Decluttering 101: 10 Steps to a Fresh Start in 2025

Whether you’re planning to move next year or just want that comfy, zen vibe at home, these steps wil give you a Fresh Start in 2025.

1. Ready, Set, Mindset!

Begin by getting your head in the game. Know why you’re doing this. Is it to travel more and clean less, or to create a welcoming space for loved ones? Are you moving into a smaller space? Write down your goals—they’ll guide you on this journey. If you are downsizing, picture your future cozy home and what will fit there; it will make it so much easier to let go of the extra stuff.

Grab a donation box and trash bags to get started. Set up a little area, maybe in a spare room or the garage, where you can temporarily store the donations until you are ready to go to the donation center.

Remember this can take time. You didn’t accumulate all of this stuff in a day, most people have years worth of clutter in their home. Give yourself grace and set aside a little time each day to work on this.

2. Pick Your Starting Spot

For most people decluttering can be very overwhelming. I want this to be a calm and organized process for you. Pick one room at a time to focus on, or even just one drawer or cabinet. If you are easily overwhelmed, set a timer for 15 minutes and work until the timer goes off then stop.

Which room should you declutter first? I suggest starting with the most visible room in your home, like the entryway or the room that you spend the most time in – whichever will give you the most immediate satisfaction to help keep your momentum going.

3. What do you want to Keep?

Instead of deciding what to get rid of, first decide which items you want to keep. If you are decluttering because you are moving, you probably have an idea of what you want in a home as far as number of bedrooms and size of the next home. Consider the lifestyle you want in your home, and choose the items that will support that vision. If it doesn’t fit this vision, it’s time to let it go.

If you have boxes that are still packed from your last move years ago – we already know those can go.

4. Clear the Floors First

When you are working on clearing a room or closet, it will look cleaner and larger with the floor free from clutter. Throw away or recycle the pile of newspapers or magazines in the corner. Clearing the floors and opening up space will quickly give you a feeling of momentum. When the floor is decluttered, work your way up to the surfaces of the tables, fireplace mantles, shelving, etc.

5. Stay Organized While You Declutter

As you are going through an area, use the Dana K White tip: by asking, “Where would I look for this item if I needed it?” and then immediately put it there. This keeps piles from forming during your decluttering sessions.

If an item has no place, or you would not think to look for it at all, donate or trash it.

Putting each item away as you go is the opposite of the Kon Mari method of dumping everything you own into one pile, and allows you to stop the decluttering process at any time without making more of a mess than you started with.

6. Follow the 20/20 Rule of Decluttering

For things you have not used for ages, but you are worried you’ll need later, remember this: if it’s under $20 and can be replaced in 20 minutes, it’s okay to let it go. You can always buy it again on the slim chance you will need it.

7. Rethink the Garage Sale

If time’s on your side, go for a garage sale, but it’s often more work than it’s worth. Consider an estate sale service or use online marketplaces. Local “Buy Nothing” groups are perfect for giving things away for free, you can find them by searching your town and “buy nothing” on Facebook.

Where to Bring Your Unwanted Items in the Twin Cities NW Metro

8. Keep Only Things You Love

Imagine having a home where you always feel calm and happy! This is easier than you think. We all have items in our home that stress us out when we look at them, maybe it’s something that’s always in the way, difficult to clean, or it was given to you as a gift and you just don’t really like it. It’s time to let those things go.

Sentimental items that we have held onto for a long time are usually the most difficult to release. A lot of times we feel obligated to keep something out of guilt or devotion to the person that gave it to us. But guilt is no reason to have something in your home. Use the Kon Mari question of “does this spark joy?” and only keep the things that make you feel happy.

9. Don’t Go At it Alone

It’s easier for someone without emotional attachment to your belongings to be able to work through and give advice on what you should keep and what you should let go of. Ask a friend or family member and be open to listening to feedback. There are also many professional organizers who can be hired to help with decluttering your home and organizing your new home, especially if you are working on a short time line for a move.

10. Let Us Help You!

Need guidance? We have a list of pros to help with decluttering, packing, and more. Reach out to Myra Jensen at BRIX Real Estate to kick off your fresh start!

Ready for your fresh start in 2025? Let’s do this!