10 Quick Decluttering Tips Before the New Year
Start the New Year fresh with these 10 quick decluttering tips! Focus on high-impact areas to make your home feel lighter and more peaceful today.
As the New Year approaches, many of us feel the urge to start fresh—but the thought of tackling a whole-house declutter can feel overwhelming. The good news? You don’t need to declutter everything at once to make a big impact. By focusing on these 10 quick decluttering tips, you’ll create a more peaceful and organized home, just in time for the New Year.
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1. Clear Your Kitchen Counters
Cluttered counters make the entire kitchen feel chaotic. Remove non-essential appliances, mail piles, or extra utensils and store them where they belong. Your counters should only house items you use daily, like a coffee maker.
Learn more about decluttering your kitchen: Declutter These Things Now for a Simplified Kitchen
2. Tackle the Junk Drawer
We all have one, and it’s probably full of items you don’t need. Set a timer for 10 minutes and sort everything into three piles: keep, trash, and relocate. Use small containers or dividers to keep things organized. You can use a paper filing system to keep paper clutter at bay!
The Power of A “Not Right Now” Basket to Banish Paper Clutter
3. Purge Expired Pantry Items
Take 15 minutes to check expiration dates and toss out anything past its prime. A cluttered pantry makes meal prep more stressful, but clearing it out doesn’t have to be overwhelming! Follow this streamlined process to declutter and organize your pantry:
- Empty the Shelves: Start by taking everything out of the pantry so you can see all your items at once. Group similar items like canned goods, baking supplies, and snacks together.
- Check Expiration Dates: Discard expired items and set aside anything nearing expiration to use soon.
- Clean the Shelves: Wipe down shelves to remove crumbs or spills. Add shelf liners to keep things fresh and easy to maintain. Keep things natural with my all-purpose cleaning spray!
- Organize by Category: Return items to the pantry in groups—breakfast foods, baking ingredients, snacks, etc. Store frequently used items at eye level for easy access.
- Use Clear Storage Containers: Transfer items like rice, pasta, or snacks into clear, labeled containers. This keeps them fresh and makes your pantry visually appealing.
- Create Zones: Designate specific areas for different categories, like a baking zone or a snack shelf. Keep heavy items on lower shelves for safety.
- Label Everything: Use labels on containers and shelves so everything has a clear home, making it easier to maintain your system.
- Restock Strategically: Place older items in the front to avoid waste and keep newer items behind them.
A streamlined pantry not only saves time during meal prep but also reduces food waste and creates a sense of calm in your kitchen. Spend a few minutes decluttering today, and you’ll reap the rewards all year long!
4. Simplify Your Closet
Focus on one section, like tops or shoes. If you haven’t worn it in a year, it’s time to donate. Bonus: This creates space for any new wardrobe additions you receive during the holidays.
A simplified wardrobe is the best gift I’ve given myself. You can read how I did it here: How To Minimize Your Wardrobe in 30 Minutes or Less!
5. Declutter Kids’ Toys
Before the Christmas influx, take time to declutter toys. Focus on broken, unused, or outgrown items, and involve your kids in the process to make it easier. Read more about decluttering toys here: How to Declutter Toys Fast: A Simple Guide for Overwhelmed Moms
6. Streamline Your Bathroom Cabinets
Check for expired cosmetics, half-used lotions, or empty bottles. Decluttering here can free up space and make your mornings less stressful.
- Start by emptying one cabinet or drawer at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
- Sort items into three categories: keep, toss, and relocate.
- Toss expired products, empty containers, and anything you haven’t used in the past six months.
- Group similar items together, like skincare, haircare, or first aid supplies.
- Use small baskets, bins, or dividers to keep items organized and easily accessible.
- Wipe down shelves and drawers before putting items back to create a fresh start.
7. Organize Your Entryway
Remove shoes, coats, and bags that don’t belong. Use hooks or bins to corral everyday items, and store seasonal gear elsewhere.
8. Sort Your Holiday Decor
As you take down decorations, decide if there are items you no longer use or love. Donate or recycle anything that doesn’t spark joy next year.
9. Clean Out Your Email Inbox
Digital clutter counts, too! Take 15 minutes to delete old emails, unsubscribe from mailing lists, and organize important messages into folders. I use an app called UnRoll Me to streamline this process!
10. Declutter Your Car
Don’t forget your vehicle! Remove trash, organize essentials, and give it a quick vacuum to start the year off right.
Decluttering doesn’t have to be hard! Try these Quick Decluttering Tips!
Decluttering doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By tackling these 10 quick areas, you’ll make your home feel lighter and more peaceful in just a few minutes a day. Start small, focus on one task at a time, and enjoy the benefits of a simplified home as you welcome the New Year.
Love these quick decluttering tips? Pin it for later!
What’s the first area you’ll declutter?
Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear about your progress! If you’re ready to take your decluttering to the next level, join me for a 7-Day Decluttering Challenge starting in the New Year. Each day, we’ll focus on one area of your home to simplify and create more peace. Keep an eye out, because soon I’ll be sharing a link to sign up for my email list with all the details and a free printable checklist to keep you on track. And don’t forget to follow me on Pinterest for even more decluttering inspiration and simple living tips!
