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Make Room For Your New Year's Resolutions By Cleaning Out the Clutter

Plus where to get rid of your unwanted items and help others at the same time

By Melissa Basgall, publisher of Macaroni KID Overland Park - Olathe - Shawnee, Kan. and Shawn Hall, publisher of Macaroni KID Greensboro - High Point - Jamestown January 4, 2024

Are you looking to make room for your New Year's resolutions in 2024? Whether you want to create more space for a home gym or just need to de-clutter your home, cleaning, and purging can be a great way to start the new year off right. Here are some helpful tips on how to get started, as the process can sometimes feel overwhelming. But you can do it, and there's no better time so that you can make room for a fresh start in the new year.

Get organized and start identifying unwanted items

The first step is to get organized. Start by walking through your house room by room. Look in each closet, cabinet, and nook. Look at items and ask yourself if you still love it and use it. Set aside items you no longer want or need.  

As you continue this process, you will start to see the areas of your home that need the most purging. If that means you get overwhelmed by a specific room or drawer, that's OK. Come back to it later when you're ready. Some people choose to do this process room by room, or even drawer by drawer. Do it at the speed that works best for you!


 Andrea Piacquaido | Canva

Decide what to do with your stuff

You can sell, donate, recycle, or — last resort — toss your unwanted items. 

No matter where you choose to donate your things, know that your generosity is helping someone in need. 

Now that you’ve done the hard work of purging and donating, you should have more room and clear space to start the activities of the new year. You can relax knowing that your stuff has gone to good use ... and you've cleared out space to make room for a new year of success.