Winter often feels like a season of slowing down, but it’s actually the perfect time to tackle one of the most daunting tasks within your home: decluttering and getting organized. Whether you’re planning to sell your house in the suburbs and move to the city, or you’re ready to leave your condo in the city for more space in the suburbs, decluttering is a crucial first step. And no matter how long you’ve lived in your current home, letting go of unused items and creating a sense of order can feel like a monumental challenge. Here’s how to turn winter’s slower pace into an opportunity for a fresh start.
Step 1: Set your intentions
Before diving in, take a moment to define your goals. Are you preparing for a move, or are you simply looking to create a more functional and peaceful space? Knowing your "why" will keep you motivated as you work through the process.
Step 2: Make a weekly plan
The key to tackling an overwhelming project is to break it into manageable portions. Dedicate specific days or weeks to particular areas of your home. Here’s a sample schedule to get you started:
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Week 1: Bedrooms and closets
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Week 2: Kitchen and pantry
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Week 3: Living room and home office
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Week 4: Garage, attic, and basement
Set aside a few hours each day to focus on one small section, such as a single closet or drawer. This piecemeal approach keeps the process from feeling too overwhelming and helps you see progress quickly.
Step 3: Use the three-box method
For every room you tackle, use the three-box method to sort your items:
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Keep: Items you use regularly or that bring you joy.
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Donate or sell: Gently used items that someone else could enjoy.
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Discard: Broken or unusable items that need to be recycled or thrown away.
If you haven’t worn or used something in over a year, it’s probably time to let it go.
Step 4: Maximize storage solutions
Once you’ve decluttered, it’s time to organize what remains. Invest in storage solutions like:
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Clear bins for seasonal items
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Drawer dividers for better organization
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Label makers to ensure everything has its place
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Over-the-door racks for maximizing vertical space
If you’re planning to sell your home, a well-organized space will also make it more appealing to potential buyers.
Step 5: Create a maintenance plan
After all your hard work, the last thing you want is to let clutter back in. Establish simple habits to maintain your newly organized space:
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One in, one out rule: For every new item you bring into your home, remove one.
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Weekly reset: Spend 15 minutes each week tidying up hotspots like countertops and entryways.
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Seasonal check-ins: Use the change of seasons as a reminder to reassess and reorganize.
Don't forget to make it enjoyable
Decluttering doesn’t have to feel like a chore. Turn on your favorite music, light a seasonal candle, or treat yourself to a coffee break after completing a room in your home. Celebrate your progress and envision how much better your space will feel when it’s clutter-free.
The benefits of winter decluttering
Winter decluttering isn’t just about cleaning; it’s about creating space for the life you want to live. An organized home brings a sense of calm, makes daily tasks easier, and sets the stage for exciting transitions like moving to your dream neighborhood.
So grab your gloves and start sorting—this winter, make the most of your time indoors by transforming your home into a haven of order and simplicity. And if your decluttering journey leads to thoughts of a new home, reach out to explore options that fit your vision for the future via email [email protected] or on social media.
