2026 is almost here and it’s time to leave the old in 2025 and start the new year with a fresh and decluttered home!
A new year often brings a desire for fresh starts, clearer spaces, and a sense of calm at home. But if the thought of decluttering feels overwhelming, emotional, or simply too hard to begin.
Decluttering doesn’t need to be harsh, rushed, or exhausting. With a gentle and intentional approach, it can become a supportive process that helps you step into the new year feeling lighter and more in control of your space.
Here are some CHC tips to guide you to declutter for the new year!
Tip 1: Declutter One Small Area at a Time
One of the most common reasons people feel stuck is trying to do too much at once. Decluttering your entire home in one go can quickly lead to burnout.
Instead, start small, one drawer, one cupboard or one category, this could be something like shoes or paperwork. Set realistic time limits, 20 to 45 minutes is plenty of time to make a difference and not get burnt out. Even small progress adds up over time!
Tip 2: Use Simple Sorting Categories
As you go through items, keep it simple by sorting into three groups:
- Keep: Items you use regularly, love, or genuinely need
- Donate: Items in good condition that could be helpful to someone else
- Let Go: Broken, expired, incomplete, or unusable items
If you’re feeling unsure, ask yourself questions like would I buy this again today? Have I used this in the past year? Is this item still relevant in my life?
If the answer is no, it may be time to release it.
Tip 3: Be Honest About What’s Relevant In Your Current Life
A major decluttering challenge is holding onto items for a version of life that no longer exists. Whether you’ve transitioned into a different phase of life, have different priority/ goals or your personal life has changed.
It’s okay to let go of things connected to:
- Past hobbies
- Old jobs or roles
- Clothing that no longer fits your lifestyle
- Items that are connected to an old way of living
Your home should reflect who you are now, not who you used to be!
Tip 4: Create Functional Homes for What You Keep
Functionality in your home is crucial, once you’ve decided what stays, focus on setting up simple, practical and functional systems:
- Group similar items together in its correlating space in the house e.g
- Store frequently used items within easy reach
- Avoid overfilling drawers and cupboards
Leaving some breathing room in your storage makes your home easier to maintain long‑term.
Tip 5: Approach Sentimental Items Gently
Sentimental items often carry the most emotional weight and often lead to burn out, so it’s best to declutter them with care.
Helpful tips include:
- Leaving sentimental items until later in the process
- Creating a small memory box instead of keeping many items
- Remembering that memories live with you — not the object
If an item brings more guilt than comfort, it’s okay to let it go.
Tip 6: Plan Where Donations Will Go
Knowing where your donated items are going can make decluttering feel more meaningful.
Consider donating to:
- Local charities or shelters
- Schools or kindergartens
- Community groups or not‑for‑profits
This helps ensure items are repurposed thoughtfully rather than ending up in landfill.
Tip 7: Remember That Decluttering Can Be Emotional
Decluttering isn’t just physical, it can be emotional too. Feelings of grief, overwhelm, or attachment are completely normal.
So be gentle with yourself:
- Take breaks when needed
- Ask for help
- Celebrate progress, no matter how small
You don’t have to do everything at once, and you don’t have to do it alone!
The new year doesn’t require a dramatic declutter that will overwhelm and burn you out after a day or two. Even small changes can create a home that feels lighter, calmer, and more supportive.
