The new year brings a fresh start, and decluttering your home is a great way to reset. This is easier said than done, but knowing where to focus your attention makes the tedious and time-consuming process more manageable.
That’s why Business Insider asked two professional organizers what people should get rid of in their homes.
Here’s what they said.
The end of the year is a good time to donate old toys.
Lucy Wahl, founder of home organization company LMW Edits, recommends decluttering kids’ toys as new ones enter the home during the holidays.
Although she recommends taking care in your approach to getting rid of toys, she said the end of the year is an ideal time to do so, as the little ones will likely be enamored by all the new things they have to play with.
“You don’t want to magically spirit away their stuff overnight, but old stuff is history because the kids are so excited about their new toys,” Wahl said.
It’s a good idea to toss old clothing that’s not being worn.
The end of the year is also a good time to purge the clothing that’s taking up space in the closet. This can be especially important if you have growing kids.
“For families with kids, clothing that kids have outgrown from previous seasons, such as summer clothes and back-to-school outfits, is good to declutter,” Wahl told BI.
She added that if you want to keep clothing for another child, doing so in an organized way is essential.
Say goodbye to holiday decor you no longer need.
For many, decorating for the holidays is a fun way to transition into the season. However, holiday decor collections can quickly become clutter if you don’t take the time to go through them.
Wahl recommends going through holiday decorations as you pull them out — or before you put them away.
“Instead of packing up all your decorations and then pulling them out next year and thinking, ‘I don’t want even half of this,’ declutter your items while these thoughts are fresh in your mind,” she said.
Sort through and dispose of old mail.
Olivia Parks, owner of home organization company Nola Organizers, told BI that going through mail is one of the best things you can do before the new year.
“We receive mail almost daily, so piles of it quickly build up around the house. Part with any mail or paperwork you no longer want or need going into the new year to prevent future decluttering headaches,” Parks said.
Get rid of unused kitchenware.
With holiday hosting in full swing, the end of the year is the perfect time to take stock of the kitchenware you used — and get rid of those that never left the cabinet.
For example, Wahl said it’s a good time to ditch the pans or platters you keep for “just in case” moments.
It’s time to say goodbye to old electronics and accessories, too.
The holidays are a popular time for new electronics to enter the home. But to keep things from getting cluttered, Parks suggests “parting with electronics and devices that are no longer working for you.”
This also includes things like accessories and cords, which can easily clutter drawers and closets.
Let go of old sports equipment you’re no longer using.
Sports equipment can easily accumulate in basements and garages, especially when people hope to return to a once-loved hobby.
However, Wahl said it’s best to purge these items that are taking up extra space.
Don’t forget to go through your pet supplies.
It’s easy to accumulate and hold onto pet supplies that are no longer in use. That’s why Parks recommends going through all toys, treats, and pet accessories as you head into the new year.
“Pets receive medications and treats that expire, and they outgrow old costumes and collars. It’s the same with pets as it is with humans; don’t forget to clean out their stuff,” she said.
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