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Happy New Year! If you’re like me, you’ve most likely started your New Year’s resolution list. Each year, I want to better myself and reflect on last year and what changes I can make. One of my goals for the New Year is to declutter and simplify our home.
I am excited to share some new and fresh ideas for decluttering in the new year!
Why Declutter?
Before we dive into the steps, let’s talk about why decluttering is so powerful. When your space is disorganized, it can create a sense of overwhelm. You might feel like you’re always playing catch-up, or even worse, that your space is controlling you rather than the other way around. Decluttering isn’t just about tossing things out—it’s about making intentional decisions on what truly adds value to your life and what doesn’t.
Psychologically, a clutter-free home or workspace can also boost your mental well-being. Research has shown that clutter can increase stress and anxiety levels, while organized spaces can enhance focus and productivity. Plus, the act of decluttering can be incredibly freeing, offering a tangible way to let go of the past and make room for new energy in the year ahead.
During my pregnancy with our twins, I was happily nesting! I was making sure I was organizing and cleaning our home so that when I brought our twins home from the hospital, I could focus on being a new mama and not have a huge mess/clutter all around me. I think I did a pretty good job! But fast forward 12+ months later, our twins love exploring and getting into stuff! This made me look closer at the items they were getting into (which were neatly put away, but still took up space), and ask myself, do I still need this? Mostly it was items like old craft supplies, extra dish towels, utensils, and home decor.
It’s important to stay in the decluttering mindset as you move through different seasons of life. For example, during my postpartum period, my body changed, and many of my clothes no longer fit. I decided to do a major closet overhaul and got rid of the items that no longer worked for me. This was a game-changer! I was exhausted by all the laundry I had to do for myself and realized, maybe I own too many clothes! I shouldn’t have multiple baskets of clean clothes that still need to be put away. I also upgraded my hangers, swapping out the fuchsia/hot pink ones for a more sophisticated look with neutral-toned beige hangers. I ended up donating over 250 pink hangers to Goodwill! Sadly, most of the pink hangers had clothes hanging on them, meaning I had well over 250 pieces of clothing. It felt good to downsize my closet.
Step 1: Start Small
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when looking at your entire home or office and thinking about decluttering. But the key to success is to break it down into manageable chunks. Dawn from The Minimal Mom says, “Five minutes matters!” Start with one room or even just one drawer (like clothes, junk drawer, paperwork, etc). Start a five-minute timer on your phone and start tossing away nonessentials. If you’re feeling particularly ambitious, keep going after the five minutes is up.
By starting small, you give yourself a sense of accomplishment early on, which will motivate you to keep going. If you tackle a whole room at once, it can feel like a never-ending task. Celebrate your wins, no matter how tiny they seem—each item you let go of is progress.
Step 2: The 4-Box Method
One of the easiest ways to stay organized while decluttering is by using the “4-box method.” Grab four boxes or bins, and label them as follows:
• Keep: Items you definitely want to hold onto.
• Donate: Items that are in good condition but no longer serve you.
• Sell (optional): Things that are worth money and could be sold online or at a garage sale.
• Toss: Broken or outdated items that no one will want.
As you go through each area, place each item in one of the four boxes. This method helps you stay focused and organized, and it takes the decision-making process out of the equation. I say that the sell box is optional because it is dependent on your time. For example, when I was getting ready to have our twin babies, and then in the postpartum period, I was definitely not actively selling our unused items on OfferUp - it takes time and effort! Don’t feel bad if you aren’t able to attempt to sell your items, donating is perfectly fine too. Now that our twins are one year old, I am considering selling some things on OfferUp again. You don’t have to overthink each item; just keep it moving through the system and trust that you’re making the right choice. Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus, also known as The Minimalists created the 20/20 rule that I have been trying to implement. The rule goes like this: pick up an item, and ask yourself, can I easily replace this item for under $20 and can I easily replace this item in less than 20 minutes?
Step 3: Be Honest About What You Need
Decluttering is all about being honest with yourself. It’s easy to hang on to things because you “might need it one day” or because it’s sentimental. However, part of the process is recognizing that you don’t need to keep everything. Ask yourself: Does this item bring me joy? Is it functional? Does it fit my current lifestyle? For example, those old jeans that you “might fit into again” may be taking up space in your closet, but do they truly serve a purpose now? The same goes for things like unused kitchen gadgets or books you never read. If it doesn’t add value or joy to your life today, it’s time to part with it.
Step 4: Let Go of Sentimental Clutter
We all have sentimental items that are hard to part with. A gift from a loved one, our high school yearbook, an old concert ticket, or a childhood memento. While it’s important to honor your memories, keeping too many sentimental items can lead to clutter. Try to be selective about what you keep.
One trick is to take a photo of the item and let it go. That way, you can preserve the memory without the physical clutter. Another option is to create a small “memory box” where you store just a few significant items. This keeps your memories alive without overwhelming your space.
Step 5: Stay Consistent
Decluttering isn’t a one-time event—it’s an ongoing process. Once you’ve decluttered your space, try to maintain it by dedicating a few minutes each day to tidying up. A small habit of putting things back where they belong can go a long way in preventing clutter from building up again.
Additionally, before you buy something new, ask yourself: Do I really need this? Will this item add value to my life or will it just end up taking up space? Being mindful of your purchases can help keep your home clutter-free in the long run.
Step 6: Celebrate Your Progress
Decluttering is a lot of work, and it can take time to see results. However, once you’ve cleared out items that no longer serve you, take a moment to appreciate your efforts. Enjoy the open space, the organized closets, and the lighter feeling that comes with letting go. And remember, this process isn’t about perfection—it’s about making room for more of what truly matters.
Final Thoughts: A Fresh Start for the Year
Decluttering in the new year is about more than just cleaning out your space—it’s about clearing the mental and emotional clutter that comes with holding onto things you no longer need. It’s an opportunity to reset, reflect, and create a living space that supports your goals and happiness for the year ahead.
So, grab a box, put on your favorite playlist, and get started. You’ve got this!
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