There’s something about January that makes everything feel louder. The holidays are packed away, routines are coming back, and suddenly all the extra stuff that didn’t bother you in December is impossible to ignore.
If decluttering has been on your mind — whether you’re thinking about selling this year or just wanting your home to feel better — this is actually a great time to start. And don’t worry, this isn’t about emptying your house or aiming for magazine-perfect. It’s about small, realistic changes that make a real difference.
Decluttering helps in two big ways: it makes your home easier to live in now, and it quietly boosts its appeal if and when you decide to sell.
Why Decluttering Helps (Even If You’re Not Moving Yet)
If decluttering has crossed your mind — whether you’re planning a move this year or simply craving a calmer home — this is one of the best times to start. And the goal here isn’t perfection or a complete overhaul. It’s about making small, manageable changes that help your home feel better now and set you up for success later.
Decluttering isn’t just about looks. It affects how your home feels to live in and how it shows to potential buyers down the road.
Entryway
This is the first impression of your home, for both guests and buyers. Clearing out excess shoes, coats, and bags instantly makes the space feel more open and welcoming.
For everyday living, this is also a great place to be honest about what you actually use. Donate shoes that no longer fit, are out of style, or never get worn, and pare coats down to what’s seasonally relevant. Fewer items here makes mornings easier and the whole home feel more organized.
Kitchen
Kitchens are one of the most important rooms when it comes to resale, but they’re also one of the easiest to refresh for day-to-day life.
Clear countertops as much as possible to create a more open feel
Tuck away small appliances you don’t use every day
If you’re not selling, this is a great time to let go of duplicate gadgets, chipped mugs, and items you always have to move just to cook. A clearer kitchen simply works better.
Living Room
This space works the hardest and tends to collect clutter, especially in busy households.
Pre-pack non-essential decor and toys
Keep coffee tables and side tables mostly clear
Arrange furniture to create clear walking paths and cozy conversation areas
For everyday living, focus on keeping only what you actually use in this room. Rotating toys, books, or decor instead of keeping everything out at once can make the space feel calmer without sacrificing personality.
Bedrooms
Bedrooms should feel restful and uncluttered — a place where you can actually unwind.
Clear nightstands and dressers of excess items
Store out-of-season clothing elsewhere
Remove extra furniture if the room feels crowded
This is also the perfect opportunity to declutter clothing and shoes. Let go of pieces that no longer fit, feel dated, or haven’t been worn in years. If it doesn’t make you feel good putting it on, it probably doesn’t need to stay.
Bathrooms
Bathrooms are quick wins that make a big impact.
Clear countertops completely
Reduce the number of products in showers and tubs
Stick to simple, neutral items
For non-sellers, this often means tossing expired products, half-used items you don’t love, and backups you forgot you had. Less clutter here makes daily routines feel smoother and more spa-like.
Closets & Storage Areas
These don’t need to be perfect — just functional and easy to use.
Remove obvious overflow
Group similar items together
Create some visual breathing room
Whether you’re selling or staying, aim for storage that actually works for you. If something’s been shoved into a corner “just in case” for years, this might be the moment to let it go.
What’s Actually Worth Decluttering (and What You Can Let Go Of)
This is where people often feel stuck or overdo it. Focus on the things that truly affect how your home feels and shows.
Worth tackling now:
Excess or bulky furniture
Piles of paper, mail, and miscellaneous clutter
Overcrowded surfaces
Kids’ artwork covering walls and surfaces
Anything blocking light or walkways
What buyers don’t mind:
A few family photos
Tidy bookshelves that still feel lived-in
Practical storage bins
Signs of everyday life, as long as things feel organized
Your home doesn’t need to look empty — it just needs to feel cared for and easy to move through.
The Bigger Picture
Decluttering isn’t about stripping away personality or aiming for perfection. It’s about creating a home that feels lighter, calmer, and more functional not just for you now, but also for potential buyers later.
Whether you’re thinking about selling soon, planning ahead, or simply wanting a fresh start after the holidays, a January reset is always time well spent. And if you’d ever like help figuring out what will make the biggest difference in your home specifically, I’m always happy to chat.
Here’s to a fresh start and a home that feels just a little easier to live in.