At times, getting started with decluttering can feel overwhelming, often prompting people to seek professional help for organization and junk removal. As specialists in decluttering and organization, we understand this challenge firsthand. To empower those eager to tackle clutter on their own terms, we’ve curated a DIY plan called Declutter December. This comprehensive guide draws from our expertise, offering a step-by-step roadmap to streamline your space, enabling you to achieve a clutter-free home by the year’s end.
Week 1: Outdoor Storage
Take advantage of the warmer weather and longer daylight and get the Outdoors shut down for the season and outdoor storage buildings organized.
December 1-7:
1. Tackle the Garage:
- Sort and Categorize: Separate tools, sports gear, and items stored in the garage into categories. Give the tools a good cleaning and end-of-season maintenance so they are ready to go for next year.
- Donate or Dispose: Discard broken or redundant items. I am a firm believer in the theory if you haven’t used it in a year, get rid of it.
- Install Storage Solutions: Consider installing shelves, hooks, or wall-mounted organizers to optimize space. If your garage floor always seems cluttered, often going vertical is the solution. Tool racks are a great way to make your hand tools easily stored along a wall. The handles click into the rack and are easy to pull off when you need them.
- Critter Proof the Place: Make sure there are no places mice or rodents can use for a home. This includes making sure there is no food or water source stored for them to be attracted to.
2. Garden Shed Cleanout:
- Organize Gardening Supplies: Arrange tools, pots, and supplies neatly.
- Declutter Unused Items: Discard broken tools or items no longer in use.
- Create Zones: Designate areas for different gardening needs. Make sure the things you use regularly are easily accessible and things that you use less often can be stored towards the back or under things.
3. Outdoor Furniture:
Clearing or repurposing outdoor furniture opens up space for better use or storage.
- Assessment and Repurposing: Assess the condition and necessity of outdoor furniture. If you are no longer using or have damage to furniture, consider if you should replace or recondition.
- Repurpose or Dispose: Repurpose items if possible or consider donating or recycling.
Week 2: Room-by-Room Decluttering
December 8-14:
1. Declutter Your Wardrobe:
- Assess each clothing item: Do you wear it regularly, does it make you happy when you hold it, did you wear it at a memorable function? Use these questions and judge the condition to determine, “Keep, Donate, or Discard”.
- For the items not salvageable you can either turn them into rags or stitch them together for a cool blanket, or throw them away.
- Items that are in good condition can go to your favorite thrift store or post online for free or try to sell.
- Take all the items you plan to keep and organize them by category.
- Consider seasonal storage for clothes not in current use.
- Clean and put away the items you plan to regularly wear
2. Bathroom Basics: Enhance functionality and aesthetics
- Remove expired products and toiletries.
- Be sure to research how to dispose of it safely.
- Organize items by categories (e.g., skincare, haircare).
- Consider storage solutions for towels and daily-use items.
- Evaluate what you use regularly and make it easily accessible but in a designated location.
- Add shelves or hooks to create more vertical space
- Give it a deep clean
- While you have cabinets emptied, sanitize all storage areas and every surface you can reach.
3. Linen Closet Overhaul:
- Discard old or unused bedding and towels.
- Anything that doesn’t feel or smell fresh should be tossed. Keep your favorites and consider treating yourself to new sheets and towels.
- Fold and organize the remaining items neatly.
- Utilize bins, hooks, shelves, or dividers for better organization.
- Give the area a good dusting and sanitizing.
4. Under-the-Bed Organization:
- Clear clutter from under beds. Get rid of things you no longer need to store.
- Dust the area
- Utilize storage containers for seasonal clothing or less-used items.
- Label containers for easy identification.
5. Categorize Accessories:
- Organize outdoor gear, belts, scarves, hats, etc.
- Consider hanging solutions or storage boxes.
- Discard or donate items no longer in use.
Week 3: Indoor Organization and Detailing
December 15-21:
1. Organize Your Paperwork:
- Sort papers, bills, and documents into categories.
- File essential documents and shred unnecessary ones.
- Establish a filing system for easy access and maintenance.
- Shred any unneeded documents
2. Evaluate Sentimental Clutter:
- Review sentimental items, such as souvenirs or keepsakes.
- Keep items that hold genuine value or meaning.
- Consider digitizing photos or keepsakes to reduce physical clutter.
3. Create a Charging Station:
- Designate a central spot for charging electronic devices.
- One in every main room is usually a great addition for families.
- Use cable organizers to prevent tangling and clutter.
- Label chargers or cables for easy identification.
- Get rid of any cables that do not have a designated spot and purpose.
- It will be ok to let go of all the useless cables you’ve been saving, I promise.
4. Utilize Drawer Dividers:
- Organize drawers in various rooms (e.g., kitchen, bedroom).
- Use dividers or small containers for categorization.
- Declutter and remove unnecessary items from drawers.
5. Toy Triage:
- Involve children in decluttering toys. Have them do a similar test to determine what clothes to keep.
- This is a great time to teach them about donating to others who do not have as much.
- Donate or discard toys no longer played with or are broken.
- Organize remaining toys into designated storage solutions.
Week 4: Digital Detox and Final Touches
December 22-31:
1. Digital Detox:
- Delete unused apps from devices.
- Cancel unused subscriptions
- Organize digital files into folders, categorizing them appropriately.
- Unsubscribe from unnecessary email lists
2. Sort Through Magazines and Newspapers:
- Recycle or donate old issues.
3. Seasonal Items Storage:
- Label and store seasonal decorations or items.
4. Reflect and Rejoice:
- Celebrate accomplishments achieved through decluttering efforts.
- Commit to maintaining a clutter-free environment. Make a plan for the new year to keep your place looking great.
As we approach the conclusion of this DIY guide to decluttering throughout December, each task completed marks a step toward a more organized and serene living space. From clearing outdoor areas to digitizing and tidying up digital spaces, this comprehensive plan has provided a roadmap to transform your home. Remember, a clutter-free environment isn’t just visually appealing; it fosters peace of mind and clarity in daily life. Should you desire personalized assistance or expert guidance through this journey, don’t hesitate to reach out. Colin and our team are here to lend a hand and ensure your decluttering experience is smooth and rewarding.