Ah, the end of the year. It’s that time when you realize your home has somehow turned into a storage unit for stuff you don’t even remember buying. But hey, no judgment here. We’ve all been there! If 2025 is going to be your year—and let’s be real, it is—why not start with a clean slate? Decluttering your space is like hitting the reset button on your life, clearing physical and mental clutter so you can focus on what really matters. Here are 10 ways to make it easy for yourself:
The 12-12-12 Challenge
Here’s a decluttering game to kick things off: find 12 items to donate, 12 to toss, and 12 to relocate. It’s quick, satisfying, and way more fun than spending hours agonizing over every little thing. Plus, it’s a great way to involve your family or roommates and make decluttering feel more like a game than a chore.
Apply the “Joy Test”
Yes, we’re borrowing a page from Marie Kondo. Pick up an item and ask yourself, “Does this spark joy?” If it doesn’t, thank it for its service and let it go. This simple practice can help you build a more intentional relationship with your belongings and makes it easier for you to keep only the things that truly make you happy.
Declutter by Category, Not Room
Instead of tackling your entire bedroom or kitchen, focus on one category at a time. Clothes, books, makeup, Tupperware—you name it. Seeing all your items in one spot makes it easier to decide what stays and what goes. Plus, it’s eye-opening (and sometimes hilarious) to realize you own five can openers or 30 black t-shirts.
Set a Timer and Speed-Declutter
Got 20 minutes? That’s all you need. Set a timer, blast your favorite playlist, and declutter as much as you can before the buzzer. It’s amazing what you can accomplish when you work against the clock. This trick works especially well if you tend to procrastinate—short bursts of action can lead to big results without feeling overwhelming.
Go Digital with Your Paper Clutter
Paper piles are the sneakiest form of clutter. Scan important documents (hello, apps like CamScanner) and shred the rest. Not only will you free up space, but you’ll also feel more organized. Plus, switching to digital copies makes it easier to access important information without digging through a sea of paper.
Create a “Maybe” Box
Struggling to let go of certain items? Pop them into a “maybe” box and store it out of sight. If you don’t miss or need anything in the box after three months, it’s time to donate or toss it guilt-free. This method is perfect for sentimental items or those “just in case” things you’re not quite ready to part with.
The One-Year Rule
If you haven’t used it, worn it, or even thought about it in the past year, it’s probably time to let it go. Exceptions, of course, include sentimental items and things you genuinely need. But if it’s just collecting dust, let someone else give it a new life. This rule can be a game-changer for clearing out closets, garages, and junk drawers. You can even make a little extra money reselling these things or just make someone’s life a little easier by donating them.
Declutter Your Digital Life
Decluttering isn’t just about physical stuff—your digital space needs some love too. Unsubscribe from junk emails, delete apps you never use, and clear out that photo gallery with 20 blurry shots of your lunch. Not only will this free up storage on your devices, but it’ll also make your digital life feel less chaotic and more streamlined.
Donate, Don’t Dump
One person’s clutter is another’s treasure. Donate gently used items to local charities or thrift stores. Knowing your stuff will help someone else can make it easier to let go—and give you that warm, fuzzy feeling we all love during the holidays. Do a quick online search to find donation centers near you, or consider giving directly to someone in need.
Reward Yourself
Decluttering is hard work, so celebrate your progress! Treat yourself to a cozy night in, a new houseplant, or that fancy candle you’ve been eyeing. The goal is to create a space you love, so a little reward is totally justified. Even better, your reward can double as motivation to tackle the next decluttering session.
Decluttering doesn’t have to feel like a chore—it can be a refreshing way to close one chapter and step into the new year with a lighter mindset. Grab a trash bag, channel your inner minimalist, and make room for all the things 2025 has in store.