As the New Year approaches, many of us reflect on the past year and think about ways to improve our lives in the year ahead. One of the best resolutions you can make is to start fresh by rightsizing your home. Whether you’re looking to simplify your space, make room for new memories, or prepare for a new chapter in life, rightsizing is an empowering step toward achieving those goals. Here’s how to get started!

Tip: Set Realistic Downsizing Goals
– The New Year is the perfect time to set realistic downsizing goals. Rather than overwhelming yourself with the thought of decluttering your entire home in one go, break the process down into manageable tasks. Encourage your family to tackle one room or category each month. Check out my “A Year of Letting Go 2025” calendar book to guide you:

• January: Kitchen
• February: Photos
• March: Office
• April: Garage Part 1
• May: Dining & Living Room
• June: Primary Bedroom (Bathroom & Closet too)
• July: Storage and Laundry Room
• August: Basement
• September: Sewing, Hobby Rooms, Guest Bedrooms
• October: Garage Part 2
• November & December: Keepsakes

This structured approach will not only make the process feel less daunting but will also allow you to celebrate your progress as you go.

To-Do: Create a Rightsizing Checklist
– A customized rightsizing checklist can serve as an invaluable tool in your decluttering journey. Develop a checklist that includes specific areas to downsize. Here’s a simple template to get started:

1. Identify areas to declutter:

• Closets
• Attics
• Basements
• Garages
• Home offices
• Paperwork and files

2. Set specific goals for each area:

• How many items do you want to keep?
• How many items can you donate or toss?

3. Schedule time:

• Assign specific days or weekends each month to tackle each area on your checklist.

4. Track your progress:

• Celebrate each completed task, no matter how small!

This checklist will not only keep you organized but also help you visualize your progress throughout the year.

Other: Let Go of “Someday” Items
– One of the biggest hurdles in decluttering is letting go of items we’ve been holding onto for “someday.” These are the things we think we might use in the future but have probably never touched in years. This could include:

• Hobby supplies that are no longer of interest.
• Sports equipment from years past that no longer serves a purpose.
• Items from past careers that carry sentimental value but take up precious space.

Encourage yourselves and loved ones to assess these items honestly. Ask questions like – “When was the last time I used this?” or “Does this item bring me joy?”. If the answer is “never” or “no,” it may be time to let go. A reminder that it’s okay to part with items that no longer serve you; because this can open the door to new experiences and opportunities.

As you step into the New Year, embrace the opportunity to declutter and organize your home. By setting realistic downsizing goals, creating a customized checklist, and letting go of items you no longer need, you’ll pave the way for a more organized, fulfilling year ahead. Start fresh, and let this New Year be a stepping stone toward a more intentional life!