Suddenly the year 2023 is coming to an end and you may already be thinking about what lies ahead in the new year 2024. But before you say goodbye to the astronomical year 2023, there are some actions you should take now before you carry your bad thoughts and energies into the new year 365. The last two months of this year are the perfect time to declutter and tidy up and welcome the new year with a fresh and clean living space and lifestyle. Clutter can be mentally and physically stressful, making it difficult to concentrate and find peace in everyday life. In this article you will find the top 10 areas that you should focus on when decluttering and clearing out in order to start the new year tidy.
Tidy up for the new year: Mission Possible
The end of the year is the perfect time to declutter your life
10 tips for decluttering and clearing out to start the new year tidy
All people in all cultures hope that the New Year with a magic wand will bring only good new and exciting events. But there are ways and means, because happiness is not based on hopes alone, but on real work. It’s time to remove everything unnecessary from your life and home and start the new year fresh. Here are our top 10 tips for doing just that:
Chaos can be a significant source of stress and anxiety
#1. Declutter your clothing and accessories
To start the new year tidy, the first thing you should do is clear out your closet. It’s the place you check every morning and you don’t want to start the day with a mess, right? A tidy closet is efficient, saves time, and enhances your style by focusing on pieces you really love. Consider donating or selling pieces that no longer fit, are out of style, or have been left untouched for an extended period of time. You can also put together a capsule wardrobe with our 5 tips.
Before you start decluttering, set clear goals and expectations
#2. Get rid of the digital clutter
In today’s digital age, the chaos on our devices can be just as overwhelming as the physical clutter. Whether it’s thousands of unopened emails, a desktop cluttered with files, or lots of unused apps, decluttering your digital life can increase your productivity and reduce stress. You can also unfollow people and accounts that make you feel guilty, delete podcasts or music you don’t listen to, limit your screen time, and organize your digital photos. Looking ahead to 2024, you will enjoy a more organized, efficient, and calmer digital life.
Decluttering can be an overwhelming task
#3. Tidy up your kitchen for the new year
The kitchen is often the heart of the home, where meals are prepared and holiday dinners take place. However, this busy center can easily accumulate clutter and chaos over time. Take a critical look at your kitchen, from the toaster to the spices, and identify items you rarely use or don’t need. Say goodbye to coffee mugs and glasses that you don’t use. Remove food from cupboards, refrigerator and freezer that you will never eat. Donate or sell items in good condition, or give them to friends or family who may use them more often. Recycle devices that don’t work. This way you have more space to prepare delicious meals and get together with your family. With our tips you can clear out your kitchen without stress.
Another helpful strategy is to declutter by category rather than by room
#4. Clear out expired and unwanted toiletries
The bathroom is a room that we use every day for personal hygiene, but it can quickly become cluttered with expired and unwanted toiletries. Old skin care products, expired medications, half-empty bottles, and unused cosmetics can add to the clutter. Discard anything that has expired and donate unopened, unused items to local shelters or charities. A tidy bathroom can make your daily routine more efficient.
Only buy products that you currently use
#5. Say goodbye to old electronics
Outdated electronic devices and cables tend to accumulate in our homes. By the end of 2023, collect those old electronic devices, including cell phones, chargers and obsolete gadgets. Consider whether these devices are still functional and have potential resale value. If not, it is important to dispose of them responsibly and consider e-waste recycling programs or donation options if necessary. Many electronics stores offer recycling services for old devices.
If something doesn’t work – recycle it
#6. Tidy up for the new year: time to say goodbye to sentimental items
Sentimental items that you treasure can also become a source of clutter. Check your sentimental pieces, e.g. B. old cards, letters or keepsakes and choose a few that have the most meaning to you. Create a dedicated space to display or store these items and consider getting rid of the rest of the memorabilia. If it helps, take a photo of the object first and then release it. This allows you to store the most precious memories without being overwhelmed by clutter. If you use your journals for purposes other than storing memories (e.g., to vent, process, etc.), shred or burn them regularly.
It is important that you involve your family members in the decluttering process
#7. Eliminate old paperwork and documents
The flood of paper can quickly get out of control if not eliminated. You should get your paperwork and documents sorted by the end of 2023. Create a filing system for important documents such as tax records, medical records, and legal documents. Shred outdated or unnecessary documents and consider digitizing important records to reduce physical storage requirements. Digitalization can make it easier to search for and access documents when needed.
Try to digitize most of your documents
#8th. Make your heart and mind tidy for the new year
To start 2024 fresh, it’s important to declutter not only your home, but also your heart and mind. Take time for self-reflection, acknowledge and let go of negative thoughts and emotional baggage that no longer serves you. Cultivate gratitude and practice mindfulness to be present in the moment. Set realistic goals that align with your values and aspirations. Say goodbye to unnecessary drama that prevents you from enjoying your life. You can also see a psychologist to become a better version of yourself.
Once you’ve successfully decluttered, it’s important to maintain your progress
#9. Say goodbye to bad habits
It’s never too late to change a habit or let go of it completely. Simplifying your life isn’t always about material clutter, but rather about removing the things that distract you from living. Maybe you no longer want to stay up too late, stop drinking alcohol, or stop eating junk food? Identify the habit, set clear goals, and develop a plan. Understand the underlying causes, find healthier alternatives, and build a support network. Track your progress, celebrate successes, and be patient with setbacks. It takes 21 days to form a new habit. So you have plenty of time until the end of the year to change your habits.
It takes 21 days to form a new habit
#10. Start 2024 without people who don’t make you feel good
The end of 2023 is the perfect time to rid your life of people who make you feel guilty. Starting 2024 without people who constantly bring negativity or make us feel unappreciated can be a transformative step toward personal growth. Think about your relationships and identify those that drain your energy or negatively impact your emotional state. While it’s not always easy to break away from toxic relationships, it’s a necessary step for overall happiness. Remember that your well-being should be your top priority. Starting the new year with a circle of positive and supportive people can significantly contribute to your well-being.
It’s time to end your toxic relationships and start the new year in a tidy mood
