With the New Year just about to start, many of us are working on our New Year’s resolutions. I have a few myself this year and with an impending move, (we are turning our current home into a rental) purging all my unnecessary items is at the top of my list. With each move we make I find it easier and easier to get rid of items as the thought of having to pack everything seems more and more exhausting. (I’m far less sentimental than I use to be-for better or worse.)

Below I have written out some of the most useful tips that have worked for me when trying to get things in order.

1. Declutter

   If you don’t need it, don’t want it, or don’t use it-Get rid of it. That garlic press in the back of our kitchen junk drawer that seemed cute and fun at the time, but has never (not once) been used-it’s gone! The same goes for anything you don’t like. If there is something that you just cringe at every time you see it-throw it out-no need to keep things that bring you no joy.

2. Group By Room

   You would be surprised (or maybe not) about the number of people I know that keep room specific items in garages, basements, or spare rooms. If it’s an item you use in the kitchen-then keep it in the kitchen. If you have blankets for your bed-keep them in the bedroom or an adjacent linen closet. If it’s towels keep them near the bathroom. This will just make your life so much easier and convenient-who doesn’t need that? If you have no space in the perspective rooms then you need to revisit number one and declutter.

3. Avoid Leaving Items Loose

   Try to put items away and create a “place” for each item. If you have a bunch of pens and pencils don’t leave them rolling around in a drawer, get a pencil holder (Get creative and use a vintage glass instead). If you have extra throw blankets in your living room, put them in a basket or displayed on a ladder. Put q-tips and small bathroom items in apothecary jars. By finding somewhere for everything to go you are essentially creating a “home” for it and you (along with your family) with be less likely to just leave it out on countertops.

4. Use Labels

   If you are grouping things in bins, boxes or folders, use labels. It drives me mad when I actually have to dig through a box. I would rather just look at the outside, read what is in it and then decide if I need to open it. I like easy and convenient. Isn’t the whole point of getting organized to make your life less stressful?

As mentioned above I am in full declutter mode and going to have to practice these rules myself. I’ll keep you posted as the move progresses!