Please note - we use affiliate links on this site. This means we might earn a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you click on a link and make a purchase. For more information, please refer to our disclosure policy.
Can you believe it? We’re already 75 days away from the New Year! Time really does fly when you’re focused on transforming your mindset, setting SMART goals, and making things happen. Remember how we started this journey with powerful growth mindset activities designed to help you reframe challenges and embrace possibilities? Then, at the 90-day milestone, we took that momentum and channeled it into setting SMART goals that are clear, actionable, and aligned with your vision for the New Year.
Now, with just 75 days to go, it’s time to tackle a crucial next step: clearing the path to success. Think of this as rolling out the red carpet for all the incredible achievements that lie ahead. But before those successes can take center stage, we need to sweep away the clutter—both physical and mental—that’s blocking your way.
This phase is all about shedding the excess—whether it’s the physical stuff piling up around you, the tasks cluttering your to-do list, or the mental noise that’s keeping you from focusing on what really matters. Don’t worry if you’re new to decluttering; we’ve got plenty of decluttering tips for beginners that will make the process easy and, dare I say, even fun. After all, there’s nothing like the feeling of a fresh, clean space and a clear, focused mind to keep your momentum strong.
So, grab your metaphorical broom, because we’re about to sweep away the old and make room for the new. The best part? You’ll be amazed at how light and energized you feel once you’ve cleared the way for all the good things coming your way. We’ve laid the foundation with a growth mindset, set our SMART goals, and now, we’re ensuring that nothing stands in the way of making them a reality.
Let’s get started—75 days and counting to the best year ever!
Related Post: “How to Set SMART Goals: Your 90-Day Plan for New Year Success“
Table of Contents
5 Practical Decluttering Tips for Beginners: Start Clearing the Chaos
So, you’ve decided it’s time to declutter, but where do you start? The thought of tackling all that clutter can be overwhelming, especially if you’ve been avoiding it for a while (no judgment here—we’ve all been there!). The good news is, that decluttering doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With a few simple strategies, you can start clearing the chaos and make room for the life you really want.
Here are some decluttering tips for beginners to help you get started, one small step at a time:
1. Start Small and Celebrate the Wins
The key to successful decluttering is to start small. Don’t try to tackle the entire house in one day—that’s a surefire way to burn out before you even begin. Instead, pick one small area, like a single drawer, your nightstand, or that mysterious junk drawer everyone seems to have.
Why It Helps: Starting small makes the task manageable and gives you a quick win to celebrate. Plus, once you see how good it feels to clear just one area, you’ll be motivated to keep going.
Tip: Think of it as a warm-up before the big game. You wouldn’t run a marathon without stretching first, right? Well, let’s stretch out that decluttering muscle with a single drawer before we sprint to the closet!
2. The One-Year Rule: If You Haven’t Used It, Lose It
A classic decluttering rule—if you haven’t used an item in the past year, it’s probably time to let it go. This applies to clothes, kitchen gadgets, and that pile of mystery cables you’ve been saving “just in case.”
Why It Helps: The one-year rule is a simple way to make decisions without overthinking. If it hasn’t seen the light of day in a year, chances are you won’t miss it.
Tip: That sweater you haven’t worn since last winter? It’s probably not going to make a comeback this year. Let’s face it—if it was that important, it wouldn’t have been hiding in the back of the closet like a long-lost relative!
3. Use the Four-Box Method: Keep, Donate, Trash, or Relocate
Grab four boxes or bags and label them: Keep, Donate, Trash, and Relocate. As you go through your items, sort them into these categories. This method keeps you organized and helps you make decisions quickly.
Why It Helps: This method forces you to make decisions about each item you touch, keeping you from just shuffling things around (we’ve all done it). It also helps you see just how much you’re holding onto that you don’t really need.
Tip: Think of it like speed dating for your stuff—each item gets a quick decision. Keep? Donate? Trash? Relocate? No time for dilly-dallying!
4. Tackle One Category at a Time
Instead of trying to declutter room by room, consider decluttering by category. For example, start with all your books, then move on to clothes, then kitchen gadgets, and so on.
Why It Helps: This approach can be less overwhelming and helps you see exactly how much you have in each category. It’s easier to make decisions when you can see all your similar items together.
Tip: When you see all your books in one pile, you might realize you own more cookbooks than recipes you’ve actually tried. But hey, at least you’ll be well-read… in theory!
