The 12-Month Declutter Plan That Actually Works
Whether you’re preparing to sell your home or simply craving a calmer, more comfortable space, decluttering is one of the most impactful steps you can take. A tidy home not only looks beautiful, but it also functions better, feels more relaxing, and often saves time, money, and stress.
If you’re looking for a comprehensive guide on decluttering, check out our first blog post on this topic.
If you’re ready to get started, here are two options for monthly decluttering schedules.
Based on room
- January: Nightstand, master bedroom, and bathroom.
- February: Home office, files, and drawers.
- March: Bathroom cabinets and medicine cabinets.
- April: Linens (towels, sheets) and cleaning supplies, in laundry rooms and linen closets.
- May: Kitchen cabinets, pantry, and fridge.
- June: Books, magazines, media, and games in family rooms.
- July: Garage, tools, and garden supplies.
- August: Keepsakes, sentimental items, and photos.
- September: Kids’ toys and clothes, or other family members’ closets.
- October: Hobby supplies and craft areas.
- November: Decorative and seasonal items, as well as extra furniture.
- December: Digital clutter, holiday decorations storage, and packages.
Based on item category
- January: Nightly and morning routines, plus the primary bedroom.
- February: Papers, files, and calendars.
- March: Beauty products, medicine, and bathroom supplies.
- April: Linens and cleaning supplies.
- May: Kitchen electronics, pots, pans, and pantry items.
- June: Books, digital media, and games.
- July: Tools, project materials, and garden supplies.
- August: Sentimental items, photos, and keepsakes.
- September: Kids’ clothes, toys, and school supplies.
- October: Hobby supplies, craft supplies, and gift wrap.
- November: Decorative items, seasonal decor, and furniture.
- December: Holiday-specific items, packages, and digital decluttering.
Tips for success
- Focus on one area at a time: Concentrate on one room or one specific zone for the entire month to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
- Use a timer: Work in focused bursts of 15 minutes at a time to stay motivated.
- Touch each item: When decluttering, physically hold each item and consider if you still want to keep it.
- Create sorting bins: Have a box for items to donate, another for trash, and one for things that belong in another room.
If you’d like personalized guidance on preparing your home for sale, staging tips, or maximizing your property’s value, I’d be happy to help. Just reach out anytime!
Andrea Hurth