Tips for Decluttering in the New Year
2025 is here, and if you’re anything like me, I saved all my organizing and decluttering for the New Year. The holidays were extra busy! We had a blast and made many memories along the way, but there was no time for cleaning. We were too busy decorating ginerbreads to think about organizing. If you read my last blog post we talked about easing into our goals and setting intentions. This year, I hope to be more organized and minimalistic. So we’re starting small.
Take it Slow: In years past, I would get a burst of energy and clean the entire house in one weekend. This left me feeling anxious, overwhelmed and burnt out. I’m trying something new this year. I’m starting small and taking it slow. An easy tip is to create a customized calendar on Canva and laminate it with what days you’ll tackle certain areas over the next few months. It may take until March, but you’ll be set up for a successful summer. A physical checkmark helps create the feeling of accomplishment which can fuel you to keep going!
One in/One Out Rule - A personal rule I set for myself is if I buy something new, I donate, sell or discard one older item. For example, a new purse means selling or donating a handbag. This can work for most things in our home: rugs, blankets, pajamas, dresses, etc. This way we’re making space for what’s new. Once you make room for that item, who knows, you may even find yourself wanting to donate a few more items. I have been using this rule for over a year now and my closet always feels clean and organized.
No More Hangers - Another rule I’ve set for myself is not buying anymore hangers. This may seem silly, but in my opinion “there’s always more room”. I would buy more hangers and squeeze my clothes so tight in my closet. However, everything was so cluttered, I couldn’t even see what I had and then I would forget what I owned. I would end up buying similar items and never felt like I had anything to wear.
Marie Kondo - Minimalism was popular in the 60s and 70s, then it regained popularity in the early 2000s. Podcasts and articles started swirling about how less is more. Tiny homes became popular and in 2019, Marie Kondo released a show on Netflix called “Tidying Up with Marie Kondo.” Her famous catchphrase - “Does this spark joy” took the world by a storm. We had never heard of clutter talked about in this way and in a sense it was a new twist on minimalism. This question has stuck with me over the last 5 years. I often ask myself as I’m cleaning out, does this spark joy? Of course, some things are purely practical, but in general you can ask yourself this question in relation to home decor, clothing and accessories. Hopefully, this question can help you as you’re looking to declutter your home.
Physical and Mental Clutter - A clean space equals a clean mind. The last thing I do before I go to bed is head downstairs and make sure the dishes in the sink are washed and the dishwasher is unloaded. I put my dirty clothes in the laundry basket in the laundry room and I pick out my outfit for the next day. This is nonnegotiable. I do this not because I want to, but because I know it will set my mental space up for success the following day. The more you create intentionality in your home with organization, I believe the more peace you’ll feel.
Take it one area at a time - Starting small is less daunting. Over the holiday, I cleaned out a dresser one day and the next I cleaned out my jewelry. I felt less rushed and could really devote time to the task at hand. The weekend I cleaned out my laundry area. Setting small goals are more attainable.
Decluttering is Cathartic - There’s really a special feel that comes with decluttering. Getting rid of things that no longer serve you, helps relieve stress. Let’s be stress free this year together!
I hope you have the best year and wish you the best luck in organizing!
