When is the best time to downsize and declutter? The New Year!

Is decluttering, or downsizing, on your list of goals or resolutions for the New Year?

If not, maybe it should be.

This season, when one year ends and another begins, can be one of the best for downsizing and decluttering. It is also one of the most popular times, with Spring Cleaning season topping the list. If in doubt, take note of all the sales for storage solutions in January.

What should I downsize or declutter at New Year’s?

At New Year’s, when you think about downsizing and decluttering, think beyond your stuff:

• Downsize your goal list
  

• Downsize your calendar and time commitments
  

• Downsize your stress – build margin in your life, schedule time for self-care and connecting with others, ask for help
  

• And, yes, declutter your stuff…

o   Downsize your holiday decorations as you put them away

o   Declutter your closets – keep what you will wear and donate or consign the rest

o   Declutter your office – workspace, computer files, physical files

o   Declutter your garage, attic, and anywhere you store your stuff

How should I downsize and declutter at New Year’s?

Accomplishing each of the above should not be stressful:

• Brainstorm your list of goals for 2026, then pick the top 3 to focus on. Put the rest in a “goal graveyard” to refer to later once the first 3 are accomplished. Make your goals aspirational yet achievable.
  

• As you enter dates into your 2026 calendar, be sure to add birthdays, family gatherings, vacations, date nights, and other priorities that often get pushed out by work and volunteer commitments. Having these on your calendar will remind you not to overbook.
  

• Each week and each day, make sure you’ve blocked off time to enjoy meals with others, take a walk or go to the gym, read for pleasure, and more. Determine when work begins and ends each day and avoid moving the end zones.
  

• Declutter your stuff this season as well as regularly throughout the year:

o    As you put away decorations, collect those you didn’t use and donate them

o    As you put away new clothes, pull out an equal number you no longer wear and donate or consign them

o    As you return to the office, set aside some time to declutter every week.

o    When you complete a work project, save only what you will need later.

o    Each month or each season, pick one space you collect stuff and clean it out – such as that junk drawer in the kitchen, your coat closet, where you keep your cleaning supplies, tools, etc.

Start each task with a small goal, and you might be surprised by how the momentum keeps you going. Decluttering is freeing and destressing. Keep at it!

For more on downsizing and decluttering, check out these previous posts:

• Holiday stress making you crazy? Downsize and manage expectations.        

• 5 Powerful reasons downsizing transforms your writing and your life.           

• Are you feeling overwhelmed? Ask for and accept help to overcome.       

• Are you feeling overwhelmed? Break tasks down and build boundaries.        

• Are you feeling overwhelmed? Create and communicate clear expectations.      

 “You can't reach for anything new if your hands are still full of yesterday's junk.” ~ Louise Smith

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