Insights and tips from Neat It, Toronto's Decluttering and Home Organization Experts.
As the year winds down and the holiday season approaches, many of us start thinking about ways to improve and kick off the New Year with a fresh start. November is the perfect time to get started and plan for your end-of-year decluttering project. As Toronto’s chilly weather keeps us indoors, presenting the ideal opportunity to optimize our living spaces and create a clean, clutter-free environment to prepare for the holidays and before the New Year arrives.
Here is an easy-to-follow end-of-year decluttering checklist that will help you prepare your home for the new year in a stress-free way. Plus, if you need extra support, our Neat It team is here to help you create a lasting organization system that brings order and peace to your space.
Why Declutter Your Home Before the New Year?
Decluttering at the end of the year has several benefits:
Stress Reduction: Clutter causes stress! Clearing it out will create a calm, welcoming environment, which is especially beneficial during the busy holiday season.
Increased Productivity: Organized spaces boost productivity and help you feel more in control of your daily life.
A Fresh Start: A decluttered home allows you to start the New Year with a clean slate and a positive mindset.
So, grab a cup of pumpkin latte, roll up your sleeves, and let’s dive into this step-by-step end-of-year decluttering checklist!
End-of-Year Home Organization and Decluttering Checklist
Step 1: Plan and Prioritize
Before diving in, take a moment to make a plan. Identify the areas of your home that need the most attention. Prioritize spaces based on how often you use them and how cluttered they are. Here are some common areas to focus on:
✅ Entryway / Mudroom
✅ Living Room
✅ Kitchen and Pantry
✅ Bedrooms and Closets
✅ Bathrooms
✅ Home Office
Once you've decided on your focus areas, schedule time on your calendar to work through each space. Dedicate an hour or two per day. You may also plan a few weekend sessions if you want to get it all done quickly.
Step 2: Declutter the Entryway
Your entryway or mudroom is the first thing you see when you come home and the last place you pass through before heading out. A clutter-free entryway sets a positive tone for your day. Start by removing everything from this space and only putting back the essentials.
Sort through coats, shoes, and bags: Decide what to keep, donate, or store away until spring.
Organize seasonal items: Set up hooks or shelves for winter essentials like scarves, hats, gloves, and umbrellas.
Add storage solutions: Use bins or baskets to keep items organized and accessible. A shoe rack and coat hooks can make a big difference in keeping your entryway tidy.
Step 3: Tackle the Living Room
The living room is often the busiest spot of our homes, family gatherings and movie nights often end up with a pillow fort or a stained rug.
Evaluate furniture and décor: Remove items that are broken, outdated, or simply taking up space.
Sort books, magazines, and electronics: Recycle or donate what you no longer need, and neatly organize what remains.
Create storage for small items: Use decorative baskets or storage ottomans to keep remote controls, throw blankets, and other small items out of sight but easy to access.
Step 4: Organize the Kitchen and Pantry
The kitchen is one of the most-used spaces in a home, especially during the holiday season. A well-organized kitchen makes cooking and entertaining a breeze.
Empty and clean cabinets and drawers: Remove everything, wipe down surfaces, and only put back the items you use regularly.
Declutter expired or unused items: Check the expiration dates on spices, canned goods, and other pantry items. Discard what’s expired and donate non-perishables you won’t use.
Organize by category: Group similar items together – for example, keep all baking supplies in one area and everyday essentials in another.
Use storage containers: Clear, labeled containers can help keep your pantry tidy and make it easy to see what you have at a glance.
Step 5: Declutter Bedrooms and Closets
Bedrooms should be restful sanctuaries, free from unnecessary clutter. Closets, in particular, can become chaotic if not regularly sorted through.
Sort clothing: Go through each item and decide if you still wear it. Donate or discard anything that doesn’t fit, is damaged, or hasn’t been worn in the last year.
Organize by season: Store summer clothes in a separate area and keep winter clothes accessible.
Use drawer organizers: These are great for keeping smaller items like socks, underwear, and accessories accessible and neatly arranged.
Limit bedroom décor: Aim for a few meaningful items rather than cluttered surfaces, helping to create a more open space.
Step 6: Refresh the Bathroom
A cluttered bathroom can feel overwhelming. Decluttering here will make your mornings more efficient and less stressful.
Sort toiletries: Discard expired products and organize remaining items by frequency of use.
Clear out under-sink cabinets: Remove any empty or unused items, and consider using bins to keep products organized.
Add storage solutions: Use drawer dividers, shelves, or baskets to keep everything neat and accessible.
Step 7: Reassess the Home Office
Remote work is here to stay and many of us are spending more and more time in our home offices. Decluttering this space can boost focus and enhance productivity.
Organize paperwork: Go through stacks of papers, filing away important documents and shredding what’s no longer needed.
Declutter desk drawers and surface: Only keep essentials on your desk, and store everything else in designated spots.
Set up cable management: Use cable ties or clips to keep cords neat and prevent tangles.
End the Year Organized with Neat It!
This end-of-year decluttering checklist will help you start the New Year on a positive note, with a clean and well organized home to support your lifestyle and daily routines .
Need an extra hand? At Neat It, we specialize in helping Greater Toronto Area residents create beautiful, functional spaces. Our expert team can assist with everything from decluttering and organizing to home styling and storage solutions that work for you. Whether you need a quick 3-hour tidy-up or a full home organization session, we’re here to make your life easier.
Take the first step toward a clutter-free New Year. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and let us help you bring order to your space!
Comments