Declutter your home checklist

The past week I’ve been pondering the value of home and a clean space. I’ve always adored clean homes and open spaces, but why? It makes me feel something – sparkly, clean, ordered and refreshed. As we approach the end of the year, I have an insatiable desire to create a clean space in preparation for the celebrations ahead. Because the end of the year is bursting with ‘busy’, my mind needs some sane space to dwell in.

While pondering the value of a tidy space, I reflected on tidying my heart too. What ‘doors’ have I left open in my heart to anger and resentment? What relationships need ‘tidying’? What struggles have I faced this year and how have I addressed them? Our minds need de-cluttering just as much as our hearts do.

Why declutter your home and heart? Because you’ll know what you really value and need for the new year; your home will sparkle for guests; and your mind will feel refreshed and clear. Imagine uninterrupted space to celebrate, laugh, connect deeply; a warm atmosphere, clean surfaces and tidied cupboards. You’re able to keep everything sparkly clean because you’ve done the hard work of tidying and decluttering. Of course, you’ll have more space to decorate too – room for stockings and a Christmas tree!

Now your surfaces are cleaned, it is time to pull out your vacuum and for cleaning supplies; here’s to peaceful and organised Christmas and new year’s celebrations.

Without further ado, here’s a simple and easy checklist to follow for decluttering your home…

Start with your kitchen

1. Empty out all cupboards
2. Throw away expired goods
3. Have a bag for recycling, one for garbage, one for the thrift shop (you’ll be surprised how much you get rid of!)
4. Wipe inside of drawers with spray bottle with vinegar

Move into your main living area

1. Tidy all surfaces. Give away anything that doesn’t spark joy anymore.
2. Put books away, water you plants, and pull off all the cushions from you sofa & vacuum all the dust (and potentially spiders!)
3. Tidy corners of the room. Check under sofas for additional items. Is there anything making the space feel ‘heavy’ and if so could you remove it?
4. Make your living area feel spacious for when family and friends are over. How do you want your space to *feel* in the morning and in the evening? Could you add a carpet or a little candle to make the room feel more cosy?

Time for bedrooms!

1. Do you have any old books, clothes, items that no longer spark joy? Sell on marketplace, thrift or pass on to a friend. Consider friends who could use anything you don’t need, too.
2. Feeling uninspired yet? Pop on your favourite Christmas album. Or a cleaning podcast. Take before and after photos to motivate you.
3. Reorganise spaces with clear labelling; in your closet, consider getting rid of any old clothes or unworn accessories.
4. Change your sheets. To beautify your bedrooms further, consider buying new sheets or a new throw blanket.

Decluttering can be a liberating experience, both in your heart and your surroundings.

Equally or more important than our physical space, our minds also need decluttering.

 What thoughts or worries are no longer needed? How can you pray and let them go? Are you feeling excited for this season and new year? What are your regrets? Why? How can you ask God for His help as you enter the new year?  Here’s a declutter checklist for your heart; grab your journal and write responses so you can remember this season of life for years to come.

Declutter Your Heart Checklist

Start with your priorities

1. What have you said ‘yes’ and ‘no’ to this year? How has it changed you or those around you for the better?
2. What have you referred to as ‘essential’ but it’s not really essential? What can you let go of?
3. How much time do you spend on your phone? How much time do you want and need to spend on your phone?
4. How have you dealt with struggles? If well, what helped? If not, what could you implement or who could support you?

Move into your place of rest

1. What restful activities have you prioritised this year?
2. How has rest impacted you this year? Were there specific moments you felt fully ‘yourself’ and ‘rested’ in?
3. How could you achieve better rest / work / life balance next year?
4. Who would you like to invite into that place of rest with you? Do specific family members or friends come to mind?

Time for the nitty gritty

1. You’re not doing what you really love because you have to do what you need to or what earns you the most money. Why?
2. You’ve considered giving up a few times on a project because you’re not enough for it… how can you let go of what is holding you back?
3. Who you invite into your personal life affects everything. What friendships are you forming; are they pointing you to Christ or are they filling a desires in your heart to be accepted?
4. How is your sleep? Are you routine oriented? If not, what routines could you implement for 2025 that would be life changing?

I hope you enjoy these checklist; jot down notes in your journal and let me know how you go in the comments. I reply to and read each one.

Hey friends, one last thing: could you do me a favour? Pop your email address in the subscription box – you’ll receive weekly encouraging emails!

Wishing you a blessed heart-and-home tidying session!

Acacia xo

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