The arrival of a new year often encourages us to consider what we want to leave behind. For some, this may involve planning a wellness overhaul, while others may seek to resolve long-standing relationship issues. Another common theme is a home declutter. If a new year declutter is calling to you like a songbird, but you’re nervous about how to get rid of things, you’ve come to the right spot.
Whether you’re settling into a new home or looking to refresh a familiar space, decluttering can help you start fresh. Moving house is the perfect opportunity to evaluate what to keep, what to let go of, and how to create a home that feels both organised and welcoming from day one.
We’re not here to tell you to bag up everything you love and throw it away. We’re here with simple decluttering tips and easy ways to refresh your home in a way that makes sense for YOU. With some simple feng shui for the home, and ways to manage clutter from building back up again, the new year can help you see a fresh start for your home, too.
Where to start when decluttering your home
You might be tempted to begin your declutter for the new year by tackling the worst room first. And we get it, it’s probably the room that annoys you the most, and likely the one that needs it the most. But here’s why we don’t think this is a great idea: there’s too much risk of getting overwhelmed and quitting.
We suggest starting with the room that needs the least decluttering first. This way, you’ll feel like you’re making headway quite quickly, and finishing it will spur you on to start the next room with plenty of positive energy. You’ll also start to build confidence in how to find a place for everything in your home.
For many people, the question is already how to start decluttering when overwhelmed. We understand this worry. Having messy or disorganised rooms throughout your house can have the same effect on your mind, and this can feel like a hard place to start.
It might be helpful to remind yourself that you will take it one room at a time. We advise setting aside a space in the house (or better still, a garage or summer house that can spare the space) to serve as a placeholder. This is for items that need organising but that you haven’t yet decided on a home for (or that need to go in a different room). Doing this gives you time to consider where everything needs to end up, in the room you’re decluttering, without the pressure of having stuff all over the place while you’re working on it.
How to declutter a room in 5 steps
Now you’ve chosen which room to start with, set aside just one hour to begin with. This isn’t about perfection; it’s about progress. Sometimes, committing short bursts of energy to decluttering is the way to get through it steadily. Once you get started, you might feel like you want to continue for longer than an hour, but see how you feel first.
One of the best decluttering tips is to work in zones: pick a shelf, drawer, or corner rather than the entire space.
1. Choose a zone and set yourself up for success.
We touched on this step above. Pick a manageable area – one shelf, one drawer, or one corner of the room. But we’re reiterating here because this is one of the gentler decluttering ideas, especially helpful if you feel overwhelmed.
By working in a small zone, you’ll see results quickly and feel encouraged. Give yourself gentle permission to accept “good enough” as you go. Set aside a clear workspace nearby so you have room to sort without feeling crushed by clutter.
2. Pull everything out and make decisions confidently.
Take everything out of your chosen zone and lay it out so you can see it. As you pick up each item, ask: “Do I use this? Do I love it? Can I easily store it?” If the answer is no, set the item aside for discarding, donating, or relocating.
The aim is to learn how to declutter fast by making prompt decisions. Don’t get railroaded by procrastination, which can lead to clinging to things you don’t need. If you haven’t used something for months, let it go.
3. Ensure you have a home for what stays—and invest in it.
You can’t truly organise a room if you don’t have a place to put your things. Once you’ve sorted your belongings into the above categories, pause and ask: Do I have a container, shelf, or drawer that suits this item? The right storage is worth the investment because it brings both physical and mental order.
According to organising expert, Vicky Silverthorn, choosing storage after decluttering (not before) ensures you only buy what you actually need.
4. Put back what you’re keeping – neatly and intentionally.
Return only the items you’re keeping to their chosen homes. Label tubs, use clear boxes, or drawer dividers if needed (you should have these things now, after assessing your storage needs above). This will help you and your brain know where things go next time. Leaving some breathing space in each container (this is called the “unused 20%” rule) makes everything feel calmer and avoids re-clutter.
If there are items that need relocating to a different room (this is extremely common, so don’t worry if there’s a lot), use the space set aside that we advised on in the first section and leave it there until you start to declutter the area they need to end up.
5. Celebrate the progress, then move to the next zone.
Take a moment to appreciate your clear space. You’ve just learned how to declutter fast in a way that feels manageable. That sense of accomplishment will carry you into the next zone or room with more confidence and less anxiety. Regular small sessions, even 30 minutes, can transform your home steadily.
Super quick feng shui for the home to aid energy flow
During your declutter, try incorporating these simple feng shui tips to enhance your work and improve the energy in your home.
- Keep entryways clear to let energy (chi) flow freely.
- Add plants for vitality and fresh air.
- Use mirrors to reflect light, not clutter.
- Balance elements – wood, fire, earth, metal, water – through colour and décor. Think wooden shelving, metal picture frames, water artwork, candles, and plants.
- Position furniture to face doors, encouraging openness and calm.
New year, new energy for your home
Using the steps above, you’ll find you’ve overhauled your home in no time. What might’ve seemed like a massive task is broken down into achievable chunks. With this in mind, it’s easier to apply yourself to the task of decluttering with a positive mindset.
The positivity you feel will weave itself into every area of your home that you bring order to. This is exactly the fresh new energy you want to take into a new year with you, striding forward in a way that incites potential and possibility.
Whether you’re preparing your home for sale and beginning the hunt for a new home, or simply ready for a fresh start, Genesis Homes’ range of new developments is a great place to find inspiration. With new home developments throughout Cumbria and Lancashire, your new year energy could be just around the corner! Talk to our friendly team about a visit.