5. Don’t Be Afraid to Let Go
Sometimes, the hardest part of decluttering is letting go of items that have sentimental value or that you think you might need someday. But remember, holding onto everything “just in case” is what got you into this cluttered mess in the first place.
Why It Helps: Letting go of items that no longer serve you creates space for new opportunities, both physically and mentally. It’s about making room for the life you want, not the life you had.
Tip: If you’re holding onto those jeans from high school because you “might fit into them again someday,” it might be time to let go. Besides, you’re not the same person you were in high school, and that’s a good thing!
Pick one of these tips and get started today. Remember, decluttering isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. So take it one step at a time, have a little fun with it, and enjoy the freedom that comes with clearing your path to the New Year!
Grab this printable Decluttering Made Easy Workbook and simplify your home with room-by-room checklists, decluttering trackers, and mindful prompts to help you stay organized and stress-free. It’s your go-to guide for creating a clutter-free, peaceful space!
Simplify Your Life: Because Who Needs the Extra Baggage?
We all know life can get a bit overwhelming. Between work, family, social commitments, and the ever-growing to-do list, it sometimes feels like we’re juggling flaming torches while riding a unicycle. But what if I told you there’s a way to simplify your life that doesn’t involve running away to live in a yurt in the middle of nowhere? Yep, it’s possible—and it’s actually a lot easier than you might think.
Here’s how you can start simplifying your life today, shedding that extra baggage, and making room for what truly matters:
1. Prioritize Like a Pro
Let’s face it—some things just don’t need to be on your to-do list. Simplifying your life starts with figuring out what’s really important and what’s just busy work. Do you really need to alphabetize your spice rack? Probably not. But taking time to meal prep for the week? That might be a keeper.
Why It Helps: By focusing on what truly matters, you free up mental space and energy. It’s about doing less but achieving more by being intentional with your time.
Tip: Remember, your time is precious, so treat it like gold. Not everything is worth its weight in “mental gold”—so drop those tasks that are just fool’s gold in disguise.
2. Learn to Say “No” (Without Feeling Guilty)
Saying “no” can feel like the hardest word in the dictionary, but it’s one of the most powerful tools for simplifying your life. The more you say “no” to things that don’t align with your goals, the more you can say “yes” to the things that do.
Why It Helps: Every “yes” you give to something unnecessary is a “no” to something that really matters. Start protecting your time and energy by being more selective with your commitments.
Tip: The next time you feel pressured to say “yes,” just remember: you’re not the human equivalent of a multi-tasking superhero. So, hang up your cape and politely say, “No, thank you. I’m busy not overloading myself.”
3. Declutter Your Schedule
Just like you’ve decluttered your space, it’s time to declutter your schedule. Take a look at your calendar—are there activities that drain your energy without adding value? Start clearing out the non-essentials to create more breathing room.
Why It Helps: A simplified schedule means more time for what truly brings you joy and fulfillment. It’s not about doing more; it’s about doing what matters.
Tip: If your calendar looks like a game of Tetris gone wrong, it’s time to simplify. Remember, even Tetris clears lines to keep going!
4. Automate the Mundane
Automation isn’t just for robots. Simplify your life by automating repetitive tasks. Whether it’s setting up automatic bill payments, using a grocery delivery service, or creating a morning routine that runs like clockwork, automation can free up your time and mental space.
Why It Helps: By automating the small stuff, you reduce decision fatigue and create more space for creative thinking and big-picture planning.
Tip: Think of automation as your very own “personal assistant”—minus the coffee runs. Let technology do the heavy lifting so you can focus on the fun stuff.
5. Embrace Minimalism (But Make It Fun)
Simplifying your life often means embracing a bit of minimalism. This doesn’t mean living with one spoon and a mattress on the floor—it’s about focusing on quality over quantity. Do you really need 15 pairs of black shoes? (Spoiler: probably not.)
Why It Helps: Minimalism reduces the mental load of managing too many things. It’s about curating your life so that you’re surrounded by only what truly brings you joy or serves a purpose.
Tip: When in doubt, just ask yourself: “Would Marie Kondo shake her head at this?” If the answer is yes, it’s probably time to let it go.
Start with one of these tips today and notice how even a small change can make a big difference in your day-to-day life. Simplifying isn’t about stripping everything away—it’s about focusing on what matters most and letting go of the rest. So go ahead, declutter your life, say “no” with confidence, and make space for the things that truly light you up!
