Beginning the Year with a Clean Slate

As the holidays settle, decorations put away, items back to their usual spots, and normalcy returns…it gives me time to look at my home as a clean slate. Time to reset function, cleanliness, and flow to help reset attitudes and rest.

But, be careful. Often in a state of “hurry” we can make decisions to toss things that we later will regret. Even Martha Stewart gives that advice in her decluttering article. Her suggestion is to go slowly and group things together to see what needs to be kept or tossed. Great suggestions.

Do you need a clean slate for the new year?

I don’t know about you, but the removal of Christmas decorations and dishes occurs in tiny increments. The obvious Christmas pieces are eliminated easily…while the lights, greenery and cozy throws may linger a little longer.

Where do you begin?

For me? The list has to be prioritized.

An order created. Plan in place.

Are you like that?

Are you one who leaves Christmas around until after January 6, the epiphany? I tend to be one of those. Putting things away before New Year’s is just simply not my cup of tea. And neither do I believe the superstitions of bad luck with any that accompany leaving them up after New Year’s.

Honestly, I got very few decoerations out for Christmas decorating this year. I. have. so. much. And simplicity tugged at my heart…So…putting that all away was easier than ever before.

For now, those ice skates on the greenery wreath with a plaid bow on the front door will stay to welcome in February olympics. Perfect.

But, a clean slate is needed.

So where do I begin?

After the decorations are tucked into bins and containers and put back into their places? There’s an obvious amount of emptiness, clutter, and out of place items.

1. Let’s start in the kitchen.

Emptying and cleaning the refrigerator is always a bit much. Removing leftovers from holiday meals is a must. Cleaning the shelves, drawers and once again removing out of date items begins the year off right. Restocking fresh produce and staples needed.

Clearing out the holiday temptations in tins and containers may be necessary.

2. Move on to the pantry.

Often the clean out of the pantry is overdue. When that part of decluttering begins, I am always amazed at how many staples, mixes and dry goods are out of date. Tossing and clearing out items, making sure dates are on storage containers of ingredients happens with my label maker.

This step also helps to remind me of needed items to add to my grocery list for seasonal favorites…and to use up ingredients that need to be used. That happened with banana muffins here this morning. Bananas used that were about to be tossed.

Then there are kitchen cabinets that need some TLC…including the spice organizer.

After the decorations are down…spice organizer, refrigerator and pantry cleaned, the NEXT order of action had to begin with my bedroom and closet.

3. Then begins the primary bedroom reset.

I don’t know about you, but there are random things that find themselves in a box or bag in my bedroom. Does that happen to you? It always happens during the holidays so finding those things rightful homes is always a bit tricky.

And often it just sits until a “reset” happens.

Out goes the Christmas paper, bags, and boxes.

Seasonal items back to the attic.

And back to the office for the tape and scissors.

My list included:

• After reading Martha’s suggestions for going slowly, I moved on to a Southern Living article. The article for Southern Living was incredibly helpful for what NOT to donate, WHEN to donate and all the details. You can find it here.
• Emptying out the closet completely- with the items not worn or needed in the donation pile with care was on the list.
• Just a suggestion…make a list of all items to be donated to be attached to your donation receipt for taxes. Helps me account to ensure that the donations match the amount on the slip. Which reminds me that tax prep will be soon…but, I digress…
• Out of season items to add to bins was next.
• Then thought for how to make this closet work better was on my radar…back to taking Martha’s tip for not rushing it.
• Honestly, my husband is such a better organizer than I am that I am taking the lead from his closet design for mine. My IKEA closet design is just not working any more. So my tip?

If something isn’t working, find a system that does work for you.

For me, it meant make the closet work for me.

So, arrange your closet to make it work for you. New shelf arrangement and shoe organization was next on my list. Even a perfect spot for bin storage for out of season items was created. A new arrangement for purses and luggage followed.

Still fine tuning…and using what’s been done often helps to settle big or subtle changes.

Then, it was time to empty out the bedroom bookshelves for a deep clean. It’s a great time to wash windows, duvet covers, window coverings, baseboards and all furniture.

Perfect to have everything clean before resetting the room.

Rearrange the shelves for seasonal display and then clear off flat surfaces on furniture.

Even my grouping above the bed is due for a “reset”.

4. Cleaning things out of each room always has great advantages.

A feeling of clean, newness and organization does an amazing job of transforming your attitude. Removing the old, decluttering, and cleaning just seems to make everything better. From working, sleeping, and even relaxing…there are huge benefits.

A change of the shelves in the hutch for a brighter look always happens this time of year. Out with Christmas and in with a focus on lighter and brighter gives an uplift.

Often, the pinecones linger a little longer through February…but, with a addition of dried hydrangeas provides a lighter feel that will transition to spring.

Candles are still part of the seasonal cozy here…but, less of the holiday scents and more of just pure white candlelight…in candleholders or battery operated.

Just adding more light helps fight the depressing darkness of winter days.

I’m not sure why it often takes us a long time to get into the declutter mode, but perhaps for me, the motivation that works for me is simply “restaging” home for a new year. Creating that clean slate, offers focus on favorite things that make my heart happy.

Even fresh new soaps and a change of towels help brighten our attitude.

5. Adding in plants.

Adding new plants inside always brightens the mood and brings joy. That will actually happen Friday when I visit my favorite plant shop booth at the Nashville Antiques and Garden Show. I’ll share what I find after I return.

6. Transition for the seasons.

How do I do that?

I love the winter season and want to celebrate that with a focus on the fire in the fireplace, cozy blankets, candles and even those skates on the front door wreath.

So often we hurry through a season decorating for another that we miss the season we are in.

Don’t miss the winter days to rest, reset, reflect and renew. I’m here for it.

But, supporting the season we are in needs a little refresh.

A new journal and devotional, calendar and planner are added to my office.

For me, perhaps a new gardening or home design book…you choose what peaks your interest to brighten your reading.

A new arrangement of books that center around planning for spring even help.

Even a garden planning book to plan landscape and garden additions finds it’s way to my planning area.

Maybe its the colder and more dismal weather that screams to stay inside…to make things cozier…add warmth and an inviting welcome that seems to leave after the holidays.

Decide what provides a clean slate and makes home function better, feel better and look better.

It truly is up to you.

But for me? A clean slate means removing the clutter…clearing the atmosphere…and having things inside work fluidly. A great way to begin a new year.

Not only for my home…but as a personal reset.

So, where will you start today?

I’d love to know in the comments.

Happy decluttering, friends…and may this new year bring you much joy and happiness,

As an Amazon, Walmart and LTK affiliate, at times I may provide affiliate links to products that may offer an easier way to find products that I mention or use. Same price for you, but beneficial to this blog and at times, may offer compensation if you use them to shop. See my disclosure policy here.