DE-cember is the perfect month to de-clutter a lot of areas of your life, including your home so you jump-start a new year filled with inspiration & focus on what matters most.

The quote from Becoming Minimalist inspired me to declutter twelve areas of my life that I found the most frustrating on a day to day basis. Getting those areas sorted out, will free up time, energy and headspace for doing the things that matter to me the most. Try it out.

Decluttering 12 Areas of My Life in December for a Fresh Start in the New Year

As December comes to a close, it offers the perfect opportunity to reflect on the past year and make space for the new one. Decluttering various areas of your life can provide clarity and foster a more organized mindset as you step into the new year. Here are 12 areas to focus on for a fresh start:

1. Closet: Fall/Winter Wardrobe

Begin with your closet, especially focusing on your fall and winter wardrobe. Take everything out and evaluate each piece. Consider donating items you haven't worn in the past year or that no longer fit your style. This ensures your closet contains only the pieces you truly love and wear.

2. Workout Clothes

Next, tackle your workout clothes. Go through your activewear and discard items that are worn out or no longer fit. It's motivating to have a collection of clothes that make you feel good about working out and confident.

3. Undergarments

Take some time to sort through your undergarments. Discard any that are damaged or uncomfortable. Well-fitting undergarments can enhance your overall comfort and confidence.

4. Beauty Products

Your beauty products can accumulate quickly. Check the expiration dates and condition of your makeup and skincare items. Discard anything that has expired or that you haven’t used in a long time. This will help streamline your beauty routine. Since I accumulated variations of certain products (e.g. I have three types of serum), I kept only one easily accessible during my daily routine and I tucked the rest away in a under-the-sink cabinet. Once I use up one, I will pull the other one. That way daily use cabinet is not cluttered and I will not have to spend money for a while by using up everything I have.

5. Dog Toys and Accessories

If you have a pet, decluttering their toys and accessories is essential. Check for toys that are worn out or no longer engaging for your dog. Organizing their items makes playtime more enjoyable and keeps your space tidy. I threw away half shredded toys, and washed the remainder of them.

6. Pantry

A well-organized pantry not only looks good but also makes meal prep easier. Check expiration dates on food items and discard any that are expired. Group similar items together to create a more efficient cooking space.

7. Physical and electronic mail

Digital and physical mail can quickly pile up. Unsubscribe from marketing emails that clutter your inbox, especially after holiday shopping. Take time to sort through physical mail that has accumulated around the house. Shred important documents, and recycle the rest. Create a system for managing mail to reduce clutter in the future.

8. Office Space

Since I work from home, it’s vital for me to maintain an organized office space. If my deck is covered with clutter, I feel stressed and overwhelmed. I clear my desk of unnecessary papers and items. Went through the junk drawer where I was throwing in things randomly. I threw away most of receipts , kept only the most important ones in a ziplock or took a picture and uploaded to “Receipts” folder so I can easily find it in the future, if needed. I create a filing system for essential documents, ensuring your workspace feels inviting and productive. Nothing gives me more anxiety than tangled cables, so I decluttered my electronics drawer, by removing duplicates, throwing away old phone cases, etc.

9. Car

Your car can become a storage space without you realizing it. Remove everything that doesn't belong, including trash and unwanted items. A clean car can improve your driving experience and make your daily routines smoother.

10. Phone Pictures and Apps

Take time to declutter your phone. Delete pictures that no longer serve a purpose and organize important ones into albums. Additionally, uninstall apps you no longer use to improve your phone’s efficiency.

11. Holiday decorations

Decluttering holiday decorations can bring a refreshing sense of order to your space as the season winds down. Start by gathering all your decorations in one area, allowing you to evaluate each item’s condition and relevance. Consider whether each piece truly contributes to your holiday spirit or if it has outlived its purpose. Items that are damaged or no longer resonate with your style can be discarded or donated, while cherished decorations can be organized in labeled bins for easier access next year. This process not only clears physical clutter but also creates a more intentional approach to your holiday celebrations in the future.

12. Schedule

Finally, take a close look at your schedule. Identify commitments that drain your energy or no longer align with your goals. This is a great opportunity to prioritize activities that bring you joy and fulfillment.

Ready for a fresh start

By focusing on these twelve areas, you can clear out physical and mental clutter, allowing for a fresh, revitalized start to the new year. Embrace the process as an act of self-care, and enjoy the simplicity that comes with a well-organized life. Happy decluttering!