There’s something about the new year that makes us crave a fresh start. We set goals to eat healthier, move more, or spend more time with the people we love. But here’s the truth: your home deserves a resolution, too. When our spaces feel lighter and more organized, our days run smoother, and our minds feel clearer.
The idea of decluttering your space may feel daunting, but getting organized doesn’t mean tackling the whole house at once. It means choosing one area, making it manageable, and giving yourself permission to celebrate small wins along the way. If your hope for 2026 is to feel more at peace at home, here are a few spots that make a big difference when they’re tidy and functional.
Key Spaces to Declutter
Entryway / Mudroom
Think about how many times you step through this space in a day. It’s the first impression of your home and also the place where clutter tends to pile up-shoes, coats, bags, mail, you name it. Setting up baskets for shoes, hooks for bags, and a small tray for keys helps everyone get in and out the door with less chaos. A calm entryway has a way of setting the tone for the whole house.
Pantry
The pantry can be sneaky. It hides things we forgot we bought, collects half-empty boxes, and sometimes feels like a black hole. Start by pulling everything out and checking expiration dates. Group similar items together-snacks in one spot, baking supplies in another. Clear bins or baskets work wonders, and you’ll probably find you spend less money at the grocery store because you know what you already have.
Kitchen Drawers
Ah, the “junk drawer.” We all have one. The good news is, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Sort through it, let go of what you don’t use, and give every item a home. Bonus points if you incorporate drawer dividers to make the most of the space and keep things nice and tidy.
Laundry Room
This room works hard but often gets ignored. Toss old cleaning products, corral detergents in bins, and add a hook or two for supplies. Even matching up socks (or letting go of the loners) can bring a little relief. A tidy laundry room makes a never-ending chore feel just a bit lighter.
Bathroom Cabinets
Raise your hand if you’ve ever kept a product you didn’t like, just in case. It’s easy to let your bathrooms fill up with those “maybe” items. Give yourself permission to clear them out and only keep the products you actually use and love. Organizing daily items in a bin or tray will also help you get ready without scrambling in the mornings.
Closets
Closets can be emotional. They hold old versions of us, “someday” clothes, and often more pieces than we need. A simple rule: if you haven’t worn it in the past year, consider donating it. Slim hangers make a big difference, and rotating clothes seasonally keeps what you need front and center. An organized closet is a quiet form of self-care, bringing calm to the start and end of each day.
Home Office or Desk Area
Even if it’s just a corner, this space matters. A cluttered desk makes simple tasks harder. File or recycle old papers, tame cords with clips, and gather pens and supplies in one container. You’ll feel the difference instantly-clarity in your space creates clarity in your mind.
Decluttering isn’t about having a picture-perfect home. It’s about giving yourself a home that works for you-one that feels calmer, lighter, and supportive of the life you want to live. Start small. Choose one space. Celebrate when it’s done.
As you step into 2026, remember: every drawer you sort, every shelf you reset, every item you release is a gift to yourself.
And the best part? You don’t have to do it all at once. Progress-not perfection-is what turns your house into a home that truly supports you in the year ahead.
