Decluttering Before the New Year: 5 Areas to Tackle in December

The holidays are in full swing—cookies are baking, lights are twinkling, and gift lists are growing. Amid all the cheer, your home can start to feel… crowded. Maybe your kitchen counters are piled with wrapping supplies, your closets are overflowing, or your decorations from last year are still sitting in bins waiting to be unpacked.

I’ve worked with countless clients who feel stuck under piles of papers, bins of decorations, or just “too much stuff.” I get it—I’ve been there myself. But with a few intentional steps, decluttering before the New Year can feel manageable, even in the busiest month of the year.

Here are 5 areas to focus on this December:

Decluttering Before the New Year: Your Holiday Decorations

Holiday decorations are magical, but they also come with a lot of “stuff.” Between last year’s ornaments, tangled lights, and new décor purchases, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

Tips to stay organized:

• Sort before storing: Discard broken ornaments and group similar decorations together.

• Label bins clearly: Use color, theme, or holiday type for quick access.

• Plan for next year: Store new purchases separately so they don’t get lost in the holiday frenzy.

Pro tip: Even if your decorations are already out, take a few minutes to organize as you go. A little prep now saves big stress when it’s time to take everything down.

Decluttering Before the New Year: Kitchen & Pantry

The holidays bring extra treats, snacks, and festive ingredients—and that can easily overwhelm your pantry.

Tips for a clutter-free kitchen:

• Check expiration dates and donate items you won’t use.

• Use clear containers and labels to keep everything visible.

• Create “holiday zones” for seasonal items—easy access without crowding your everyday essentials.

A tidy pantry makes cooking and entertaining easier—and helps you actually enjoy the holidays without digging for ingredients.

Decluttering Before the New Year: Closets & Wardrobe

December is the perfect time to review what you truly wear. Winter layers often hide items you haven’t touched in years.

Tips for wardrobe decluttering:

• Try the one-year rule: If you haven’t worn it in the past year, consider donating.

• Organize by category: pants, tops, jackets, accessories.

• Create a seasonal rotation: keep current-season clothes handy and store off-season items elsewhere.

A refreshed closet not only reduces stress but also makes getting dressed in the morning feel effortless.

Decluttering Before the New Year: Paperwork & Sentimental Items

Receipts, cards, school papers, and holiday cards can pile up fast. Without a system, it’s easy to feel buried in clutter.

Tips for handling paper clutter:

• Create a keep, shred, donate system.

• Scan or photograph sentimental papers to preserve memories without the bulk.

• Use a simple filing system for essential documents—binders, folders, or digital apps all work.

Organizing paperwork now means less frantic searching later, giving you mental clarity heading into the New Year.

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Decluttering Before the New Year: Digital Clutter

We often forget that clutter isn’t just physical. Emails, photos, and files accumulate, weighing on your mental space.

Tips for digital decluttering:

• Delete or archive old emails.

• Organize photos into albums and delete duplicates.

• Clean up your desktop or cloud storage for a fresh start in the New Year.

Digital organization isn’t just about technology—it helps clear mental space and reduces stress.

Wrapping Up

December doesn’t have to be chaotic. By tackling these five areas, you create a calmer environment and start the New Year with clarity and control—decluttering before the New Year has never been easier. Remember: it’s not about perfection—it’s about progress. Small, intentional steps now can make a huge difference later.

Need a little extra help? If you want guidance creating a personalized decluttering plan for your home—whether it’s holiday decorations, your pantry, or any other space—contact me! I’d love to chat and help you start the New Year feeling organized and refreshed.

With ease & order,

Robin

Founder of The Organized Path

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