Challenge yourself with the 30-Day Simplifying Your Life Flash Cards! Each day offers a practical tip or task to help you declutter and organize, complete with a tracker to keep you motivated along the way.
Journaling Prompts to Declutter and Simplify Your Life
If you’ve been following along with our decluttering tips and strategies, you might still be wondering how to tailor these ideas specifically to your life. This is where journaling comes in. By reflecting on your experiences, habits, and spaces through journaling, you can gain clarity on what needs to be decluttered and how to simplify effectively. These prompts will guide you through that process, helping you to identify what’s truly important and let go of the rest.
Journaling Prompts for Decluttering Your Space:
1. What areas of my home feel the most cluttered or overwhelming? Why?
Reflect on the spaces in your home that cause you stress or that you avoid. This will help you prioritize where to start your decluttering journey.
2.Which items do I use regularly, and which ones are just taking up space?
List items that you find yourself using daily or weekly versus those that are gathering dust. This can help you decide what to keep and what to let go.
3. How does a cluttered space affect my mood and productivity?
Explore how your environment influences your mental state. Understanding this connection can motivate you to clear out the clutter.
4. What sentimental items am I holding onto, and why?
Reflect on the emotional attachment to certain items and consider whether they’re truly enhancing your life or just adding to the clutter.
Journaling Prompts for Simplifying Your Life:
1. What are the top three priorities in my life right now?
Identify your main priorities to help you focus your time and energy on what really matters.
2. What activities or commitments can I let go of to create more space in my life?
Consider your daily and weekly routines. Are there any obligations that no longer serve you or align with your goals?
3. How can I streamline my daily routine to make it more efficient and less stressful?
Write down your current routine and look for areas where you can simplify or automate tasks.
4. What is one small change I can make today to start simplifying my life?
Focus on immediate, actionable steps that you can take to begin the simplification process.
Grab this printable Decluttering Made Easy Workbook and simplify your home with room-by-room checklists, decluttering trackers, and mindful prompts to help you stay organized and stress-free. It’s your go-to guide for creating a clutter-free, peaceful space!
Enhancing Mental Clarity: Declutter Your Mind, Declutter Your Life
Alright, we’ve tackled the physical clutter and simplified your schedule, but what about the mental clutter? You know, those nagging thoughts, endless to-do lists running through your brain at 2 AM, and that constant feeling that you’ve forgotten something (even though you can’t remember what it is). It’s time to apply some decluttering tips for beginners to your mind and create some much-needed mental clarity.
Here’s how to clear out the mental cobwebs and get your brain back on track:
1. Brain Dump: The Mental Declutter for Beginners
A brain dump is exactly what it sounds like—getting everything that’s swirling around in your head out onto paper (or a digital note, if you’re fancy like that). This includes tasks, ideas, worries, and random thoughts about whether penguins have knees (yes, they do, by the way).
Why It Helps: By writing everything down, you free up mental space and reduce that overwhelming feeling of having too much on your mind. It’s like Marie Kondo-ing your brain—only keep the thoughts that spark joy (or at least productivity).
Tip: Think of it as taking out the mental trash. You wouldn’t let your garbage pile up in the kitchen, so why let it accumulate in your brain? Time to take it to the curb!
2. Prioritize Like a Boss
Not all thoughts or tasks are created equal. Once you’ve done your brain dump, it’s time to prioritize. Decide what actually needs your attention right now, what can wait, and what can be tossed into the “meh, maybe later” pile.
Why It Helps: Prioritizing helps you focus on what’s most important and stops your brain from spinning its wheels on things that don’t matter. It’s about giving your mental energy to the things that truly deserve it.
Tip: Treat your to-do list like a nightclub—only let the VIPs in. If it’s not essential, it’s not getting past the bouncer (that’s you, by the way).
3. Mindfulness: Because Your Brain Deserves a Break
Mindfulness is all about being present in the moment. It’s taking a few minutes to breathe deeply, focus on your senses, and let go of that mental chatter. Think of it as a mini-vacation for your mind, no travel required.
Why It Helps: Practicing mindfulness reduces stress, enhances focus, and gives your brain the break it needs to stay sharp. It’s the ultimate mental decluttering technique—no dustpan required.
Tip: Mindfulness isn’t just for monks sitting on mountaintops. Even if your “zen” is sitting on the couch with a cup of coffee, take a few moments to breathe and just be. Your brain will thank you for the mini spa day.
