Winter Declutter Challenge: Simplify Before the New Year
The holiday season is a whirlwind of joy, family, and—let’s be honest—a little bit of chaos. By the time winter rolls around, your home might be bursting with holiday décor, gifts waiting to be wrapped, and items you haven’t touched all year. Before the New Year sneaks up on us, why not take on a Winter Declutter Challenge? Simplifying your space can help you enter the new year feeling refreshed, organized, and ready to tackle your goals. Here’s how you can jump in and make it happen.
Why Declutter in Winter? Winter is the perfect time to declutter because:
New Year, New You: Starting fresh with a clean space helps set the tone for your resolutions.
Holiday Prep: Make room for new gifts and holiday decorations by clearing out what you no longer need.
Cozy Vibes: A decluttered home feels more inviting and peaceful during the cold months.
The Winter Declutter Challenge
This challenge is all about small, manageable steps that add up to big results. Follow these four weeks of decluttering tasks to simplify your space and your life before the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve.
Week 1: Start Small – The Daily Essentials
Purge Your Pantry: Toss expired foods, stale spices, and those “maybe I’ll use it someday” items you’ve been holding onto.
Bathroom Blitz: Get rid of expired beauty products, makeup, and half-used bottles of shampoo you didn’t love.
Junk Drawer Jumble: Dedicate 15 minutes to sorting through your junk drawer. Keep only what you use.
Wardrobe Check: Identify winter clothes that don’t fit or haven’t been worn in years and donate them.
Pro Tip: Keep a donation box handy to fill up as you go.
Week 2: Tackle the Trouble Zones
Image Credit:@sweetpagesco
Paper Purge: Sort through bills, old receipts, and junk mail. Scan and save documents you need; recycle the rest.
Tech Detox: Delete unused apps, organize your desktop, and back up important files.
Closet Clean-Out: Focus on accessories—scarves, hats, gloves, and shoes. Are there items you no longer love or use?
Holiday Decor Declutter: As you unpack decorations, let go of broken ornaments and ones that no longer spark joy.
Pro Tip: Use clear bins to organize holiday décor and label everything for easy storage.
Week 3: Go Deeper – The Hidden Spaces
Under the Sink: Clean out cleaning supplies, old sponges, and random bottles of “who-knows-what” lurking there.
Linen Closet Love: Donate worn-out towels and unused bedding to a local animal shelter.
Garage or Storage Areas: Dedicate one afternoon to sorting through tools, sports gear, or seasonal items.
Kids’ Toys: Before new toys arrive, encourage your kids to donate items they’ve outgrown.
Pro Tip: Make it fun for kids by turning it into a “treasure hunt” for toys to donate.
Week 4: The Final Touches
Books and Magazines: Donate books you’ve read and recycle old magazines.
Sentimental Items: Sort through old cards, keepsakes, or photos. Keep what’s meaningful and store them neatly.
Furniture & Décor: Let go of items that no longer serve your style or comfort.
Fridge and Freezer: Clear out expired items and organize food for easy access.
Pro Tip: Treat yourself to a fresh bouquet or candle after each area is complete—it’s a reward for your hard work!
Once your Winter Declutter Challenge is complete, keep the momentum going:
One In, One Out Rule: For every new item you bring into your home, remove an old one.
Seasonal Decluttering: Make this a seasonal ritual to stay on top of clutter.
Mindful Shopping: Be intentional with your purchases to prevent clutter from creeping back in.
Decluttering isn’t just about creating a tidy space—it’s about crafting a life filled with purpose and clarity. By simplifying your home before the New Year, you’ll create room for what truly matters in 2025: your goals, your happiness, and the memories yet to come.
Are you ready to take on the Winter Declutter Challenge? Start today, and let’s simplify together!
