As the new year approaches, many individuals are setting resolutions to declutter their living spaces. Experts Lesley Spellman and Ingrid Jansen, co-founders of The Declutter Hub, have developed a comprehensive 12-month roadmap to guide people through the process. Their approach focuses on realistic, manageable goals rather than overwhelming tasks, making it easier to create a more organized and peaceful environment.
According to the Declutter Hub, January encourages a surge in decluttering efforts, driven by the influx of new items during the holiday season. Spellman and Jansen emphasize that decluttering does not require a drastic overhaul or a minimalist approach. Instead, they advocate for a systematic plan tailored to fit everyday life. “The biggest mistake we see is trying to do everything at once,” Jansen notes. Their philosophy prioritizes progress over perfection, encouraging individuals to tackle one room at a time.
Monthly Goals for a Clutter-Free Home
The following is a month-by-month guide designed to help individuals maintain an organized home throughout 2026. Each month focuses on specific areas, encouraging steady progress.
**January: Kitchen**
Start the year in the heart of the home. Examine expiry dates on food items, declutter gadgets that are seldom used, and organize cupboards to keep essential items easily accessible. Consider donating duplicates and using containers for better organization. A well-ordered kitchen sets a positive tone for the year ahead.
**February: Bedroom**
With winter still in full swing, take the opportunity to create a restful space. Clear bedside tables, donate unread books, and return clothing to its rightful place. Evaluate sentimental items, as these can often accumulate and create clutter. A serene bedroom environment is essential for quality sleep and emotional health.
**March: Hallway**
The hallway is the first impression of your home. Begin by organizing shoes and coats, keeping only seasonal items readily available. Recycle unnecessary mail and create designated spaces for everyday items like keys and umbrellas. Establish a habit of putting things away immediately upon entering to prevent further clutter.
**April: Living Room**
As days lengthen and brighten, refresh your relaxation space. Streamline magazines, throws, and DVDs, and evaluate decor for relevance. Reducing excess items can enhance the room’s ambiance, making it more conducive to relaxation.
**May: Wardrobes**
May presents an ideal opportunity for a wardrobe reset. Take everything out, categorize items, and assess what fits and aligns with your current lifestyle. Consider donating worn or unused clothing and rehome seasonal items to create space for warmer weather attire.
Mid-Year Maintenance and Seasonal Refreshes
**June: Bathroom**
Prepare for summer by ensuring your bathroom remains fresh and functional. Check toiletries and medicines for expiry dates, and consolidate half-used products. Evaluate towels and cleaning supplies, keeping only what is necessary for a calm morning routine.
**July: Garden and Shed**
With warmer weather, focus on outdoor spaces. Organize gardening tools and supplies, discarding broken items and donating duplicates. An orderly garden enhances enjoyment during summer months.
**August: Children’s Rooms**
As summer winds down, involve children in the decluttering process. Sort through clothing and toys, encouraging them to donate items they no longer use. This teaches valuable organizational skills while also providing a smoother transition back to school.
**September: Home Office and Paperwork**
September presents a fresh start; use this motivation to tackle paperwork. Shred unnecessary documents, file important ones, and digitize where feasible. A well-organized workspace contributes to improved productivity.
**October: Utility and Laundry Spaces**
Before the festive season, focus on these hardworking areas. Declutter cleaning supplies, streamline laundry routines, and organize your space for efficient home maintenance.
**November: Dining Area**
Prepare for holiday gatherings by refreshing your dining area. Assess table linens, serving dishes, and seasonal decor. A simplified dining space fosters enjoyable entertaining.
**December: Quick Wins**
Conclude the year with small decluttering victories. Tackle overlooked areas such as cupboards and corners, focusing on yielding space before new items arrive. This sets the stage for a fresh start in January.
Monetizing Your Decluttered Items
In addition to organizing, decluttering presents an opportunity to turn unused items into cash. Before selling, consider if the items are in demand and in good condition. Platforms like Vinted for clothing, eBay for niche items, and Facebook Marketplace for larger goods offer various avenues for selling.
Whether selling clothes, electronics, or household items, grouping similar products can increase appeal. Selling items in bundles or ensuring they are in pristine condition can attract more buyers.
Reset Your Home, Unpack Your Emotions And Your Clutter, Step By Step, authored by Spellman and Jansen, is available for purchase through Bloomsbury Publishing, priced at £16.99. This book provides additional insights and strategies for maintaining a clutter-free lifestyle.
As individuals embark on their decluttering journeys in 2026, this structured approach offers a realistic pathway to creating not just a tidier home, but also a more organized and peaceful mindset.
