The new year is just around the corner and if you are looking into decluttering your home, we have a few tips that can help. This is a great time to assess your home and think about what you really need in order to keep your space clear of clutter. Decluttering can help you age in place because it makes your space more functional. If you want to give yourself and your home a fresh start, decluttering your home is a great beginning point.

Often, when it comes to decluttering your home, figuring out where to start is the hardest part.

Decluttering Your Home Tips

Set a Specific Date to Start

One of the hardest parts of decluttering is finding the time to do it. It is often a big project and can take days, even weeks depending on the clutter in your home. Treat it like an important appointment and pick a date ahead of time. This way you can make sure you have the time you need to spend on your decluttering project. Simply, pick a day and stick to it.

Start with Holiday Clutter

As you start taking out your holiday decorations, take some time to consider if there is anything you could stand to see go. Often, the things we need to get rid of have sentimental value, however, you’re sure to find a few things you can part with. When you come across junk or something you don’t think you need any longer, set it aside as you go. This is also a great opportunity to better organize your decorations once you determine which ones you are keeping. Try to keep everything in just a few boxes or storage containers to make things easier this year and in years to come.

Assess Your Gifting Situation

Now, don’t worry. Many people receive gifts that we don’t use. We aren’t suggesting you get rid of all your gifts. But this holiday season, ask yourself if you need these items. If the answer is no, then it is a good idea to gather them up and set them aside for donation or to be thrown out.

With gifts you are unsure what to do with, set them aside. Often we feel guilty about getting rid of stuff we’ve been gifted, but that’s not a good reason to keep your clutter. You can either give them to someone who will appreciate them or donate them.

Clear Out Your Storage Space

When you went looking for your holiday decorations, did you have to do a lot of digging around to find them? It’s perfectly normal for storage spaces to accumulate clutter as the years go by. That is why they are a great spot to focus on when it comes to cutting down on your stuff. Before you take down the holiday decorations and put them back, be sure to clear out your storage space of clutter.

Deep Clean as You Go

Since you are clearing out spaces around your home anyway, why not deep clean as you go? It’s a great time to dust off those shelving units and get the dust bunnies behind the couch. Give everything a thorough cleaning as you move from room to room. It’s the perfect way to make your home feel nice and fresh in time for the new year. 

Go Room by Room

After you’ve tackled your storage areas that often collect the most clutter, it’s time to look inward to the rest of your home. Go room by room and clear out everything you don’t need. This can be a very difficult process as you likely have sentimental things, however, you will feel so much better once you are done. Additionally, you will be able to move around your home easier with less mental clutter as well.

So, are you ready to say goodbye to your junk?

Looking to learn more about downsizing and decluttering your home? Click the icon below to download your FREE copy to Unlock the Power to Declutter: The Definitive Guide on How to Start so you can get cleaning!

Confident Living is a continuing care at home membership program, focused on helping you remain active and independent as you age in your own home. We serve the greater Cincinnati area. For more information, contact us online or call (513) 719-3522.