New Year Declutter Tips

Even though I think I am a well organised person, I still struggle sometimes to get rid of items. I can usually think of lots of uses for items that are in my house, but that doesn’t mean I should keep them. The point of decluttering is freeing up time to concentrate on more important things than STUFF. Taking care of STUFF can take hours and hours over a year in extra cleaning, looking for items and just moving STUFF around to see behind it. 

One great tip to see if you REALLY need the item, is to say the reason out loud. If this reason sounds dumb or repetitive, such as ” I need this item because I might go back to making that craft again after 10 years” or “I paid $$$$ for this item” – it is probably time to let it go.

Create A Maybe Box

If sometimes it’s hard to part with STUFF straight away- use a “maybe” box. Put the items you’re unsure about in a box. Label it with a date 6 months in the future, and store it out of sight. If you haven’t needed anything from the box after 6 months, it’s a sign you can live without it. This trick frees up space and helps you feel less pressured about letting go.

Consider the Space You’re Gaining

When you’re decluttering, it’s easy to focus on what you’re losing, but what about the space you’re gaining? Imagine having fewer items cluttering your surfaces, drawers, and cupboards. Visualise how much easier it will be to clean, and how peaceful a clear, organised space feels. Space is valuable real estate in your home—more space, less stress!

Don’t Get Stuck in ‘Sunk Cost’ Thinking

One of the biggest hurdles to decluttering is thinking about how much money you spent on an item. This is be called a “sunk cost fallacy.” Remember, the money’s already gone, and holding onto that item won’t bring it back. Instead, think about the future value of your time, space, and peace of mind. Letting go gives you those things back.

Start Small and Build Momentum

Decluttering can feel overwhelming if you think you have to tackle everything. Start small and remember that even 10 minutes matters. Pick one box, one shelf, or one corner of a room. Set a timer for 10 minutes and see how much you can get done. Small wins create momentum, and before you know it, you’ll be able to tackle bigger spaces. This worked for me when I had a job with a start time of 11am. I would spend the last 15 minutes before leaving the house getting a box ready of stuff to take to the Op Shop. It soon built up to a full box. Then I took it to the Op Shop the next time I was passing the place.

Let Go of Guilt and Sentiment

Parting with sentimental items can be the toughest to part of decluttering. Try to remember, memories aren’t tied to objects. Consider if something has been in a drawer for years. It is never used, looked at it and may be a bit dusty. It might be time to take a photo for keepsake and pass it on. Holding onto items out of guilt only adds to the clutter. Letting go doesn’t mean you’re losing the memory, just the stuff.