A New Year always feels like a fresh start for me. It’s a perfect time to cultivate good habits and establish a healthy routine that will set the tone for the entire year. One way I like to set the tone is to declutter my home. My home is my sanctuary and when it’s organized and clean, I feel re-energized to tackle my to-do list.
Here are my practical tips to help you declutter, organize, and ultimately stay ahead of the mess:
Begin with creating an action plan
Start by pinpointing which areas of your home need decluttering and then set realistic goals for each room. Break down tasks into manageable chunks, by setting a goal for each session. Make a list and prioritize it. This way, you can conquer the clutter more efficiently without feeling overwhelmed.
Sort your items
Simplify the decision-making process by grouping similar items together. Create temporary labeled bins for Keep, Donate, and Throw Away. This is a great activity to get your kids involved with when sorting their toys and clothes they no longer use. This helps them to understand the value of giving to others. Make it a game, set a timer, and challenge your child(ren) to see how many toys they can sort or how quickly they can fill a donation box.
Declutter strategically
When sorting through items, tackle one category at a time. It’s important to identify the items you use regularly and truly need. Prioritize essentials and consider streamlining multiple items of the same category. For example, if you have twenty coffee mugs but only use half of those regularly, consider donating the surplus. Overall, when decluttering, consider how frequently you use each item. If an item hasn’t seen the light of day in over six months, it might be time to part ways.
Only keep what you love
Donate items that no longer spark joy for you. It’s not just a physical declutter; it’s a mental cleanse and can be a great teaching moment for kids too. Keeping only what matters most ensures that your space is filled with things that truly make you happy. This is a great way to open up a dialogue with your kids about what toys they truly enjoy playing with and which ones they have outgrown. Teaching them that donating toys they no longer use to other children who will enjoy them will bring them joy too!
Once you’ve decluttered, invest in storage solutions. Bins, baskets, and shelves can help keep everything organized and accessible. And don’t forget to celebrate your accomplishment! Happy Decluttering!
