14 Things To Declutter Before the New Year Starts
As the year wraps up, decluttering can give you a fresh start for the months ahead. There’s a certain sense of accomplishment when you clear out old items that no longer serve you. It’s not just about tidying up. It’s about creating space for new things to come into your life. Decluttering before the new year gives you the opportunity to reset and make your home a more peaceful place to be. Let’s dive into some areas that might need a little attention before the new year arrives.
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Old Clothes and Shoes You No Longer Wear
Go through your wardrobe and remove items that no longer fit or that you haven’t worn in the past year. Consider donating clothes that are in good condition or recycling those that are worn out. This allows you to create space for new outfits while keeping your wardrobe streamlined. For shoes, get rid of those that are damaged or simply don’t match your current style. A more organized closet will make it easier to find and wear the pieces you truly love.
Remember to assess if each item still serves you. If it’s not something you’ve worn recently or don’t plan to wear again, it’s time to let it go. Organizing your clothes by type or color can also help you rediscover pieces you forgot about. Start the new year with a clean closet and a fresh approach to your wardrobe.
Expired Food in Your Pantry and Fridge
Take inventory of your pantry, fridge, and freezer, tossing out any expired items. Pay attention to canned goods, spices, and packaged food that may have been sitting for a while. Check for anything that’s past its expiration date, and recycle the packaging. This will help free up space for fresh, healthier ingredients. Having a clean, organized kitchen allows you to start the year with a clear mind and a well-stocked pantry.
It’s helpful to periodically check expiration dates throughout the year to keep your kitchen organized. Group similar items together so you can easily see what you have. Decluttering your kitchen before the new year is a simple step toward better food management.
Old Magazines and Newspapers
If you have a stack of magazines or newspapers collecting dust, it’s time to let them go. Start by sorting through the pile and deciding which issues you want to keep, if any. Consider recycling outdated newspapers and donating magazines that still have useful information. If there are articles or images you want to keep, scan or cut them out and store them digitally. A decluttered space will help create a more relaxed environment.
Sometimes we hold onto magazines for nostalgic reasons or with the intention of reading them later, but that time never comes. Letting go of these old issues will open up space and reduce clutter. Plus, digital copies are a great way to store any valuable articles without taking up physical space.
Unnecessary Office Supplies
Go through your desk or office space and sort through supplies you no longer need. This might include pens that no longer work, extra paperclips, or unused sticky notes. Organize the supplies you do use and recycle anything that’s past its prime. Keeping only what you need makes your workspace more efficient and less cluttered. This simple step will help you start the new year with a clean, organized work environment.
Don’t forget to sort through your filing system as well. Discard outdated paperwork and organize important documents in labeled folders. Keeping your office organized can help reduce stress and improve productivity.
Outdated Electronics and Cables
Take a look at any old electronics or tangled cables that are taking up space. If they no longer work or are obsolete, it’s time to recycle them. Sort through your cords and chargers to eliminate any you no longer use. Store the ones you do need in a more organized way, such as with twist ties or in a drawer. Getting rid of unnecessary gadgets and cables helps you clear space and makes your home feel more organized.
Old electronics can be recycled or donated if they still have value. For cables, use cable organizers or simple boxes to keep everything in its place. This keeps your tech area tidy and makes it easier to find the right device when needed.
Old Books and Paperwork
Sort through your bookshelves and file cabinets, and let go of any books you no longer want to keep. Donate books in good condition or pass them along to friends or family. For paperwork, go through old bills, receipts, and documents and shred or recycle what you don’t need. Keep only what’s necessary and store important documents in a file or digital folder. Decluttering books and paperwork helps keep your space organized and less cluttered.
If you’ve kept books for sentimental reasons, it might be worth considering if they still hold value to you. Digitizing important paperwork can also help you save physical space while maintaining access to the documents. A clutter-free bookshelf or filing system gives your home a more relaxed feel.
Unworn Accessories
Take a look at your accessories-scarves, hats, belts, jewelry-and get rid of the ones you don’t use. Donate or sell pieces in good condition that you no longer wear. Keep only the items that fit your current style and lifestyle. Organizing your accessories by type or color will make them easier to access and help prevent unnecessary clutter. A more curated collection of accessories will make getting dressed in the morning simpler.
