As the new year draws near, many of us think about our goals and the changes we want to make. Homeowners often choose to get organized and declutter to begin the new year fresh. 

This guide offers essential advice to tackle clutter and create functional spaces in your home before the holidays, focusing on setting you up for a smooth start to the new year. 

• Look Over and Map Out Your Space
  Begin by walking through your home and making note of areas that seem cluttered or messy. Closets, entryways, pantries, and storage rooms often cause trouble. Spotting where you need to organize most will give you a better idea of which areas need more work and which might just need a quick tidy-up. Next, come up with a practical schedule. Split your cleaning tasks by room or type to make the job easier to handle. For instance, spend one weekend in the kitchen, another in closets, and so on. Make sure to leave some extra time for surprises, as some areas might take longer than you expect.
  
  
• Define Clear Aims for Each Space
  Once you have a plan, set specific aims for each room. Cleaning up can seem overwhelming, so keep it basic. Decide what you want to achieve in each area, whether it's to make more storage, improve organization, or just cut down on the number of things in the space. A handy trick to declutter is the "three-box method": one box for stuff you want to keep, one for things to give away or sell, and one for junk to toss out. As you tackle each room, sort your belongings into these three groups. If you're on the fence about some items, think about putting them in a "maybe" box and coming back to them after you've cleaned up the main parts of your house.
  
  
• Start with the Most Cluttered Areas
  When organizing, tackle the messiest spots first. These spots are places we use every day, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and entryways. Starting here helps you see quick results, which can boost your motivation as you clean other parts of your home. In the kitchen, get rid of old food and tidy up messy cabinets. Think about getting drawer organizers and see-through containers to make pantry items easy to find. For bathrooms, throw out old products and use small baskets or bins to keep toiletries tidy. Entryways work well with hooks, baskets, or shoe racks to keep daily items in order.
  
  
• Maximize Closet Space
  Closets tend to get messy, especially when cold weather hits and bulky winter clothes eat up more space. To make the most of your closet, pack away items you don't need right now in boxes or vacuum bags. This frees up room for stuff you use every day. Another good idea is to group things by type or color, which helps you find what you're looking for. Think about adding shelves, hooks, or small containers to keep accessories, shoes, or bags in order.
  
  
• Set Up Practical Storage Systems
  Getting rid of clutter is just the start; putting your things away in a way that makes sense is just as crucial. Use baskets, drawer separators, and stackable boxes to keep items tidy and easy to reach. Putting labels on containers can help keep things organized long-term for stuff you use a lot. In garages and storage rooms, put up wall-mounted racks, hooks, or shelves to keep tools, seasonal decor, and other items off the floor. Storage bins with labels can also stop clutter from piling up in these spaces.
  
  
• Get the Family Involved
  Decluttering isn't just for one person! Ask family members to help with their own rooms. Turn it into a fun family project by setting goals and giving rewards for each room you finish. When everyone chips in, you'll not only get done quicker but also stress how important it is to keep spaces tidy all year round.
  
  
• Give Away and Throw Out
  As you finish tidying up, get rid of things you don't want to keep in a responsible way. Give used items to local charities or groups that need them during the holidays. For electronics or dangerous stuff, find special drop-off spots to make sure they're thrown away. Selling valuable items online can also help cover some holiday costs while making your space less cluttered.

A tidy, clean home brings joy to its residents and can catch the eye of potential buyers if you're looking to sell. If you want to see what's on the market or are thinking about selling, contact us to talk through your choices with our real estate agents, who can give you advice that fits your situation.

As you get ready for the new year, take this chance to set up a home that works well and feels fresh. Cleaning up and putting things in order will let you enjoy your space more and get set for whatever comes next. This could mean a new beginning in your current home or checking out Crookston homes for sale. The new year is coming – make sure you're all set to welcome it with a tidy, well-organized space.