The Best Decluttering Resolutions for a New Year

#2. Resolve to Gain a New Perspective

Sometimes, the most powerful decluttering resolution isn’t about the stuff itself—it’s about shifting your perspective. The way we interact with our space is deeply tied to our routines, habits, and beliefs. Changing how you think about your home can be the first step toward lasting transformation.

Consider adopting a new mantra for the year, like:

• “Less is more.”
• “My home is my haven.”

Making it your resolution to fully embrace one of these beliefs can help align your mindset with your decluttering goals. These little phrases are catchy and easy to remember, so keep them front and center. Make them your phone wallpaper or desktop background, or even frame them as art for your space. Seeing them daily will help reinforce the mindset shift you’re aiming for.

Even if these mantras don’t feel true at first, repeating them consistently can help you internalize them. Over time, they’ll start to shape how you see your home and your stuff, giving you a fresh perspective and a renewed vibe for the year ahead.

#3. Resolve to Have a Home for Everything

A great New Year decluttering resolution is to ensure that every item in your home has a designated place. This simple yet powerful habit can transform how you interact with your space. When every item has a home, tidying up becomes as easy as putting things back where they belong.

As you go about your day, start putting things away as you move through your house. If you come across items that don’t have a home, it’s time to make some decisions. Ask yourself:

• Why doesn’t this have a home?
• Is it clutter?
• Do I need to create a space for it, or is it time to let it go?

By resolving to establish a home for everything, you’ll not only keep your space organized but also gain clarity on what truly belongs in your life. It’s a simple mindset shift that can make a big impact on your home and daily flow.

#4. Resolve to Declutter a Specific, Achievable Amount Each Day

One of the simplest and most effective decluttering resolutions is to commit to decluttering a small, achievable amount every day. Whether it’s one area, one drawer, or even just one item, this daily habit keeps the momentum going without feeling overwhelming.

Some days, you might feel extra motivated and tackle more—and that’s awesome! But the beauty of this resolution is that even on low-energy days, you can still stick to it by decluttering just one thing.

By keeping the resolution small and manageable, you’re setting yourself up for success. Even if you don’t see immediate results, you’ll know you’re making consistent progress. Over time, those small daily efforts will add up to big changes, making this resolution both achievable and impactful.

#5. Resolve to Keep a Donation or Recycle Box

A great decluttering resolution is to keep a designated donation box—or even several boxes for different categories of items. For instance, I have a small bag in my closet specifically for electronics that no longer work. If a charging cable stops working, I toss it in the bag. Once it’s full, I take it to Best Buy or Goodwill, both of which have electronic recycling programs.

Your donation box can be the go-to spot for anything you no longer find useful or necessary. When it’s full, simply take it to the appropriate donation center (or sell the items if you prefer). This eliminates the need for a massive decluttering spree or an urgent trip every time you find an extra cable or decide you’re done with a shirt you no longer wear.

If you need ideas for responsible ways to discard your items, check out my post, 27 Ways to Discard Your Stuff Responsibly. With a donation box, decluttering becomes a seamless, ongoing habit rather than a daunting task.

#6. Resolve to Commit to a Feeling or Vision for Your Space

One of the most impactful decluttering resolutions is to commit to creating a specific feeling or vision for your home. This isn’t about the items themselves—it’s about shaping the energy and atmosphere you want in your space.

For example, you might decide, “I commit to having a workspace that inspires me,” or, “I resolve to create a home that feels calm and restorative.” These intentions help you focus on the emotional benefits of decluttering, making your goals feel more tangible and motivating.

Tying a feeling or vision to your spaces allows you to visualize what you’re working toward and stay on track. As I mentioned in my post, How to Reset Your Life for 2022 in 5 Steps, having a clear “why” and a vision makes your goals more concrete and achievable.

When you anchor your decluttering efforts in how you want your space to feel, the process becomes deeply personal and rewarding.

#7. Resolve to Commit to a Single Room First

If the idea of decluttering your entire home feels overwhelming, make it your resolution to focus on just one room first. Maybe you decide to transform your bedroom into the soothing haven you’ve always dreamed of—cozy bedding and all. 😊

The key here is to keep your resolution bite-sized and manageable. If even one room feels like too much, commit to a smaller section of that room. For example, you could start by resolving to keep your bedside table clear of clutter and junk.

Focusing on one specific space helps you build momentum. Once you succeed in decluttering and maintaining that area, you’ll reinforce the belief that you can do it. That confidence will make it easier to tackle other parts of your home, one step at a time. Remember, big changes start with small, intentional actions.