Decluttering your home will give you that fresh start to help kick off the New Year feeling lighter and more energized. Let go of the past and make room for what really matters with these tips.

Everyone wants to start the New Year with a clean slate to make room for self-improvement. Well, one of the best ways to set the tone is with a good decluttering. Whether you’re looking to revamp your lifestyle or just get rid of some excess stuff that has been piling up, a good decluttering strategy will help make the process more manageable and even enjoyable!

Work by Category or by Room

When it comes to decluttering, you might sometimes receive conflicting advice about whether to work by room or by category. The truth is you should do whatever works for you and makes the most sense. For example, tackling the kitchen or the bathroom in one go might be the most efficient option. For other rooms, however, it could make more sense to focus on categories like clothing, shoes, and books and work systematically through each type of item.

Start Somewhere Manageable

Decluttering can feel like an overwhelming project when you are facing your whole house at once. Before diving in, take a moment to evaluate and prioritize. Think about the areas that stress you out the most, like an overflowing closet or a disorganized kitchen pantry. Pick a smaller space that feels more manageable to get into the groove and give yourself permission to take breaks between projects.

Be Decisive About What to Keep (And Not Keep)

When decluttering, the last thing you want is to end up with a large pile of items you have said “maybe” to and have to go through them all again. As you work, try to make a very decisive “yes, I will keep this” or “no, I don’t need this” ruling for every item you come across. Keep items that serve a genuine purpose and be willing to let go of those that don’t, otherwise, your “maybe” pile will probably stick around for years to come!

Organize Your “No” Piles

For the items that you have said a firm “no” to, try to organize them into separate piles that will be easier to deal with later. There should be a pile for old and broken items that you intend to toss, a pile for items you can recycle, and a pile for items you can donate. A donation pile is especially important, as it can be easier to part with items that are still in good condition but you no longer need if you know they will be getting a second life.

Maintain Your Space with Mindful Shopping

Decluttering is a great time to take note of where your shopping habits are causing you to buy items that you don’t really need and that end up collecting dust. Notice these habits and try to be mindful when you go shopping so that you don’t end up with as much to declutter next time! Before you buy something new, ask yourself if it will truly add value to your life.

Starting the New Year with a decluttered space can set a positive tone for what lies ahead. It’s a small but powerful way to help you focus more on what matters.