4 Helpful Tips for Culling the Clutter and Breathing Easier in the New Year

Standing in front of a closet stuffed full of clothes trying to figure out what to wear.

Frantically searching a stack of papers for that document you desperately need. Not wanting to open the pantry door because of the chaos in there. Not fun, is it? Ready to let go of the clutter and start your new year with a clean (& organized) slate? I’ve got some tips for you!

Tip #1: Commit, Envision & Go by Category

The first thing to do is set the intention that you are committed to doing a tidying festival. Nothing happens without a commitment. Then envision your ideal lifestyle: What do you want to do in your home once you finish tidying? That’s your motivation. Now it’s time to get to work, but don’t follow the traditional advice to go room by room. Instead declutter & organize by category: clothes, books, papers, komono (miscellaneous items), and then sentimental items.

Tip #2: Resist the Temptation When You Come Across a Sentimental Item

There's a reason sentimental items are the last category. It's easy to get hung up on those, isn't it? Start with clothes, which are the easiest things to sort. Pick each up item up and ask yourself, "Does this spark joy?" If yes, it's a keeper. If not, you can donate, toss, or sell the item. Once you're done with clothes, it's on to books, paper, etc.

Tip #3: Partner Up for Extra Purging Accountability

One way you can make your tidying festival more fun is to find a buddy who wants to do one too. You can cheer each other on and be a source of support. "Hey girl, you are decluttering by category right?" Share what surprises you about your stuff, what did you find that made you laugh, and what's tough about decluttering. If you have trouble getting motivated on your own, an accountability partner can help.

Tip #4: Schedule It

I'm not suggesting you can do all of this in one afternoon. It's going to take a while; think of it as a tidying marathon. The intention though is to complete it as quickly as you can. What agony to be tidying for the next 6 months! You'll need to set aside blocks of time. Maybe you’ve got some big chunks of time available for the next three weekends, or you’re going to commit 6:00-9:00 pm every Tuesday and Thursday until you've completed your tidying festival. Or if there's a three-day weekend coming up, that could be your dedicated time. If you're like me and can't remember anything, put it on your calendar!

Imagine a home where you're surrounded only with items that spark joy. My clients feel like having a tidy home gives them the mental space to design the life they want to have. If you're ready to experience the “life-changing magic of tidying up,” I've got your back! Contact me today.

 Until next time,

Monica