There’s something about the start of a new year that makes us crave a fresh, clean slate. One of the best ways to embrace this new beginning is by decluttering and organizing your home. Not only does it create a more peaceful, functional environment, but it also clears out the mental clutter that can weigh us down. Whether you’re a neat freak or just trying to get through your daily routine more efficiently, decluttering and organizing your space will give you a renewed sense of calm and control.

In this blog, we’ll share practical tips for tackling every room in your home, helping you turn chaos into calm. And if you're unsure where to donate those gently used items, or need help arranging donation pickups, REALgratitude is here to help! Just reach out to us, and we’ll connect you with local non-profits, organize pickups, and even send you a receipt for your taxes.

How to Declutter Like a Pro

1. Start Small: Choose One Room or Area
   
   The idea of decluttering your entire home can feel overwhelming. Instead of trying to do everything at once, start small by choosing one room, or even just a section of a room. Whether it’s your closet, pantry, or that cluttered corner in the living room, tackling one area at a time makes the process manageable and builds momentum.
   
   Pro Tip: Set a timer for 15 to 30 minutes and see how much you can get done in that time. Sometimes, a quick burst of effort can make a big impact without feeling overwhelming.
   
   
2. Apply the “Keep, Donate, Toss” Rule
   
   As you go through your belongings, sort them into three categories: Keep, Donate, or Toss. Ask yourself: Do I use it? Do I love it? Does it add value to my life? If not, it's time to let it go. By reducing the clutter, you create space for the items that truly matter.
   
   Pro Tip: If you’re unsure about letting something go, box it up and store it out of sight for 30 days. If you don’t miss it, you can feel confident in donating or discarding it.
   
   
3. Declutter by Category, Not Location
   
   Instead of decluttering room by room, consider sorting by category. For example, gather all the books in your home and go through them in one sitting. This approach helps you see the total quantity of items you have in each category, making it easier to pare down and avoid duplicates.
   
   Categories to Declutter:
   - Clothes 
   - Books 
   - Paperwork 
   - Kitchen items 
   - Sentimental items (take extra time with these)
   
   
4. Maximize Closet Space
   
   Closets tend to be hotspots for clutter. Start by pulling everything out so you can see exactly what’s there. Try grouping similar items together—shoes, jackets, shirts, etc.—and evaluate what you actually use. Once you've decided what to keep, use organizational tools like hanging shelves, bins, and dividers to create more efficient storage.
   
   Pro Tip: For clothes, try the hanger trick: Hang all your clothes with the hanger facing backward. As you wear and wash items, place them back in the closet with the hanger facing the correct way. At the end of the season, donate anything still hanging backward.
   
   
5. Tackle the Kitchen
   
   The kitchen is often the heart of the home, but it’s also a space where clutter easily builds up. Start with your pantry and refrigerator—check expiration dates and toss anything that’s gone bad or that you no longer use. Next, move on to your cabinets and drawers. Do you really need all those extra utensils and mismatched Tupperware?
   
   Pro Tip: Use clear bins and labels to keep your pantry organized and to easily see what you have in stock. Keep frequently used items within easy reach and group similar items together.
   
   
6. Declutter Your Paperwork
   
   Paper tends to accumulate quickly—whether it’s mail, receipts, or paperwork from work or school. Start by sorting through any papers lying around your home. Shred anything that’s no longer needed, and create a filing system for documents you need to keep.
   
   Pro Tip: Go paperless wherever possible by opting for digital copies of bills and documents. Scan and store important papers electronically to free up physical space.
   
   
7. Organize Your Garage or Storage Areas
   
   Garages, attics, and basements are notorious for becoming catch-all spaces for things we don't use regularly. Set aside time to go through these areas, tossing anything that’s broken or no longer useful. Use shelving, pegboards, or storage bins to keep everything organized and easy to access.
   
   Pro Tip: Label storage bins with the contents and keep an inventory list of what's in your garage or storage area. This way, you won’t waste time hunting for things later.
   
   
8. Make It a Habit
   
   Once you’ve decluttered and organized, the key to maintaining your space is developing habits that prevent clutter from building up again. Spend 10-15 minutes each day tidying up. Regularly assess your belongings to ensure that only what’s necessary remains in your home.
   
   Pro Tip: Implement a "one in, one out" rule. Anytime you bring something new into your home—whether it’s clothes, books, or gadgets—find something else to donate or discard.

Need Help Donating? We’ve Got You Covered!

One of the best parts of decluttering is the opportunity to give your gently used items a new home. If you’re not sure where to donate or need help arranging for a pick-up, REALgratitude is here to assist you. We work with several local non-profits and can coordinate pick-up and drop-off services for your donations. Plus, we’ll provide you with a donation receipt for your taxes.

Simply reach out to us, and we’ll handle the rest!

Start the Year Fresh and Organized

Decluttering and organizing your home may seem like a daunting task, but taking it step by step and room by room can make all the difference. With a more organized space, you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment, enjoy a more functional home, and start the year on the right foot.

If you have any questions or need help connecting with local donation services, feel free to contact us at barkley@realgratitude.org. We’re always here to help make your home and community a better place.

Let’s make 2024 the year of a refreshed, decluttered, and organized home!