The start of the year often inspires many to tackle clutter, with a significant number of individuals setting resolutions to declutter their homes in 2026. Experts Lesley Spellman and Ingrid Jansen, co-founders of The Declutter Hub, have developed a practical 12-month roadmap to help people achieve manageable decluttering goals.
Ingrid Jansen, 52, and Lesley Spellman, 57, emphasize that decluttering does not require a complete overhaul of one’s living space. Instead, they advocate for a structured approach to create a more organized and serene environment. “The biggest mistake we see is trying to do everything at once,” Jansen explains. Their plan encourages breaking down the decluttering process into small, achievable steps that fit seamlessly into everyday life.
January: Kitchen
Kick off the year by focusing on the kitchen, the heart of the home. Begin by checking expiry dates on food items and evaluating kitchen gadgets that have not been used. Organizing cupboards by placing frequently used items at the forefront can streamline daily routines. Jansen and Spellman suggest donating any duplicates and using containers to maintain order. A well-organized kitchen fosters a calm atmosphere, setting a positive tone for the year ahead.
February: Bedroom
As winter continues, the bedroom becomes the next priority. Clear bedside tables, donate unread books, and ensure that clothing is returned to its proper place. It’s essential to keep only items that bring joy and comfort. Reassessing jewelry boxes and sentimental drawers can help prevent clutter accumulation. A tidy bedroom is crucial for ensuring restful sleep and emotional well-being.
March: Hallway
A welcoming hallway enhances the overall mood of the home. Start with shoes and coats, keeping only seasonal items accessible. Recycle junk mail and create designated spaces for everyday essentials such as keys and pet leads. Implementing small organizational tweaks can significantly increase efficiency and prevent clutter from spreading into other areas of the home.
April: Living Room
As the days grow longer, focus on refreshing the living room. Streamline magazines, throws, and tech accessories, questioning whether decorative items enhance the space or merely gather dust. Reducing the number of cushions and blankets to only those in use can create a more inviting and functional environment, making spring cleaning much more manageable.
May: Wardrobes
May presents a perfect opportunity for a wardrobe overhaul. Remove all items, categorize them, and assess what is still suitable for your lifestyle. Let go of outdated or rarely worn clothing. Transition seasonal items, such as winter wear, to another space to create room for spring and summer outfits. An organized wardrobe supports smoother mornings and reduces decision fatigue.
June: Bathroom
With summer approaching, ensure that bathrooms remain fresh and functional. Check all toiletries for expiry dates and consolidate half-used products into single containers. Tackle towels by keeping the best while discarding those that are worn out. A streamlined bathroom setup contributes to a tranquil morning routine.
July: Garden and Shed
Take advantage of warmer weather to tidy outdoor spaces. Organize tools and gardening supplies, discarding broken items and donating duplicates. Creating zones for outdoor toys helps ensure everything has a designated spot. An organized garden and shed enhance enjoyment of summer activities.
August: Children’s Rooms
As the summer holidays wind down, engage children in decluttering their rooms. Sort through clothes and toys, encouraging them to donate items that are no longer of interest. Simple, low-maintenance storage solutions, such as open baskets, can help keep spaces tidy. Allowing children to sell their old items can teach them about money management while making the process enjoyable.
September: Home Office and Paperwork
September brings a renewed sense of purpose, making it an ideal time to address paperwork. Shred unnecessary documents, file essential papers, and digitize where possible. Organizing the home office promotes productivity, helping to keep life administration manageable.
October: Utility and Laundry Spaces
Before the festive season arrives, turn attention to utility and laundry areas. Declutter cleaning supplies and review laundry baskets to streamline processes. A reset in these spaces can significantly improve home maintenance efficiency.
November: Dining Area
Prepare for the festive season by refreshing the dining area. Assess table linens, serving dishes, and seasonal decorations, keeping only those that are regularly used. A simplified dining space enhances the enjoyment of entertaining guests.
December: Quick Wins
As the year draws to a close, focus on quick decluttering tasks in various spaces. Remove expired decorations and items that have not been used recently. By creating a bit of breathing room before new items arrive, you can start January with less to manage.
In addition to organizing spaces, there is an opportunity to monetize unused items. Selling clutter can generate additional income while keeping items out of landfills. Questions to consider include: Is the item in demand? Is it in good condition? Would you be willing to let it go for free if it does not sell?
For those considering selling, platforms such as Vinted and eBay offer user-friendly options for various items, while Facebook Marketplace is ideal for larger items. The guidance provided by Spellman and Jansen underscores that decluttering can lead to both a tidier home and a more organized mind.
The book, Reset Your Home, Unpack Your Emotions And Your Clutter, Step By Step by Lesley Spellman and Ingrid Jansen, published by Bloomsbury, offers additional insights and strategies for anyone looking to embrace a decluttered lifestyle in the coming year.
