Seven Decluttering Tips You Can Use to Get Ready for The New Year

Decluttering can boost productivity, reduce anxiety, and improve mood. Although decluttering typically happens in February, starting before the old year ends is wise. We have a few tips you can use to make the process smooth.

Use these seven decluttering tips to get ready for the New Year.

1. Start in the kitchen. Most families spend a lot of time in the kitchen, where you will find some things that need replacing. While cleaning up after holiday meals, you might notice badly stained hand towels, old tablecloths, or damaged dishtowels. You can do an inventory and decide what you need to discard. Removing what you don’t need creates space for other items you’ll enjoy using.
2. Remember to sort old containers and shopping bags. We often keep old containers from restaurant trips to store some items or use them for takeaways when friends or family come over. However, if your kitchen cabinets have a lot of old shopping bags and plastic containers, it is time to declutter. Create more storage space by eliminating cracked, old, stained containers or excess shopping bags. You know the guests who typically want a takeaway, so ask them to bring a container.
3. Get your children involved. Your children might have toys, books, or clothing they have outgrown or no longer use. Include them when decluttering so they can be part of the decision-making process. You can donate items in good condition to other children, charitable organisations, a library, or a school. Decluttering can make finding what they need for school or play dates easier.
4. Declutter your wardrobe. Decluttering your wardrobe and personal care items like hair accessories might seem daunting to some. However, once you begin, you’ll start thinking about the garments you overlooked, new pieces to add, and what you still enjoy wearing. Focus on clothing that no longer fits well or you have not worn over time. Get rid of broken or damaged hair and body accessories. You can donate some garments to charity.
5. Decide what to do with unused gifts. Gift-giving is a big part of the holidays, but sometimes, we receive two of the same items or gifts we do not need. Some of us have gotten a gift that we were not fond of or never had the opportunity to use. If you have unused gifts, you can regift them to others who will appreciate them. Then, you can focus on using the storage space for something you use regularly.
6. Repurpose or throw out old pillows. We sometimes overlook the pillows on our beds until they become lumpy, stained, or cause discomfort. If you are sneezing or have neck pain after sleeping, it might be time to get new pillows. New pillows can improve your sleep quality, reduce muscle tension, and help with better sleep posture. You can donate your old pillows to your dog, cat, or a local shelter.
7. Remove old charging cords. Holding on to old chargers that you don’t use creates clutter. Test the cords with the items to see if they still work, and throw out those that don’t. Consider donating functional chargers you don’t use to someone in need. Then, dedicate a drawer to store chargers and other electrical cords to reduce the risk of tangled cables at electrical sockets.

Decluttering might take time, but you can pace yourself with each task to make the process easier. Good luck.

Sources: Redbook, House Beautiful, Bob Villa, Real Simple, and Deliberately Here.