New planners, big goals, and plenty of motivation—there’s something energizing about a new year. But it’s hard to stay focused on new habits when you’re surrounded by last year’s clutter.
Before you dive into big resolutions, it helps to create physical space for the life you’re trying to build. That’s where a little intentional decluttering—and sometimes a self storage unit—can make all the difference.
Instead of trying to “fix the whole house,” pick one high-impact area:
Entryway or mudroom
Kitchen counters
Living room surfaces
Bedroom floor and nightstands
Give yourself 20–30 minutes. Toss trash, recycle what you can, and put away anything that obviously doesn’t belong. A quick win builds momentum.
If you like structured challenges, this “26 Things to Declutter for the New Year” list offers simple starting points room by room. The Simplicity Habit
As you move through each space, sort items into four simple categories:
Keep – You use it regularly and it has a clear “home.”
Donate/Sell – Still useful, just not for you.
Trash/Recycle – Broken, expired, or unusable.
Store – Seasonal or rarely used, but worth keeping (holiday décor, heirlooms, extra furniture, sports gear).
A method like the “4-container” approach—Keep, Donate/Sell, Trash, and Storage—is a proven way organizers tackle clutter without overthinking every item. The Spruce
Your “Store” pile is where a storage unit shines. These are the things you want in your life, just not under your feet.
Think about the goals you’ve set for this year and ask: What physical space do I need to support them?
Want to cook at home more? Clear counters and store rarely used appliances.
Starting a fitness habit? Move extra furniture or boxes out of the way so you can create a small workout zone.
Focusing on better sleep? Pack up visual clutter from your bedroom—off-season clothes, décor, or storage bins that can live in a unit instead.
A small storage unit can hold seasonal décor, bulky gear, or extra furniture so your home can be set up for the life you’re actually living right now.
Some things you only need a few times a year, but they still matter:
Holiday and party décor
Camping, beach, or snow gear
Large suitcases
Keepsake boxes and family memorabilia
Extra chairs or folding tables for gatherings
Instead of stuffing everything into closets and under beds, box these items up, label clearly, and move them to storage. At home, you’ll gain breathing room; in your unit, everything stays together and easy to find the next time you need it.
You don’t need a Pinterest-perfect home—just systems that are easy to maintain:
Put a donation box in a closet so you can drop things in all year.
Keep a “return to storage” bin in the garage for items that belong in your unit.
Use clear, labeled totes so you can tell what’s inside at a glance.
Aim for progress, not perfection. Even following the idea of leaving a little empty space in each drawer or shelf (instead of cramming it full) can make your home feel calmer and easier to manage. Better Homes & Gardens
A storage unit works best when it has a clear purpose:
Seasonal rotation (decorations, clothing, outdoor items)
“Backup” furniture for future moves or kids leaving for college
Sentimental items you’re not ready to part with
Business or side-hustle inventory
Avoid tossing random bags and boxes in “until later.” Give everything a category and a label. Future-you will be very grateful.
Clutter builds back up quietly. Put a 15–30 minute “reset” on your calendar once a month:
Walk through the house with a trash bag and donation bag
Empty your “return to storage” bin and drop those boxes at your unit
Do a fast check of your most used spaces (kitchen, living room, entryway)
These little check-ins keep your New Year momentum going long after January.
If you’d like more structure or ideas, here are a couple of helpful guides you can share or link from your blog:
26 Things to Declutter for the New Year – The Simplicity Habit– A practical list of categories to work through if you’re not sure where to start.
The 4-Container Method for Decluttering – The Spruce – Explains how professional organizers use four simple categories (Keep, Donate/Sell, Trash, Storage) to make decisions easier.
New Year’s resolutions don’t have to be huge to be meaningful. Sometimes the most powerful change is making your home easier to live in—less clutter, more calm, and room to grow.
A little decluttering plus smart use of self storage can:
Clear your head
Support your goals
And help you actually enjoy the space you work so hard for
New year, less clutter. You’ve got this.