Check out our Meditation and Mindfulness section to learn more.
4. Limit Your Inputs: Control the Flow of Information
In today’s world, we’re constantly bombarded with information—emails, social media updates, news alerts, and that random text from your aunt about her cat’s latest antics. Simplifying your mental inputs means being selective about what you let into your brain.
Why It Helps: By reducing the amount of information you consume, you can focus more on what really matters. Less noise means more clarity and less mental clutter.
Tip: Think of your brain as a luxury apartment—only the best information gets past the doorman. Everything else? Straight to the spam folder.
5. Practice Saying “No” to Your Own Thoughts
Just like you’ve learned to say “no” to others to simplify your life, it’s time to start saying “no” to yourself. Not every thought deserves your attention. Learn to recognize when you’re overthinking or obsessing over something minor, and give yourself permission to let it go.
Why It Helps: Letting go of unhelpful thoughts reduces mental clutter and helps you focus on what truly matters. It’s about choosing where to direct your mental energy.
Tip: Imagine your brain is a nightclub (again), but this time you’re dealing with pesky thoughts that keep trying to sneak in without paying cover. If they’re not bringing anything valuable to the table, it’s time to bounce them out!
Choose one of these mental decluttering tips for beginners and give it a try today. Whether it’s a brain dump or practicing mindfulness, taking even a small step can make a big difference in how clear and focused you feel. After all, a clear mind is a happy mind—and who doesn’t want that?
Get the ultimate toolkit for a clutter-free, organized life with the Simplifying Your Life Printable Bundle! It includes the Decluttering Made Easy Workbook and the 30-Day Simplifying Your Life Flash Cards—everything you need to transform your space and mindset.
Looking Ahead: Get Ready to Declutter and Simplify Even More!
Congratulations on making it through this milestone in our 100-day journey to the New Year! You’ve done some serious work by tackling physical clutter, simplifying your life, and enhancing your mental clarity. You’ve even taken the time to reflect on our journaling prompts, which means you’re already making space for the new opportunities and growth that the New Year will bring. Give yourself a pat on the back—you deserve it!
But guess what? We’re just getting started! Our next milestone—60 Days to New Year—is right around the corner, and it’s going to be all about resetting your health and wellness. After all, clear space and mind are the perfect foundations for a healthy, vibrant body.
Here’s what you can look forward to in the upcoming milestone:
Simple Health Resets: We’ll dive into easy, actionable tips to help you reset your health, from nutrition tweaks to simple fitness routines.
Self-Care Strategies: Learn how to prioritize self-care without feeling guilty or overwhelmed. It’s about making sure you’re feeling your best as you approach the New Year.
Mind-Body Connection: We’ll explore ways to strengthen the connection between your mind and body, so you can approach your goals with energy and focus.
This next milestone is going to be a game-changer, helping you feel revitalized and ready to tackle the New Year with everything you’ve got. So, keep up the great work, stay excited, and get ready to dive into the next phase of our journey together!
Until we reach the 60-day mark, keep practicing your decluttering and simplification strategies. Use those journaling prompts to reflect on what you’ve accomplished so far and start thinking about how you can apply the same principles to your health and wellness. The New Year is getting closer, and with each step, you’re setting yourself up for a truly amazing start!
Take the Challenge!
Introducing the Simplifying Your Life Printable Bundle! If you’re ready to declutter your space and streamline your daily routines, this printable bundle is your go-to toolkit. It includes two powerful resources to help you stay organized, reduce clutter, and maintain a more peaceful, simplified environment.
What’s Included:
- Decluttering Made Easy Workbook: This comprehensive workbook is designed to make decluttering your space simple and enjoyable. It features:
- Room-by-room checklists to guide your decluttering journey.
- The 4-box method to organize items for donation, sale, recycling, or disposal.
- A tracker for each room to help you monitor progress.
- Prompts for mindful reflection on your decluttering efforts.
- Maintenance checklists for daily, weekly, and seasonal cleaning routines.
- Spaces for adding to-do lists, progress photos, and celebrations of your achievements.
- Simplifying Your Life Flash Cards: These practical flash cards offer bite-sized tips and tricks for simplifying various aspects of your life. From minimizing clutter to developing healthier habits, these cards are your on-the-go reminders to stay intentional in your journey toward a simpler, more fulfilling lifestyle.
Grab this bundle today and start your transformation toward a clutter-free, more organized life!
Leave a Reply