This is also a great time to assess whether the accessories still fit or match your wardrobe. Consider donating those you never wear but that could be useful to someone else. A minimalist approach to accessories helps you keep your space and your mind clutter-free.
Old Bedding and Towels
Go through your linen closet and assess any old or worn-out bedding and towels. Toss any that have stains, are frayed, or simply no longer feel fresh. Donate or repurpose those that are still in good condition but that you no longer need. Keeping only the items you use regularly helps make your space feel more organized. A fresh set of towels and bedding can brighten up your home for the new year.
Organizing your linen closet can also make it easier to find what you need. Keep your bedding and towels folded neatly and in good condition for a tidy, functional space. A simple refresh can make your home feel more comfortable and inviting.
Expired Beauty Products
Go through your beauty and skincare collection and toss any expired or unused products. If you have lotions, serums, or makeup that you haven’t used in months, it’s time to let them go. Check expiration dates on packaging and recycle any empty containers. Having only the essentials and current products in your beauty cabinet will make it easier to get ready every day. This will also give you a fresh start with beauty products that are effective and safe to use.
If you’re unsure about certain items, check for changes in texture, color, or smell, which can indicate they’ve expired. Organize your beauty products in a way that allows you to easily see what you have. Keeping your beauty space minimal helps you feel refreshed and ready to start the new year with the right products.
Old Holiday Decorations
Evaluate your holiday decorations and let go of anything that is broken or no longer fits your style. Sort through old ornaments, lights, and festive decor that you no longer use. Donate items that are in good condition but no longer serve a purpose in your home. Simplifying your holiday decor will make it easier to store and bring more joy when you unpack it next year. A streamlined collection of decorations helps you stay organized and reduces clutter.
Consider organizing your decorations by season and storing them in labeled boxes. This will make it easier to find what you need and keep everything in good condition for future use. A clutter-free approach to holiday decor ensures a more peaceful and enjoyable holiday season.
Unnecessary Gadgets
Go through your kitchen drawers, cupboards, and countertops and declutter any gadgets you don’t use. This includes things like unused appliances, single-use tools, or items that have been collecting dust. Donate or sell gadgets that still work, and recycle those that are broken or outdated. Keeping only the gadgets that serve a purpose will free up space and make your kitchen more functional. It will also make it easier to prepare meals and find the tools you actually need.
By cutting down on unnecessary gadgets, you’ll create more room for essentials. Consider investing in multi-purpose tools that can handle various tasks. This helps you keep your kitchen organized and reduces clutter over time.
Excessive Decorations
Take a look at your home decor and remove anything that feels too much or doesn’t fit your current style. You might have decorative items that are simply collecting dust or don’t match your aesthetic anymore. Donate items that still have value and recycle those that are broken. A more minimalistic approach to decor will help your home feel lighter and more inviting. Keeping only what brings you joy will make your space feel more cohesive and peaceful.
Consider keeping your decor seasonal so you can switch things out easily. Store decorations in bins or boxes to keep your home organized and uncluttered. Simplifying your decor can give your space a more fresh, modern feel.
Old Toys and Games
If you have children or family members with old toys and games lying around, it’s time to assess what can be donated or recycled. Go through old toys that are broken, outdated, or no longer used. Donate or pass along items that are in good condition but no longer needed. By clearing out these items, you’ll create more space for new things. This is especially useful if the toys take up a lot of room or have accumulated over the years.
Sorting through toys can also help you identify which ones are cherished and should be kept. Make sure to properly dispose of any that are broken or unsafe. Organizing toys into bins or storage boxes can also help keep the space tidy.
Unused Craft Supplies
If you have craft supplies that are taking up space but you never use them, now’s the time to declutter. Sort through your supplies and donate any that are in good condition. Recycle any materials you no longer need or that are taking up unnecessary space. Organize the items you do want to keep in containers or drawers for easy access. Decluttering craft supplies will make it easier to find what you need when inspiration strikes.
Reorganizing craft supplies by type or project can help you keep everything in order. Let go of anything that no longer serves a purpose in your creative process. A well-organized craft area can help you stay productive and focused in the new year.
This article originally appeared on Avocadu.