How to declutter your home and office for the New Year

28/12/24

The start of a new year is the perfect time to refresh your surroundings, whether at home or in the office. Decluttering can help create a sense of calm, boost productivity, and make your space feel organised and efficient. Ready to get started? Here’s your guide on how to declutter your home and office to ensure you kick off the year in style.

Decluttering your home

Your home is your sanctuary, and starting the year with a clean, organised space can have a positive impact on your mindset. Here’s our top tips on how to declutter your home:

1.Set a date

Choose a specific day and dedicate it to decluttering. Treat it like a must attend appointment, if you have dedicated a piece of your time, and stick to it, you are more likely to get the job at hand done rather than putting it off.

2.Start small

The key to understanding how to declutter your home is by not overwhelming yourself with the hardest or biggest task first. Begin with a drawer, a shelf, or a single room. Empty it, evaluate each item, and decide what stays and what goes.

3.Donate, sell or recycle unwanted items

Let go of things you no longer use or love. Donate usable items to charity, sell them online to give them a second life, or hire a Tom White skip to help you recycle your prohibited and unwanted items.

4.Deep clean as you declutter

Once an area is cleared, clean it thoroughly before putting anything back in place. This will be very satisfying to most and ensure the cleaning doesn’t all get left until the after the decluttering. 

5.Create a home for everything

Another tip we have when it comes to knowing how to declutter your home is to give every item a designated spot. This habit makes tidying up faster and easier.

6.Use smart storage solutions

Invest in under-bed boxes, stackable bins, or multi-functional furniture for items you use infrequently.

7.Assess unwanted gifts

Got Christmas or birthday gifts that don’t suit you? Re-gift, recycle, donate, or sell them rather than letting them gather dust.

Decluttering your office

A tidy office promotes focus, reduces stress, and makes it easier to find what you need. Here are some quick wins for a productive workspace:

1.Organise files and folders

Categorise both physical and digital files. Use clear folder names and logical structures to save time when searching for documents.

2.Clear desk clutter

Remove everything from your desk, clean the surface, and only replace essentials like your computer, notepad, and pens.

3.Get rid of old documents

Shred or recycle outdated paperwork. For important files, scan and store them digitally to reduce clutter.

4.Tidy your digital workspace

Delete old emails, uninstall unused programs, and organise files into folders. A decluttered desktop can work wonders for focus.

5.Optimise storage

Use drawer organisers, filing cabinets, or storage boxes for supplies you don’t use daily.

6.Declutter communal areas

If you share an office, ensure spaces like kitchenettes and meeting rooms are tidy. If your communal areas have a lot of items you want to dispose of, why not hire a Tom White skip to help clear your clutter, it’s an affordable and environmental option, which will create a more pleasant work environment for everyone.

Decluttering FAQs

What is the 20/20 rule?
If an item can be replaced for under £20 and in less than 20 minutes, consider letting it go.

How to declutter when overwhelmed?
Break the process into smaller tasks. Focus on one area at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

How does decluttering improve mental health?
It reduces stress, creates a sense of control, and fosters a calming environment.

How often should you declutter?
A light declutter every three months can help maintain a clutter-free space.

How can Tom White help with my declutter? 

Tom White offers skip hire services tailored to your decluttering needs, whether you're tackling your home or office. Our skips provide a convenient and cost effective way to dispose of unwanted items, from old furniture to excess paperwork. We focus on sustainability, recycling as much waste as possible to minimise environmental impact. Whether you’re clearing out a single room or an entire office, we can make the process stress-free and eco-friendly. Find out more about our commercial and domestic skip hire.

Decluttering made easy with Tom White

Decluttering is more than just tidying up, it’s about reclaiming your space and setting the tone for a productive and stress-free year ahead. With small, manageable steps, you can transform your home into a sanctuary and your office into a hub of efficiency.

When it’s time to part with items that no longer serve you, let Tom White take care of the heavy lifting. From skip hire to expert recycling solutions, we’re here to help you declutter responsibly and efficiently.

Contact us today and let us help you kickstart your decluttering journey. 

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