The new year can bring new beginnings. Unfortunately, without the proper planning, you will feel like you are already behind on day one. If you truly want to start the new year off on the right foot, you’ll need to do some prep work before the day arrives. Getting your home and your mind ready for your New Year’s goals can require letting some things go. Here are some items in your home that you can easily get rid of for the new year to bring more organization to your home and mind.
In Your Living Spaces:
Outdated Books
Book lovers may want to keep their favorite tomes, but even they can agree that a dated atlas or textbook doesn’t serve the reader well.
Broken Trinkets
That glass item you had on display broke months ago, and you’ve still been meaning to fix it. If you won’t repair it or take it to be repaired right now, it’s time to let it go.
Inherited Memorabilia
Your great aunt’s favorite collection may have made its way onto your shelf, but do you enjoy the real estate it takes up? If not, pass it along to another person who will. Keep one or two favorites and donate the rest to family or a charity.
In the Kitchen:
Expired Spices
Spices lose their pizzazz over time. Keep your food tasting its best by discarding anything too old.
Chipped Dishes
Chipped or cracked dishes are liable to break unexpectedly when heated or cooled. Discard them to ensure that you don’t have a mess on your hands in the future.
Specialty Cooking Tools
Holiday cooking items and one-off cooking tools can take up a lot of usable space in your kitchen. Be honest about what you have the space, time and skillset to cook or bake in your current space.
In Kids’ Rooms or Play Spaces:
Incomplete Games or Puzzles
No one wants to spend time on a puzzle only to leave it unfinished due to missing pieces. Save everyone the frustration and avoid the donation pile, toss this item straight in the recycling bin.
Age-Specific Toys
Donate toys that are too young for your child. If you do plan to have another, most items can be bought gently used later.
Party Favor Toys
Low-quality toys are not fun long-term, but still make a big mess. Do yourself a favor and toss or recycle the tiny and cheap items. Your child likely will never notice.
