New Year Decluttering 5 Tips for a Fresh Start

The start of a new year is the perfect time to reset and refresh your space. After the festivities and the whirlwind of holiday activities, your home may be feeling a little crowded or disorganised. Decluttering in the new year not only helps you reclaim your space but also brings a sense of clarity and calm. 

Here are five simple yet effective tips to help you declutter your home after the new year and make it a peaceful sanctuary for the months ahead.

1. Start with a Room-by-Room Approach

Instead of overwhelming yourself with the idea of decluttering the entire house in one go, break it down by room. Tackle one room at a time, starting with spaces that are used the most—like the kitchen or living room. This allows you to see immediate progress and motivates you to keep going. Set a timer for each room (30 minutes to an hour) to stay focused and avoid burnout.

Tip: Make a list of rooms in your house and prioritise them based on usage. Focus on high-traffic areas first. If you're struggling with storage space for seasonal or non-essential items, consider renting a self-storage unit. It’s an excellent solution for keeping things out of sight while still having easy access when you need them.

2. Sort Items into Categories

As you go through each room, sort items into categories: keep, donate, recycle, and bin. Be ruthless in your decision-making—if an item no longer serves a purpose, doesn’t bring you joy, or is simply taking up space, let it go. Donate gently used items, recycle where possible, and throw away things that are broken or outdated.

Tip: For items that are in good condition, consider selling on preloved sites such as eBay or Vinted. Always check how much something is selling for before you dispose of it - you could be sitting on a gold mine! 

3. Declutter Holiday Decorations

After the festive period, it’s easy to leave decorations up or let them pile up in storage. Take the time to carefully store decorations, donating those you no longer enjoy or recycling any that are no longer in good condition. Be mindful of what you truly enjoy displaying and let go of pieces that no longer fit your style or don’t have sentimental value. 

Tip: Create a dedicated storage space for seasonal items and consider using clear plastic bins to make everything easy to find next year. If you don’t have enough space in your home, a self-storage unit can be a convenient and affordable way to store seasonal decorations until next year. 

4. Organise Your Paperwork

After the Christmas rush, paperwork can quickly accumulate. Take an afternoon to sort through your bills, receipts, and paperwork that may have piled up. Shred documents you no longer need, file away the important ones, and go digital for receipts or documents you might want to keep but rarely use.

Tip: Set up a simple filing system for the new year, including folders for bills, tax documents, and important correspondence. This will help you stay on top of things throughout the year.

5. Adopt a Daily Decluttering Routine

One of the best ways to maintain a decluttered home throughout the year is to adopt a daily or weekly routine. Spend 10-15 minutes each day tidying up or putting things back where they belong. Small, consistent efforts make a big difference in keeping your space organised.

Tip: Involve your family or housemates in the process. Assign small tasks like wiping down counters, making beds, or putting away clothes to everyone in the household.

Enjoy your clutter free home!

Decluttering in the new year doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By taking small, deliberate steps and making use of helpful solutions like self-storage, you’ll create a home that’s both tidy and calming, setting a positive tone for the year ahead. 

Make it a habit to keep your space organised, and enjoy the clarity and peace that comes with a clutter-free environment.