Decluttering Tips to Give Your Home a Head Start in 2020

January brings with it the perfect opportunity for fresh starts and new beginnings. For those among us who want to kick off 2019 with a home free from clutter and mess, never has there been a better time to do so than now. Whether you’re a neat freak with a penchant for putting things away, or simply someone looking for some savvy storage ideas to start the year, the Temple & Webster styling team have put together a series of decluttering tips that will see you into the new year and beyond. If this is the year you’ve promised to turn your living spaces into a sanctuary, look no further.

The Hallway

Given the importance of first impressions, it makes sense that any self-respecting homeowner would want their hallway free of mess. While it can become a dumping ground for dirty shoes and dog leashes, it’s easy to transform it into a welcoming entryway with minimal effort. Choose a feature piece of furniture to mark the space as separate from the rest of the house. If space allows, opt for something like a hall stand with storage bench; if your dimensions are limited, try a smaller version like a coat rack, both of which have ample hanging space for coats, scarfs, bags, and dog leashes.

The Living Room

The living room is a focal point for socializing, but despite best-laid plans, it can often attract clutter from all members of the family — from old newspapers to empty DVD cases and more. If you want to avoid a mass cleaning, why not invest in a shelving unit with doors? It’s the perfect piece of furniture for anyone with books and ornaments to display, with doors will hide away any unwanted items in a flash.

The Kitchen

Often referred to as the heart of the house, it’s no surprise that this room is often the most neglected when it comes to keeping it tidy given the amount of time we spend in the kitchen. Whether you store your food in a pantry or in cabinets, now is the time to give them a thorough de-clutter. Start from scratch by removing all your stored items and tossing everything that’s out of date before giving the shelves a good wipe down. To get your shelves looking picture-perfect, invest in some BPA-free containers to house all your kitchen staples. These clear containers are usually stackable and sealable, and they make the perfect addition to any pantry in need of a facelift.

The Bathroom

Bathrooms can be notoriously short on space, so it’s essential to think outside of the box when it comes to ensuring they stay clutter-free. Start by getting rid of anything that has passed its use-by date or that you have duplicates of in order to make sure you’re not hanging on to toiletries simply for the sake of it. Next, try a storage hack such as an over-the-toilet storage rack — ideal for everything from towels to toilet paper — or a set of bathrooms shelves that can be positioned either inside the shower or next to your mirror

The Bedroom

If you want to organize your closet without a complete bedroom makeover, why not invest in some stylish woven baskets to clear away any clutter? Whether you want extra storage for clothes and shoes, handbags, or toiletries, baskets will be a welcome addition to any bedroom, whether stored away in a closet or elegantly homed at the foot of your bed.