The Ultimate New Year Declutter Checklist for Your Home
As the year comes to a close, anticipation fills the air. Now is the perfect time to reflect on the past and look ahead at new beginnings. The New Year offers the perfect opportunity to hit the reset button, create solid, new habits, and take a fresh approach. It’s also the ideal chance to declutter, both mentally and physically, to make space for the exciting year ahead.
However, I totally get that decluttering can feel difficult, especially if you’re tackling it for the first time. And you’re not alone in feeling this! The idea of sorting through years of memories, accumulated items, and some junk can feel like a very daunting task–but don’t worry!
The key to making this process manageable is to break it down into smaller, more manageable steps. And that’s exactly what a checklist can help you do! To help you get started on your decluttering journey, I’ve created a helpful New Year Decluttering Checklist that you can use as your ultimate guide!
Let’s dive in and get you on the road to decluttering your home!
The Ultimate New Year Declutter Checklist for Your Home
Before we get completely into it, let’s quickly talk about the benefits. Decluttering does so much more than just tidy up your space. In fact, it can reduce stress, improve focus, and create new room for opportunities when you need them!
A clean, organized, organized environment can seriously help clear your mind and set a positive tone for the year ahead. Though it can seem kind of overwhelming at first, having a checklist to guide you while you get rid of clutter will make the process feel so much more manageable.
Why is Decluttering Good For You?
Reduces stress and anxiety.
Cluttered spaces can easily lead to cluttered minds. The constant visual reminders of unfinished tasks or disorganization can contribute to feelings of stress. When you declutter, you remove these triggers and create a peaceful environment that promotes calmness and relaxation.
Increases productivity.
A tidy, well-organized space can significantly improve your productivity. When your environment is clutter and task-free, it’s much easier to stay focused and on task. Decluttering works well to remove distractions, allowing you to prioritize what truly matters.
This can help you accomplish way more in less time, whether you’re working from home or getting by your day. Starting the year with a clean slate means you’re ready to hit the ground running.
Improves mental clarity.
When you’re surrounded by excess belongings, it can be really hard to focus on what’s important, and your mental health can take a dive. Decluttering can clear the mental fog in your mind and give you a sense of clarity. It’s like giving your mind the space it needs to slow down, think, plan, and set intentions for the year ahead.
Boosts your mood.
The act of decluttering itself can be very empowering. It’s a productive way to take control of your environment, which in turn, can boost your self-esteem and sense of accomplishment. Plus, a clean and organized home is simply more pleasant to be in. The end result is a boosted mood!
Makes room for new opportunities.
When you get rid of old stuff, you make so much room for new experiences and possibilities. Clearing out the things that no longer serve you creates room for new interests, hobbies, and goals. So, starting the new years with less physical clutter can really help you focus on what truly matters.
How To Declutter For The New Year
Start with one room at a time.
You can kickstart your decluttering journey by just focusing on one room at a time, or even within a small area in the room. Trying to tackle your whole home all at once can feel way too overwhelming, so room by room is best.
Start with a space you use every day, such as your kitchen or bedroom, and break the task down into manageable chunks. For example, you could start with cleaning your bedside tables, clearing out the junk drawer, or stripping the bed and washing your sheets.
Use the “one in, one out” rule.
For every item you bring into your home, make sure you get rid of one. This is super helpful for things like clothing, books, and gadgets. This rule is a super effective way to maintain balance in your home, ensuring you don’t just add to your collection without removing something first. If your things are in good condition, you can donate or sell them on.
Tackle paper clutter often.
Paper clutter is one of the most persistent and annoying types of clutter in many homes. From old bills to receipts and magazines, it definitely piles up over time. Set aside specific time to declutter each week to go through your paper mail, bills, and paperwork. Keeping your paper clutter down can ensure that it doesn’t accumulate into an overwhelming pile.
Commit to a declutter routine.
Rather than saving decluttering for once-a-year, create a regular decluttering routine. Dedicate a set amount of time each week or month to tidy up specific areas in your home. It doesn’t have to take ages, even just 15-20 minutes is great.
You can even kick it off by going through your fridge and pantry every fortnight, restocking, and checking expiration dates. This can help to keep your home organized and prevent overwhelming clutter from building up.
Sort items into categories.
When you declutter, it’s a good idea to have a clear system. As you go through, create four piles or categories. These categories/piles include keep, donate, recycle, and trash.
Start by asking yourself whether you use or love them. If not, decide if it can be donated or recycled. If it’s broken and doesn’t function, toss it. Sorting items into clear categories helps you make quick decisions and stop overthinking.
New Year Decluttering Checklist
Declutter this New Year with these handy tips!
Making your home clutter-free for the New Year doesn’t have to be an intimidating task. In fact, it should be exciting knowing that you can start the new year fresh!
By breaking it down into small, manageable steps and following the tips above, you can create a more organized, peaceful environment that can help you feel more focused and refreshed as you kick off the new year.
If decluttering your home feels difficult, you’re not alone. In fact, it’s so normal to feel overwhelmed when it comes down to it. If you’re struggling with decluttering your home, check out my podcast episode “When Decluttering Feels Difficult” with Julia Ubbenga. In this episode, we explore the universal struggle with clutter and why letting go of possessions is a challenge for everyone. Julia shares her journey to minimalism, including overcoming debt and downsizing her family’s belongings by 75%. Trust me, you’ll love it!
