Simplifying Your Space. New Year Decluttering Tips for Kettering

A new year brings the perfect opportunity to declutter your home and enjoy a fresh, organised start. Whether you're battling post-Christmas clutter or simply need a clear-out, these five practical tips will help you make the most of your space.

1. Room-by-Room Focus

Instead of facing the chaos of your whole home at once, tackle one room at a time. Start with areas where you spend the most time, such as the living room or kitchen, then move on from there. Setting a timer for each room helps you stay on track without feeling overwhelmed.

Pro Tip: If you’re running out of space to store things, a self-storage unit in Kettering could be just what you need to keep seasonal items or less-used possessions organised and out of sight.

2. Make Sorting a Priority

As you go through your belongings, think about what you really need. Sort your items into four categories—keep, donate, recycle, and bin. The process might seem daunting at first, but the sense of relief when you’re done is worth it!

Pro Tip: Selling sites such as eBay, Vinted or even Facebook Marketplace can be a great way of turning good quality unwanted items into cash. 

3. Seasonal Decor: Pack it Away

Post-Christmas clutter can easily build up with decorations and winter knick-knacks. Take the time to properly pack them away, and consider donating or recycling anything that no longer fits your style or needs.

Pro Tip: Self-storage can be a helpful solution for storing decorations in a safe, organised way. Choose a local unit with easy access for when the next Christmas period rolls around.

4. Tame the Paper Pile

With the busy season behind you, paperwork can accumulate quickly. Go through your papers, discard old receipts, and organise important documents. Keep only what’s necessary, and think about digitising where possible.

Pro Tip: For documents that contain your personal information that you would like to throw in the bin, consider shredding first. Depending on your local area, you may be able to put shredded papers into your recycling bin. If you don’t have a shredder at home, consider using a commercial shredding service. We have branches of Simply Shredding in our facilities at Kettering, Grantham, and St Neots for your convenience. 

Find out more about recycling at home in Kettering

5. Create a Daily Decluttering Habit

Once you’ve decluttered, make it a habit to keep your home tidy by dedicating a few minutes each day to tidying up. Small efforts, like putting things back in their place, can prevent clutter from piling up again.

Pro Tip: For larger items or things you don’t need every day, consider using self-storage to free up space while keeping your home organised.