5 Must-Do's for Decluttering and Prepping your Home for the New Year
Joshua Allen Design Team
Dec 26, 2025
2 min read
The start of a new year is the perfect time to refresh your living space. Clutter can weigh down your home and mind, making it harder to enjoy your surroundings. Tackling clutter early sets a positive tone for the months ahead. This guide highlights five essential steps to declutter and prepare your home, with a focus on smart storage solutions and keeping shelves neat and attractive.
Create Custom Storage Near Entry Points
The front door area often becomes a clutter hotspot. Shoes, bags, keys, and mail pile up quickly, creating a chaotic first impression. Installing custom storage here can transform this space into an organized zone.
Consider built-in cubbies or lockers for shoes and coats.
Add hooks for bags and hats.
Use a small bench with hidden storage to keep things tidy and provide a place to sit while putting on shoes.
Custom storage near the entryway keeps everyday items accessible but out of sight, reducing clutter that tends to accumulate in this high-traffic area.
Design a Functional Basement Storage System
Basements often become catch-alls for seasonal items, tools, and boxes. Without a clear system, clutter grows fast. Custom storage solutions tailored to your basement’s layout can make a big difference.
Use adjustable shelving units to fit different sized items.
Incorporate clear bins with labels for easy identification.
Add wall-mounted racks for sports equipment or gardening tools.
A well-organized basement storage system frees up floor space and makes it easier to find what you need, turning a cluttered basement into a useful, orderly area.
Declutter and Organize Shelves Thoughtfully
Shelves are more than storage; they can be a design feature. Cluttered shelves look messy and can overwhelm a room. A designer tip is to treat open shelving like a centerpiece.
Group similar items together for visual harmony.
Use baskets or boxes to hide smaller items.
Leave some empty space to avoid overcrowding.
Rotate decorative objects seasonally to keep the look fresh.
Keeping shelves tidy and intentional enhances the room’s style and prevents clutter from building up.
Sort and Purge Regularly
Decluttering is not a one-time task. Regularly sorting through belongings helps prevent clutter from returning.
Set a schedule to review items every few months.
Ask yourself if each item is useful or brings joy.
Donate, recycle, or discard things you no longer need.
This habit keeps your home manageable and ensures your storage solutions don’t get overwhelmed.
Use Vertical Space Wisely
Maximizing vertical space is key to reducing clutter without sacrificing floor area.
Install tall shelving units or cabinets.
Use wall hooks or pegboards in utility areas.
Hang organizers inside closet doors.
Vertical storage options help keep items off surfaces and floors, making your home feel more spacious and orderly.
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