January is such a great time to declutter! We are huge fans of this concept. It’s cold and dreary out, you’re in a “less is more mode” after the holidays, and everyone is back in regular life mode. The pluses? Clearing out unnecessary items can create a more organized, peaceful home environment, set a productive “I’m in control” tone for the year ahead, and even improve your mental well-being. Here are seven things to declutter this month for a fresh, intentional start to the year.
1. Holiday Decorations
The holidays have come and gone, and you’re in the process of putting it all away. Now is the perfect time to go through your holiday decor items and assess what you actually use and love. Donate or discard decorations that are broken, damaged, or no longer reflect your style. If you’re storing ornaments, lights, or festive items that you haven’t used in years, you should bless them onto someone else. There are so many people who need decor for their first home—they’d love to have the ones that no longer bring you joy.
2. Expired Medications and Beauty Products
Start with your medicine cabinet or drawer. Over-the-counter meds, old prescriptions, and supplements may have accumulated over the past year (or even longer!). These items can expire, lose potency, or even become harmful over time. Safely dispose of unused medications at a local pharmacy, or follow the FDA guidelines for safe disposal at home.
Similarly, makeup and skincare products lose their effectiveness over time. Once you open the bottle or the tube, the clock starts ticking. If you have products you haven’t used in months (or years), it’s best to let them go to make room for fresh, functional, better-smelling items. Check this guide on makeup and skincare expiration dates.
3. Unused Kitchenware
Your kitchen is a hub of daily activity, and it’s easy for unused items to pile up. Start by going through your kitchen cabinets, drawers, and pantry. Do you have gadgets, utensils, or appliances that you rarely use? We’re talking about that popcorn maker, bread machine, or fajita pan you bought on a whim! Donating unused items means someone else might get more use out of them, and you free up space for the things you actually love and need.
Next, check your pantry for expired items or products you don’t plan to use. Anything not expired is donatable to a local food bank. Be sure to check your spice, oils, condiments, and vinegars; there is always some fancy item that was purchased to make just that one thing, and hasn’t been opened since pre-Covid. Your pantry will thank you.
4. Old or Unworn Clothing
Winter post-holidays is a great time to go through yours and your family’s closets and do some assessments. Items that have been outgrown, are no longer in style, have stains or holes, or just aren’t well-liked anymore, can definitely be sorted into Donate and Toss piles. Don’t forget to consider old sports uniforms, athletic wear, shoes, underthings, and seasonal accessories (e.g., scarves and hats, gloves, swimwear, etc.). What you’ll end up with is a roomier, better curated closet with space for new, fun spring and summer stuff!
5. Old, Unused Tech
Tech clutter is a common problem in many households—we keep getting the newer versions while holding onto the detritus of the old. Unused cables, chargers, charging stands, adapters, and all kinds of accessories have a way of piling up and taking up space in drawers, nightstands, coffee tables, and shelves. We have an excellent guide on how to declutter your devices. For those you plan to keep, organize them with cable ties or cord organizers to prevent future chaos—we like the ones you can label or have color-coding. This will make it easier to find what you need when you need it and free up valuable storage space.
6. Books, Magazines, and Catalogs
The beginning of a new year is a very good time to pare down these items. You’re probably done with major shopping, so recycle all those catalogs—realize that all these items will be on their online shops, too. Magazines can pile up quickly, so sort them into a tiny “To Read” pile and a larger “Donate or Recycle” pile. Books are tougher to let go of and take more time to assess. Fortunately we also have a comprehensive guide on how to bring down your book collection.
7. Digital Clutter
Just like physical clutter, digital clutter can totally weigh you down. Spend some time going through your phone, computer, and other devices. Unsubscribe from email lists that no longer serve you, delete files and apps you don’t use, and organize your digital photos and documents. Definitely hit Unsubscribe on all those emails you opted into during the Fall holiday shopping season.
Next, review your social media accounts and Unfollow or Mute accounts that no longer bring you joy or value; give yourself permission to Unfriend (or at least, Unfollow) anyone who also falls into that category. A clutter-free digital space not only makes it easier to find important information but also reduces the stress that comes with a chaotic inbox or overflowing digital storage.
January is the perfect time to declutter both your physical and digital spaces. By letting go of items that no longer serve you, you’ll create room for the things that truly matter. Whether it’s clearing out your kitchen gadgets, recycling old electronics, or shedding sentimental clutter, each action helps you start the year with fresher, calmer spaces, making it a bit easier to have a clearer, more positive outlook. A clutter-free environment leads to less stress, more focus, and the freedom to focus on what truly brings you joy and fulfillment in the new year.