list of resolutions suddenly became WAY too overwhelming.
Where do we START?
My first step in starting was to really dig in and realize how clutter was causing BIG issues in my life.
Is Clutter Causing Issues For YOU?
Yep, clutter IS overwhelming, but have you ever thought about the other issues and problems excessive clutter can cause?
For example:
- Excessive clutter can cause increased stress and anxiety, leading to decreased productivity and overall well-being.
- Clutter can also lead to procrastination and difficulty making decisions.
- A cluttered home can contribute to feelings of guilt, shame, and inadequacy.
- Extreme clutter can increase the risk of accidents and injuries, such as tripping and falling.
- Clutter and disorganization can also lead to the loss of important documents and items, causing financial and emotional distress.
- Clutter can also cause a decrease in home value – that whole ‘first impressions’ thing.
- Worst of all, an extremely clutter home can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness dues to not wanting anyone to SEE your mess and/or no one WANTING to come in.
If any of the above resonates with you – keep reading.
This fresh, New Year is the perfect time to get it all together.
Meet Jane
I gotta tell ya about my neighbor, Jane (obviously not her REAL name lol!) Her darn house was a cluttered DISASTER – she was SO tired of it and was determined to make a change. She had always been a bit of a hoarder, clinging onto old clothes and SO much stuff she never used. Her house was cluttered and disorganized, and she knew it was time to make a change – but shed NO clue where to start.
So, she picked January 1st as her starting day – and picked one small area to start in.
She started with her closet to start in, sorting through her clothes and pulling out anything that she hadn’t worn in the past year. She filled up several bags with old clothes and shoes that she no longer needed and took them to the local charity shop.
Next, she tackled her kitchen, getting rid of old appliances that she never used and donating old pots and pans that were taking up space in her cupboards. She even cleaned out her fridge and pantry, tossing out expired food and organizing what was left.
As she continued to declutter, Jane realized how much of a RELIEF it was to get rid of all the excess STUFF that was weighing her down.
She felt lighter and happier, and her house felt more spacious and organized.
By the end of the month, Jane had successfully decluttered her entire house, and she couldn’t believe the difference it had made. She felt more in control of her space and her life, and she was excited to start the new year with a fresh, clean home.
From then on, Jane made a conscious effort to keep her house decluttered and organized, and she was grateful for the new year’s resolution that had motivated her to make such a positive change in her life.
Decluttering is a process that becomes a lifestyle.
It’s kinda like “dieting” – you don’t do it for ONE day and be done; instead, it becomes a new way of living.
Declutter Room By Room
Instead of thinking and stressing over decluttering your ENTIRE home, break that long-term project down into individual rooms.
Many ask, “But which ROOM should I declutter FIRST? Does it matter where I start?”
In the big picture, it doesn’t matter where you START as long as you finish =)
That said, the best room to declutter first is the room that is used the most and/or the room that causes the most stress or anxiety.
For example, if the living room is a cluttered mess and always causes stress when guests come over, then that would be the best room to start decluttering in.
On the other hand, if your bedroom is so cluttered that it keeps you from getting a good night’s sleep, then that would be the best room for YOU to declutter first.
Here are some tips for decluttering each room in your home:
Kitchen
The kitchen is often the busiest and most cluttered room in the house. Start by clearing off countertops and organizing cabinets and drawers. Consider getting rid of duplicate items, such as multiple sets of measuring cups or kitchen gadgets that you never use. Donate or sell items that are still in good condition but no longer serve a purpose for you.
Living room
The living room is where we often gather with friends and family, so it’s important to keep it clutter-free. Go through your bookshelves and DVDs, and get rid of anything that you no longer need or want. If you have a collection of knick-knacks or decorative items, consider limiting yourself to a few favorite pieces and donating or selling the rest.
Bedrooms
Your bedrooms should be a relaxing and peaceful space, but it can easily become cluttered with clothes, shoes, and other belongings. Sort through your closet and drawers, and get rid of anything that doesn’t fit or that you haven’t worn in a long time. Consider investing in storage solutions such as drawer organizers or shoe racks to keep everything neat and organized.
Home office
If you work from home or have a designated office space, it’s important to keep it clutter-free to help you stay focused and productive. Go through your desk and file cabinets, and get rid of any old papers or documents that you no longer need. Consider digitizing important documents and creating a filing system to keep everything organized and easily accessible.
Garage or Basement
Your garage or basement can quickly become a dumping ground for all kinds of clutter. Sort through everything and get rid of anything that you no longer need or use. Consider renting a storage unit for items that you want to keep but don’t have space for in your home.
Decluttering can be a time-consuming and extremely overwhelming process, but the benefits are worth it.
A clean, clutter-free and organized home can reduce stress and improve your overall well-being.
As the saying goes, “less is more.”
By getting rid of unnecessary items, you’ll create a more peaceful and functional living space that you’ll enjoy spending time in AND no longer feel embarrassed by others coming in.
5 Step Whole House Declutter Plan:
- Start by creating a plan and setting aside dedicated time to declutter each room in your home.
- Begin by sorting through your belongings, making piles for items to keep, donate, sell, or throw away.
- Next, focus on organizing your remaining items by assigning them a designated spot in your home and implementing effective storage solutions.
- Once your items are organized, take the time to clean and declutter your space by removing any excess clutter and dust.
- To maintain your decluttered space, make a habit of regularly decluttering and organizing your belongings and implementing a “one in, one out” rule for new items entering your home.
Decluttering Benefits
There are SO many good things about having less STUFF.
Here are my personal Top 10 Reasons to Declutter Your Home:
- Decluttering your home can improve your mental and emotional well-being. When your home is cluttered and disorganized, it can cause feelings of stress and overwhelm. By decluttering, you can create a sense of calm and order in your space, leading to a more positive and relaxed mindset.
- Decluttering can save you time and energy. When you have too much stuff, it can be difficult to find what you need quickly and easily. By decluttering, you can reduce the time and effort you spend searching for things and increase your productivity.
- Decluttering can help you save money. When you have too much stuff, it can be tempting to buy more items to fill the gaps. By decluttering, you can reduce your need for new items and save money on unnecessary purchases.
- Decluttering can improve your physical health. Clutter can create dust and other allergens in your home, which can lead to health issues such as allergies and asthma. By decluttering, you can improve the air quality in your home and reduce your risk of health problems.
- Decluttering can help you live more sustainably. When you have too much stuff, it can be difficult to properly care for and maintain your items. By decluttering, you can reduce your environmental impact by reducing the amount of waste and resources you use.
- Decluttering can improve the aesthetic appeal of your home. When your home is cluttered and disorganized, it can be visually unappealing and make you feel less comfortable in your space. By decluttering, you can create a more attractive and inviting environment.
- Decluttering can help you get organized. When you have too much stuff, it can be difficult to keep track of your belongings and manage your space effectively. By decluttering, you can create systems and routines that help you stay organized and in control of your home.
- Decluttering can help you discover hidden treasures. When your home is cluttered, you may not realize the valuable or sentimental items you have hidden among the clutter. By decluttering, you can uncover these treasures and make sure they are properly cared for and appreciated.
- Decluttering can make your home more functional. When your home is cluttered, it can be difficult to use your space effectively and efficiently. By decluttering, you can create more functional and usable areas in your home, making it easier to enjoy your space and carry out your daily activities.
- Decluttering can help you create a fresh start. When your home is cluttered, it can be difficult to make positive changes or move forward in your life. By decluttering, you can create a clean slate and a new beginning, allowing you to focus on what truly matters and make positive changes in your life.
Ready To Get Started?
Here are 10 things you can declutter in January to get you started on your journey to a clutter-free home:
