This year is quickly coming to a close and there is no better way than to start the new year fresh by getting organized. Create the space that you want to walk into every day and breathe a sigh of relief. Get rid of all of the clutter and excess items that you have accumulated over the last year. Whether it is clothes, paperwork, kitchenware, or stuff piling up in the garage; we are here to share 9 tips for tidying up in the new year and the way it can save you big.

Start with Making a List

The best way to start anything is to make a list, that way you have something to guide you through your journey to getting organized. Think of any space in your house or apartment that has not been thoroughly cleaned out in a while and start writing down those items or rooms that you want to organize. No need to get overwhelmed because we are gonna take this all step by step. Just keep in mind that you’re doing this to start the new year fresh and possibly even save some money and make some money while doing it.

Organization is Key

Think of walking into your pantry and thinking you are out of something again, because everything is just in disarray and you may not have the time to try and actually find what you are looking for. So then, you head to the store and buy more trash bags only to come home and find a full box already there. You must have missed it because your pantry was so unorganized and now you have just spent unnecessary money. This seems to happen to a lot of people when things are unorganized and this is how money is spent when it could be saved and used towards something you are actually out of.

Clear Out What You No Longer Need or Use

If you’re cleaning out the pantry, go through and check all the expiration dates on everything. Trust us, you would be really surprised how many items sit in people’s fridges and pantries that have been expired for years. You will probably get rid of a good amount of items. Next, go through and see if there are items that you have an excess amount of and don’t necessarily need or use. Let’s say, you have 12 cans of soup, maybe make a box to put items you can donate to a local shelter so things are not going to waste.

Check Your Bookshelves

Most people have shelves or boxes full of books sitting around their house and most do not realize that you can actually make a little money off of those used books you have. Try taking them into your local used book store, or if you are looking to maybe get a little more for them, Facebook Marketplace is a great place to post them for sale.

Use Storage Supplies

If you already have them in your garage or elsewhere, make sure they are labeled and you know everything that is actually in them. Go through them and set aside things that you could do without and haven’t used or seen in years and even forgot that you had. These items would be perfect to sell at a garage sale, Offer Up, or Craigslist. That way you’re getting rid of the clutter, consolidating, and making a little money off of the items.

Clear Out Your Closet

We all do it, we all keep clothes thinking oh I don’t want to get rid of it because I could wear it someday to something. The rule of thumb is if you cannot remember the last time you wore it, then you should get rid of it. There are plenty of ways for you to sell your clothing and shoes and even accessories online. Some popular apps are Poshmark, Mercari, eBay or you could even try Facebook Marketplace. You can also look for a local consignment store to take your items to and see if they will take any of your items that would otherwise be gathering dust in your closet.

Set a Time Limit

Make sure you set a time limit for each room you are choosing to tackle. That way you are not getting completely overwhelmed by trying to take on too much at one time. This way you will also not waste away a whole entire day-try starting small with an hour or two per room.

Go Space by Space

It is easy to get overwhelmed quickly when you have a lot to sift through, get rid of, or start organizing, so try taking it space by space. Start in the garage one weekend, then move on to the kitchen and pantry the next, then maybe tackle closets and kid’s rooms the next. This is where that list that we mentioned above comes in handy. If you have furniture stored in your garage that you never use, think about posting it for sale. If you have kids and have an excess amount of clothes or toys they have grown out of, make piles of what they no longer need or use.

Enlist the Help of Family or Friends

A lot of people don’t like to ask for help, but in the case of getting rid of things, whether it is for free or selling them most family and friends would be happy to take these items off your hands.  They also would be an extra set of hands to get the organizing done faster and more efficiently.

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