
You may not be thinking about spring cleaning in the middle of January, but you also need not wait until March to start decluttering your home. In fact, there’s no better time than now to get going—those Christmas pillows and holiday décor aren’t putting themselves away!
“After a busy holiday season, people often feel motivated to consolidate and simplify their homes for the new year,” says Lisa Harris, a professional organizer and owner of Paramus-based Organize with Lisa. “While spending more time indoors during the winter months, it’s a great time to focus on organizing projects.”
When starting a cleanup, always begin in a space that does not have many sentimental items, such as a coat closet or kitchen, Harris says, and be methodical when decluttering.
“Have designated zones for keep, donate and discard,” she says. “Avoid the ‘I might need it one day’ mindset. If you haven’t used it in a year, it may be time to let it go.”
Below, a mid-winter clean-up checklist:
Pack away the holidays

By now, you’ve likely tossed the live Christmas tree to the curb (or properly discarded it elsewhere), but you may have a few seasonal decorations still strewn about the house. The items you know that you’ll continue to use next year should be stashed into empty totes. “Invest in sturdy bins and label them,” Harris says. “Use bins designated for specific types of decorations, such as ornaments and lights. Wrap lights and garlands; use cord winders or repurpose cardboard to wrap neatly and avoid tangling.” For anything you no longer love, bring them to a donation center or consider creating a separate tote for your kids to use when they move onto a home of their own.
Store seasonal items in the back of a closet, attic or basement so they’re not in the way when you try to reach for items that are more frequently used. However, consider factors such as climate conditions and pests that might cause damage.
“Humidity can damage delicate items… so use airtight containers to combat moisture,” Harris says, adding that fabrics and papers should be stored in pest-proof containers.
Clear a closet

Your home’s mudroom or hallway closet is the workhorse—it gets filled with just about everything, from coats and shoes to beanies and gloves. With so much in there, items can easily get lost of forgotten. Now’s the time to go through it.
Any glove or mitten that’s missing its partner should be tossed, as should any pair of boots or shoes that no longer fit or are damaged beyond repair. Consider donating any hat and any scarf that you no longer use. One casual scarf and one dress option are really all one needs. “Be realistic and ask yourself, ‘Do I need this? Do I love it? When was the last time I used/wore this?’” says Harris. “If the answer is no, donate it and let someone else use it, appreciate and enjoy the item.”
Curb your candle collection

Did you pick another unpleasant-scented candle at this year’s holiday grab bag? If your collection is adding up—and if you have empty or almost empty candles—think about asking a friend if they are interested. More often than not you’ll have a taker. This will free up space for new candles and ones you actually like, including spring scents that’ll bring warm thoughts into your home.
Turn the page on old books

You accomplished your reading goals for 2024, but it’s time to make room on the shelves for this year’s books. Another sign it’s time to part with a few titles is if you have stacks of books on end tables and counters. Donate reading material to your local library or be on the lookout for a Little Free Library in your neighborhood. Extra magazines can be donated to doctor’s offices.
Free your food pantry

Speaking of things you no longer use, old food items can clutter cupboards and pantries. Did you buy too many ingredients for Thanksgiving and don’t have plans for any unopened canned goods? Pass them along to a local food pantry to free up space. This will also allow you to streamline that area in a more organized way. When your food storage is organized, you’ll likely find yourself buying less and using up more before it goes bad.
Read the latest issue of NJ HOME for more expert tips.